What’s a Par 3 Golf Course? Plus The Top 10 Par 3 Golf Courses In The U.S.
Golf is a beloved sport that has been around for centuries. It is a great way to exercise, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors. However, not all golf courses are the same. A certain kind of golf course emerged as golf evolved: par 3 golf courses.
Par 3 golf courses differ from regular golf courses and can offer players of all skill levels a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience. From clean driving ranges to great tee times and nice putting greens to friendly clubhouses, golfers can find everything they need to enjoy their golf game.
Furthermore, par three golf courses can be an excellent spot for small golf tournaments, outings, and even weddings. Booking a tee time at a par 3 golf course is usually easier than on a regular course and can provide a golfer with a better golf experience. If you want an enjoyable and affordable golfing experience, look only as far as a par 3 golf course.
But what exactly is a par 3 golf course, and what are some of the more notable ones? In this post, we will discuss exactly what is a par 3 golf course, the benefits of playing on one, and the top 10 par 3 golf courses in America.
What is a Par 3 Golf Course?
A par 3 golf course is a type of golf course entirely of short holes. As the golf term suggests, the course consists entirely of par three holes! The average length of the golf holes on a par 3 course is between 85 and 210 yards, allowing players to complete a round in a shorter amount of time than on a standard course.
There are usually fewer hazards, bunkers, and tees on par three courses. This difference makes a par 3 golf course ideal for players who are just learning to play golf, those who don’t have enough time to play a full round, or those looking for a more relaxed game.
However, make sure to keep its length manageable. Par three courses can also be an excellent way for experienced players to work on their short game. The shorter holes allow players to focus on accuracy and fine-tune their approach shots. Bonus: par 3 courses are typically less expensive than a full-length course, making them a great way to get in some practice without breaking the bank.
Finally, many par three courses have more tee times available, making it easier to get on the course at a convenient time. Whether a beginner or a more experienced player, a par three course can be a great way to enjoy a round of golf or work on your game.
How Are Par 3 Golf Courses Different Than Regular Golf Courses
A par three course is a type of golf course shorter than a regular course and is excellent for those looking for a quick, casual round of golf. The main difference between a par three course and a traditional golf course is that a par three course typically has only nine holes and consists entirely of par three holes so that golfers can play the entire course relatively quickly. In addition, the holes are much shorter, making them more accessible and faster to play than the typical 18-hole course.
Furthermore, most par three courses are more fun than championship golf courses, with many having wider fairways and fewer hazards. This accessibility makes par three golf courses ideal for those who are just getting started in golf or don’t have much time to dedicate to the game.
Par three courses can also be ideal for those who enjoy playing with their family or friends since you can complete them quickly. For example, you can go out and promptly enjoy a round of golf in less than an hour when a regular golf game takes over four hours. Par three courses are also often less expensive to play than regular golf courses, making them an excellent option for those on a budget.
Whether a beginner or a seasoned veteran, a par three course is an excellent option for a casual round of golf and can be a great way to spend an afternoon.
What are The Benefits of a Par 3 Golf Course?
Whether it is a public, private, or country club course, playing on a par 3 golf course has many benefits. Some of these benefits include golf shop discounts, golf instruction, golf lessons, golf events and outings, and picturesque terrain.
These par three courses are also great for honing your skills, as you can focus more on your technique than on the course itself. After all, for most players, improving their short game (putting and chipping) is the quickest way to improve their overall scoring potential. As a result, players can get more practice on the shorter holes in par three courses, which can help them become better players overall.
Also, a par three golf course usually has a driving range, putting green, and bunker area comparable to a full-length golf course (and sometimes you can practice right on a fairway). So if you’re trying to shave strokes off your scorecard, there’s no need to fight for a time slot at a public golf course, and you can instead go to a par 3 golf course.
As mentioned, par three courses are often more affordable than their full-length counterparts, making them an attractive option for players on a budget who want to avoid paying for championship golf courses.
