Why is Evans at Canal Shores considered an excellent Par-3 golf course?

The Evans at Canal Shores has received notable recognition in Golfweek’s 2025 “Golfweek’s Best” rankings, securing a place among Top 25 Public Access Par-3, Short, and non-traditional courses in the United States at number 22.

This achievement underlines the appeal and growth potential of the course.

Originally designed by Tom Bendelowit has been recently revived through the innovative vision of the architect Todd Quitnoimproving the overall experience for golfers.

I believe these are the reasons why Evans at Canal Shores is so popular:

• The course runs via A picturesque, urban-suburban corridor along the North Shore Channel, with mature oak forests, and some holes cross or run close to the channel.
• Because it is so embedded in the community (with streets running through it, etc.), feel looks more like a ‘neighborhood gem’ instead of a remote golf resort.
• They emphasize “affordable, accessible golf for all” – making it very attractive to casual golfers, beginners and community members.
• In recent years (from 2023) the course has a $5.9 million renovation to modernize infrastructure (irrigation, drainage) and improve track conditions.
• One very noticeable hole: a 65 meters par-3 where, as some reports say, you even tee off with a putter.
• The course is not just for golf: A training center for youth development and a caddy academy is being built in collaboration with the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars.

• They also collaborate with First tee – Greater Chicagoin which golf is used to teach children life skills.
• This mission-driven approach gives the course a ‘higher purpose’ that resonates strongly with many golfers and community members.
• The site emphasized sustainability: During the renovation, invasive species were removed, native shrubs and trees were replanted and the land was managed more carefully.
• Despite being shorter, the natural is not trivial; the design, the tree-lined fairways, the quirky routing and the varied greens give it a lots of character.
• For many golfers, shorter doesn’t mean ‘boring’: the charm, the sense of community and the unique holes (like that 65-metre par-3) make it a unforgettable golf experience.