In a game increasingly obsessed with distance and power, par-3 courses offer a welcome change of pace – more approachable for families, kids, and the everyday golfer. And thanks to their growing popularity, these short courses are no longer just an afterthought.
Designers get to let loose, experiment, and sprinkle in a little extra flair without worrying about 400-yard tee shots. And over the past decade, golf’s biggest names like Hanse, Nicklaus, and Coore & Crenshaw have jumped on the par-3 bandwagon, turning these bite-sized courses into must-play experiences at resorts across North America.
So grab your wedges and your flatstick – we’re headed to the best golf short courses in North America.
Best Golf Short Courses You Must Play
1. Bandon Preserve at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon, Oregon
Bandon Dunes’ slogan is “golf as it was meant to be.” But at its short course, Bandon Preserve, it really should be “golf for a good cause.” Opened nearly a decade ago, this Coore & Crenshaw design features 13 holes of non-stop fun along with those unmatched views of the Pacific for which Bandon is known. But Bandon Preserve isn’t just another short course. Every penny of its proceeds supports the Wild Rivers Coast Alliance, an organization dedicated to protecting the southern Oregon Coast’s environment, community, and economy. So while you’re perfecting your short game, you’re also helping preserve one of the most stunning coastlines in the country.
2. The Cradle at Pinehurst Resort
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Kick off your shoes, crack open a cold one, and crank up the tunes – we’re headed to the Sandhills of North Carolina with our next pick. If a round on Pinehurst No. 2 left you questioning your life choices, don’t worry, you’re not alone. But there’s a cure: The Cradle.
This nine-hole par-3, designed by the legendary Gil Hanse in 2017, is pure fun. At a resort steeped in history and tradition, The Cradle adds a playful twist – reminding golfers that sometimes the best rounds are the ones where you’re just enjoying the game.
3. The Sandbox at Sand Valley
Nekoosa, Wisconsin
This is one sandbox that’s definitely not just for kids. Designed by Coore & Crenshaw in 2018, this 17-hole short course celebrates everything that makes central Wisconsin special. Routed through a restored sand prairie, its rolling hills and sculpted mounds create one of the most distinctive backdrops you’ll find for a par-3 experience. True to its playful name, The Sandbox is all about fun – but don’t be fooled. Its green complexes are no joke, featuring classics like a Biarritz, Double Plateau, Lion’s Mouth, and Redan.
4. The Baths of Blackwolf Run at Destination Kohler
Kohler, Wisconsin
Few par-3 courses dare to flirt with water. Even fewer dive all the way in, with four water features. Welcome to The Baths of Blackwolf Run, where the name pays homage to Kohler Co.’s century-long legacy of bathing design excellence.
Spread across 27 rolling acres, this 10-hole short course isn’t just a place to work on your wedge game. Designed with the same attention to detail that defines every Kohler experience, The Baths seamlessly blend challenge and charm. Strategic water hazards glisten beside perfectly contoured greens, offering plenty of chances for both birdies and splash landings.
5. The Hay at Pebble Beach Resorts
Pebble Beach, California
The Hay is a nine-hole short course redesigned by none other than Tiger Woods, but its roots stretch back to 1957, when former Head Professional Peter Hay first reimagined what a short course could be. Today, that spirit of innovation lives on. The Hay pairs playful fun with Pebble Beach prestige, featuring a replica of the iconic 7th hole and a massive 20,000-square-foot putting course
6. The Nest at Cabot Cape Breton
Nova Scotia, Canada
Perched high above the Atlantic on the towering cliffs of Cape Breton, The Nest occupies one of the most breathtaking settings in all of golf. Positioned at the resort’s highest point, the 10-hole par-3 course pairs dramatic ocean views with a design every bit as thrilling as its backdrop. Created by Rod Whitman and Dave Axland, The Nest channels the pure essence of links golf – firm turf, creative shotmaking, and an ever-present sea breeze that keeps things interesting. It’s short-course golf elevated, literally and figuratively.
7. The Staple Golf Course at PGA National Resort
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Named after its creator, architect Andy Staple, The Staple delivers nine holes of pure par-3 fun with a personality all its own. Stretching from 60 to 130 yards, each hole presents its own twist, including one that starts right in a bunker! Short, playful, and full of surprises, The Staple proves that a little course can pack a lot of character.
8. Little Sandy at Omni Amelia Island Resort
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Little Sandy at the Omni Amelia Island Resort is all about camaraderie and soaking in the scenery. This 10-hole short course winds around Red Maple Lake, with holes ranging from 70 to 125 yards, making it perfect for golfers of all ages and skill levels. While the layout stays true to a classic short-course feel, it doesn’t skimp on amenities: an expansive 18-hole putting green ensures practice (and friendly competition) continues long after your round.
9. Horse Course at The Prairie Club
Valentine, Nebraska
Designed by Gil Hanse and Geoff Shackelford, the Horse Course was named one of Golf Digest’s “10 Most Fun Courses to Play” in 2013, and it’s easy to see why. Inspired by the classic game of H.O.R.S.E., this course throws tradition out the window: there are no tee boxes. Instead, the winner of each hole gets to pick the next teeing spot, keeping every round fresh, unpredictable, and a whole lot of fun.
10. Top of the Rock Golf Course at Big Cedar Lodge
Ridgedale, Missouri
Top of the Rock Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, holds the distinction of being the first par-3 course ever featured in a professional championship: the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf. Set amid the stunning Ozarks, the course celebrates the region’s natural beauty with cascading waterfalls, winding streams, and scenic vistas at every turn.
11. Threetops at Treetops Resort
Gaylord, Michigan
From its dramatic elevation changes to its tricky, undulating greens, Threetops offers a challenge unlike any other. You might recognize it as the host of ESPN’s Par-3 Shootout for eight consecutive years, a testament to its standout design. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s top short courses, Threetops proves that a par-3 round can be every bit as thrilling as a full 18.
12. QuickSands at Gamble Sands
Brewster, Washington
Since opening in 2021, QuickSands has given golfers yet another reason to make the pilgrimage to Gamble Sands. This 14-hole short course stretches across 25 acres of stunning terrain, with holes ranging from 60 to 160 yards. Each green is a work of art, meticulously contoured and whimsically named for its shape – think Crater, Donut, and Boomerang.
13. The Par-3 Course at Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta, Georgia
Last, but by no means least, is arguably the most iconic short course in all of golf: the par-3 course at Augusta National. Played annually during the Masters Par-3 Contest, this nine-hole gem has become one of golf’s most cherished traditions. Winding around two serene ponds, it offers plenty of birdie opportunities – and the ever-tempting chance for a hole-in-one.
And when it comes to getting to these best golf short courses, don’t let the airport slow you down. ShipSticks lets you send your golf clubs and luggage ahead, and back home at the end of your trip, so you can skip the baggage claim and all the other airport headaches.