The 10 Best Par 3 Golf Courses in America Picked by a Top Player
Not all par three golf courses are created equal. Some par three golf courses are open to the public, while others run on the private golf course model. Some have lots of pines, and some are in dunes. Between all the variety, it can take a lot of work to choose a good par three golf course to play.
That’s why we’ve collected a list of 10 par three golf courses above the rest in America. Here are some of the best par-three golf courses in America, whether you’re looking for one in your region or for your next family golf vacation.
Short Course at Magnolia Grove
This par 3 golf course outside Mobile, Alabama is one of America’s longest par three golf courses at around 3140 yards. It is also unique in that it has eighteen holes instead of nine, each ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced.
Cloud 9 at Angel Park Golf Club
This par 3 golf course in Las Vegas has 12 holes that will challenge golfers of all skill levels. And it is known for its dramatic views of the Las Vegas Strip. Each hole is also based on another iconic golf hole somewhere else in the world!
Palm Beach Par 3 Course
Thispar-threee golf course in Florida is one of the oldest in America, with a creation that dates back to 1961. Palm Beach par three course features eighteen incredible holes and plenty of challenges, with two lakes, luscious turf, and the smell of the ocean from anywhere on the course
Pine Valley Golf Club Par 3 Course
This nine-hole short course in Southern New Jersey, East of Philadelphia, is known for its challenging par three holes. At around 1813 yards long, many golfers consider it long for a par 3 golf course.
For those looking to accommodate multiple skill and course preference levels in one trip, it’s only 4 miles to Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia.
The Olympic Club Par 3 Course
This par 3 course in San Francisco is known for its stunning views of the city skyline and The Pacific Ocean. But as you play The Olympic Club Par 3 Course, you’ll be surprised at how many times the course will take your breath away with its breathtaking ocean views.
Kanawha Club Par 3 Course
This par three course west of Richmond, Virginia, will undoubtedly challenge players of all skill levels and impress even the most stubborn golf critics. It has nine holes and sits on 55 acres of rolling land, providing a unique experience for members and players who visit the course.
Origins GC Par 3 Course
This par 3 course in Panama City Beach, Florida, is known for its versatility, as it acts as a six-hole regulation course, a ten-hole par-3 course, and even a nine-hole FootGolf course!
The Prairie Club (Horse) Par 3 Course
This par three course outside Valentine, Nebraska is known for its beautiful views of the prairie landscape. It features ten unique holes and brings a different meaning to the game HORSE. The Prairie Club doesn’t even have any tee boxes, allowing you and your playing mates to create holes with your imagination.
The Olde Farm (The Orchard) Par 3 Course
This par three course in Bristol, Virginia, is the most interesting on this list. It is versatile and can be played clockwise, counterclockwise, or across fairways. This design lets members create holes and provides a nice reprieve from the main course.
Top of the Rock Course
The final entry on this list is unique. It’s a nine-hole par three course! But don’t judge a book by its cover… or length! Top of the Rock Course at Big Cedar Lodge is the first of its kind to be included in a professional championship.
If you’ve been thinking about a trip to Branson, playing this unique Par 3 Golf Course is just one in a very long list of epic things to do in Branon, known as the Orlando of The Midwest.
Which Par 3 Golf Course Will You Try First?
Par three golf courses offer a great way to get in a round of golf in a shorter time. From the iconic championship par three courses, such as Augusta National par three course, to the more private courses to the full-service resorts, there is plenty of private and public par three courses worldwide.
Some courses offer a range of teeing options and modern designs, while others provide a more traditional links-style golf experience. Whether you are looking for a stunning championship par three golf course or a more casual municipal golf facility, par three golf courses offer a variety of holes, beautiful views, and even special year-round golf packages to accommodate golfers of all skill levels.
With modern clubhouse amenities, professional staff, and even the ability to book tee times online, these par 3 golf courses are just as good if not even better than their full-length counterparts. In addition, a par three golf course can provide the perfect opportunity to play a round of golf and enjoy time with friends and family.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start hitting the links at some par-three golf courses!
This article was produced by Planner at Heart
