The best 18 short course holes built in the last 54 years

[Ronald Montesano]

I don't know how long they've been adding short courses to places, but since I'm 54 years old, that's the number I choose.


My first short course was the Audubon par 3 layout, on Maple Road, Amherst, NY. It's a terrible little pitch and putt. My next one was the short course at Turning Stone. Much better.


Public, private, bring them all in. Any country on the earth. Don't feel restricted by hole number on the card. A great hole is a great hole. Multiple holes from the same course/designer allowed.

[Tommy Williamsen]

Off the top of my head: Colleton River, Colorado GC, and Pine Valley.

[Thomas Dai]

The Bann at Castlerock - 9-holes of delightful short on the card but not at all easy links golf - there are scenes of it in this video - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lm8gZlwmmr4 - bit nice ii is.
Atb

[Ronald Montesano]

holes


not courses


holes

[John Kavanaugh]

Plagiarists can't be particular.

[Ronald Montesano]

Speaking from experience?

[John Kavanaugh]

Speaking from experience?

Absolutely. I still remember back in grade school plagiarizing from the song Born Free. As I recall Mad Magazine had published a similar parody using MG in place of Born Free. I don't remember my exact version but I have always regretted using an idea from another idea and thinking I was clever. 1966 just wasn't a strong year for originality.

[Ronald Montesano]

Candidates from the short courses I've played


Bandon Preserve: 5,6,7,9
Sandstone Hollow: 8,9
Threetops: 5

[Ben Hollerbach]

What are you considering a Short course? does it need to be majority par 3's, no holes over a certain length, less than 18?

[Tom_Doak]

What is Sandstone Hollow ?


The 5th and 9th at The Mulligan are the most photographed holes, but the 4th and 7th are the most original.

[Brad Steven]

Maybe not the most original response but 10 on the short course at PV which replicates the 2nd shot on 2 on the big course, with the varying yardages is really cool.  What a hole 2 is and little 10 does it justice. 

[Stephen Davis]

What is Sandstone Hollow ?


The 5th and 9th at The Mulligan are the most photographed holes, but the 4th and 7th are the most original.

Tom, I am with you 100%! I am a total homer, I will admit that freely, but I will say that I think The Mulligan course is the best short course I have ever played. 7 is my favorite hole and green. It is wonderful. 4, 5, 9 and 11 are amazing as well though, a so unique to me. I love the flow with the more wild holes and the subtle ones. Really well done. I had some friends up there and each had something great to say about each hole.

[Ronald Montesano]

Short Course is a par three course. No 4s or 5s.


Sandstone Hollow is the par three course at Turning Stone Resort.


I've not been on the short courses at the elite private destination clubs (Pine Valley, Ballyneal, Augusta National, Shelter Harbor) and the shortie at Forest Dunes opened after I was there last summer. My exposure is limited, but these courses have entered a conversation that previously did not exist.