Shortland Golf Club, located near Portland, Oregon, has opened a new 19-hole short course designed by Jackson Kahn Design.
The project began after Mike Fritz, who previously worked in footwear development for Nike Golf and led his family’s engineering automation company, DWFritz, purchased the former Sandelie Golf Course, which closed in late 2022. Shortly after acquiring the property, Fritz Jackson engaged Kahn Design to transform it into a par-three artificial turf course that would require less maintenance while providing consistent, high-quality playing conditions.
A key element of the plan was the creation of a central meeting place known as Slam’s Bar, named in honor of Fritz’s close friend and longtime Portland Golf Club professional, Rick Lamberton. The route of the course forms a four-leaf clover pattern, with holes running back to Slam’s Bar after the sixth, eleventh and sixteenth. The team used soil from the new irrigation pond at the fourteenth and fifteenth holes to raise the area around the bar, creating a natural highlight with panoramic views of multiple holes. From this vantage point, golfers can watch play over six holes, and staff can monitor the pace of play without leaving the central hub.
Most of the course was built on site with just two small CAT bulldozers. Although not designed with a minimalist aesthetic, the construction approach maintained a balance between dramatic reforms and the preservation of the natural topography of the site. More than 115 trees were removed as part of the renovation, with selective replanting and conservation guided by a long-term tree management plan to improve the appearance and ecological balance of the property.
Kohl Creek borders the west side of the property and influences the design of a drainage embankment that mimics the natural movement of the creek. This feature not only adds visual interest to holes seven through eleven, but also serves as a functional drainage system for much of the course, similar to the ditch network at Oakmont Country Club. The entire property now relies primarily on surface drainage, supplemented with targeted basins and underground systems if necessary.
Shortland’s holes range from 59 to 104 yards, with greens averaging approximately 2,500 square yards. Each putting surface has distinctive contours to keep the layout interesting for both new and experienced players. The design team aimed to create variety within a compact footprint, so that each hole feels unique despite the short distances.
The inspiration for the layout came in part from McMenamins Edgefield, another Portland area golf course known for attracting a wide range of golfers. Like Edgefield, Shortland uses a single height of cut across the playing surface – shorter than the typical rough but higher than a traditional fairway – making it easy to maintain and keeping the game accessible to all skill levels.
A major design challenge was to appeal to both beginners and advanced golfers. The receptiveness of the greens allowed the team to introduce creative contours and diverse pin placements that can change the difficulty from day to day. For example, the third hole can be one of the hardest or easiest holes on the course depending on the location of the flag.
All greens, tees and bunkers are constructed with artificial grass from Celebrity Greens. Even the ‘sand’ in bunkers consists of a five centimeter layer of turf. The design team was convinced of this approach after testing nearby synthetic surfaces and observing the natural interaction of wave action with them. This flexibility encouraged bolder shaping and contouring throughout the design.
Underneath each green is a compacted base three to twelve inches deep, with edge drains controlling drainage. This infrastructure ensures consistent conditions year-round: firm and dry in winter, and manageable during the heat of summer. Drip irrigation supports the transition zones between artificial grass and natural grass, while careful maintenance prevents problems such as mold.
Although artificial grass reduces the need for mowing, it introduces new maintenance routines. Greens are rolled and sanded to maintain smoothness, while brushing helps control green speed by restoring fiber height. Shortland has adapted innovative brushing techniques, similar to those used at Skamania Lodge, to efficiently maintain the surfaces.
During play, the synthetic greens provide realistic spin and responsiveness, while the bunkers require a modified approach, with players often opting for chip shots instead of traditional explosions.
In addition to the short main course, Jackson Kahn Design also created “The Nest,” a putting and chipping course inspired by playful backyard-style facilities such as Sunset Golf Club in Montreal and Bigfoot PitchPutt in North Carolina. The Nest combines that same fun, social energy with a more traditional putting experience suitable for families and casual golfers alike.
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