A Condensed Golfing Experience: GOLF’s Top 100 Short Courses Ranking

In this comprehensive article, we present GOLF’s first-ever ranking of the world’s best short courses. With input from our 88-member Top 100 Courses ranking panel, editors, architects, and short-course aficionados, we compiled a list of the top 50 9-hole tracks, 25 superb sub-6,000-yard courses, and the 25 best par-3 courses. We believe that good things come in small packages, and these courses have a lot to offer.

The Origins of Short Courses

When golf started gaining popularity in Scotland in the mid-19th century, it was a grassroots movement. Communities recognized the value of friends coming together to have fun outdoors, even if the courses were not the full 18-hole experiences we see today. The early courses consisted of 5 to 12 holes and were built on land with good drainage and interesting natural obstacles. These courses were designed to be played quickly, allowing golfers to make the most of their limited leisure time.

The Growth of Short Courses

Over the past 150 years, golf courses have evolved in shape, size, and style. From small clubs to grand resorts, golf has become more accessible to people of all skill levels and interests. Today, there are courses in exotic locations with unique features that provide a profound sense of enjoyment and connection to the game.

The Unique Appeal of Short Courses

Short courses, defined as anything under 6,000 yards, offer a condensed golfing experience that maximizes the golf per minute. These courses require less walking distance and allow for faster swing intervals compared to longer courses. Despite the prevailing belief in North America that bigger courses are inherently superior, we emphasize that course quality cannot be solely judged by length. Factors such as parcel size, intended audience, and landforms play a significant role in determining a course’s suitability.

GOLF’s Ranking Process

To compile our rankings, we enlisted the expertise of GOLF’s Top 100 Courses ranking panel, editors, architects, and select short-course aficionados. Together, we ranked the world’s top 9-hole courses, par-3 courses, and sub-6,000-yard 18-hole courses. We believe these rankings will shed light on the hidden gems and unique offerings of short courses worldwide.

Expanding the Definition of Golf

We are excited to present this inaugural effort in recognizing short courses to give them the attention they deserve. While our World and U.S. rankings have sparked lively discussions, it is time to extend the same attention to the world of 9-hole courses. Our focus is on stand-alone 9-hole courses that can thrive on their own financial merits. We believe that American golfers have much to discover in terms of the greatest 9-hole courses, many of which boast colorful originality and are built by local members. Playing a round on these courses takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, ensuring an enjoyable and time-efficient golfing experience.

The Thrilling World of Par-3 Courses

Par-3 courses have seen a surge in popularity, with more than a third of the world’s best par-3 courses opening in the past five years. The presence of renowned designers like Nicklaus, Fazio, and Dye in this category demonstrates the growing recognition of par-3 courses as a significant trend in golf course architecture. High-end resorts around North America, such as Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, Cabot Links, and Pinehurst Resort, have embraced the appeal of par-3 tracks. Offering an approximate playing time of 45 minutes, these courses provide a fulfilling golfing experience in a shorter timeframe.

Sub-6,000-Yard Courses: A Perfect Balance

Our sub-6,000-yard course category encompasses a wide range of courses that cater to various skill levels. These courses play a critical role in both learning the game and allowing golfers to continue playing as they grow older. While these courses are more manageable in length, they still offer significant challenges for players. We recall the story of Cabot Links, where founders Ben Cowan-Dewar and Mike Keiser played the course on a windy day, moving from tee to tee to create a fun and memorable experience. The course totaled 5,920 yards that day, proving that short courses can still provide excellent golfing opportunities. The approximate playing time for these courses is 3 hours, allowing for a leisurely round without taking up the entire day.

Experience the Best Short Courses

If you’re looking for an unforgettable golfing experience, consider exploring the world of short courses. Visit our website to see the full rankings of the top 9-hole tracks, par-3 courses, and sub-6,000-yard courses. We hope that our rankings will inspire you to seek out these hidden gems and enjoy the unique pleasures they offer. Golf is about more than just the length of the course; it’s about the joy and connection the sport brings.