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What you think is a short course isn't necessarily what we think is a short course.
We consider any course that's less than a par 70, shorter than 6,000 yards or less than 18 holes as a "short course". That's what makes our list of the Top 25 U.S. Public Short Courses so unique.
For every executive par-3 course like the Angle Park Cloud Nine in Las Vegas, there's a cool nine-holer like New York's Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West or a shorter-than-normal 18-hole layout such as the Tamaracks Golf Course in northern Michigan. Despite their different yardages and number of holes, they all have one thing in common - they're generally cheaper, faster and more fun to play than a championship track.
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Each of these facilities needed at least 10 reviews in 2023 to quality for our Golfers' Choice 2024 rankings of the best short courses in America. Many of them aren't found at destination resorts like the famous "short courses" you've read about, but they're rock stars in their local communities.
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Oak Hills Golf Center
Green fee: $18-$48
What they're saying: "Hidden Gem. Decided to stop in the way back from an Ozarks golf trip …nice layout and awesome condition for 1/3 of the price at the lake." - gmecey -
Shamrock Hills Golf Course
Green fee: $20-$37
What they're saying: "For the money, this is definitely a great course. I’ve already made plans to play there again. It was very fun and difficult all at once. Hole 17 is epic!" - JosephA5 -
The Tamaracks Golf Course
Green fee: $33-$43
What they're saying: "This is a hidden little gem, excellent fairway and greens. The course is challenging with smaller greens surrounded by water or bunkers. Bring plenty of extra balls!" - Kimknight -
Tower Tee Golf & Recreation
Green fee: $7-$17
What they're saying: "Pleasant surprise. Nice little course to sharpen your short game skills. Staff was very friendly and helpful." - Bailey1986 -
Highlands Golf Course
![Highlands GC]()
PublicGreen fee: $17-$30
What they're saying: "Highlands is a lovely and well-groomed course nestled in a charming residential neighborhood. Warm and friendly pro shop, cafe, and great outdoor seating. Great for a relaxing outing." - David2889292 -
Sugar Mountain Golf Course
![Sugar Mountain GC]()
Public/ResortGreen fee: $27-$37
What they're saying: "I’m always amazed how well groomed that the Sugar Mountain Golf Course is maintained. Tee boxes, fairways, greens are always manicured and looking fantastic. Sugar Mountain is a golf course that never disappoints. I highly recommend it!" - technorobbie -
Yosemite Lakes Park Golf Course
Green fee: $30-$35
What they're saying: "A difficult course for a beginner but still very fun. (It's) kind of hard to find off maps but the pro shop guided us in the right direction!" - NateC25 -
Bradshaw Ranch
Green fee: $13-$15
What they're saying: "Top Course For Beginners. Outstanding ownership & staff. Good golf experience. Recommended. This is opposite of country club snobbery." - oaktownd22 -
Winding Creek Executive Course
What they're saying: "Lots of fun! Not your typical executive course. Some challenging and fun par-3 holes over water. Couple 200+ yard holes so you can try and drive the greens. Enjoyable for beginners and more advanced players. Carts are like brand new and the staff is super friendly." - jmagistrado
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Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country Club
What they're saying: "Nice course. A touch on the pricey side but they keep it in really good shape. Good facility (and) good layout makes for a fun round at this executive course." - 11gobux11
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North Bend Golf Course
What they're saying: "I enjoyed playing here so much we just got a membership. The course is very well kept and worth the drive. Only downside is no driving range." - bfoxhoven23
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Eagle Crest - Challenge Course
Green fee: $25
What they're saying: "Great course layout. Plenty of challenge without having any par 5 holes. Peaceful area and beautiful too. We will play there again." - Eidsty -
Big Cypress Golf Club - North Course
Green fee: $42
What they're saying: "Loved playing the executive North course. Did it in three hours. Good tune up using irons for (the) coming season." - jamiearthur -
Bass Creek Golf Club
Green fee: $21-$40
What they're saying: "Good course; nice greens. Rainy day but it was still a good time." - dbatz83 -
Silver Lake Country Club - Rolling Hills 9
Green fee: $18-$32
What they're saying: "I loved taking my wife to this course. She is learning the game so it is a perfect fit for her. Mostly par 3’s with beautiful views and scenery. Loved it. Will definitely play again!" - Tlquick44 -
Marion Golf Course
![Marion GC]()
PublicGreen fee: $21-$23
What they're saying: "Quirky...but a lot of fun! I love this course. It is in excellent condition, much better than courses that cost three times of Little Marion. Staff is always friendly and the pace of play exactly the way it should be." - GOIRISH75 -
Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West
Jersey City, New JerseyPublicGreen fee: $26-$53
What they're saying: "After seeing the course over many trips on the Pulaski Skyway, I finally visited Skyway and am glad I did. This place is a must play with unreal views of NJ and NYC. The course is a great challenge that requires accuracy as you make your way through nine. I can't wait to play it again!" - martylarkin -
Heritage of Hawk Ridge
Green fee: $17
What they're saying: "A terrific upscale par 3 course with yardages ranging from 107 to 183 yards from the middle white tees. Not an easy course but enjoyable. I bring people out to play here and everyone loves this place. The greens were just recently aerated but they used the small aeration holes, which made it playable on the greens. The hospitality and friendliness of the staff is the best too." - lcbgolf -
Lake Limerick Country Club
Green fee: $22-$33
What they're saying: "Nice little 9 hole course. Friendly, folksy staff. Nice little cafe. Cans and bottles only, no taps, but good food and good service. The course can be played as a full 18 with different tee box lengths and locations. Not real long but a nice 3.5-hour round." - Jeffbellinghausen -
Pottawatomie Golf Course
What they're saying: "It was a great course right by the river. Fairly open and was amendable to mistakes. Will play again." - tquse
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Angel Park Golf Club - Cloud Nine
![Cloud 9 at Angel Park GC: #10]()
Resort/PublicGreen fee: $30
What they're saying: "The course is based on holes at courses around the world. I had so much fun and I am more of a beginner but had fun and was challenged. They said aeration would be happening but it wasn’t that bad. Easy to get to from the Strip and very cheap. I wasn’t rushed. Ace was great. Staff was very friendly and I had a delicious Cobb salad before." - NikWillis -
Incline Village - Mountain Golf Course
Incline Village, NevadaResortGreen fee: $48-$66
What they're saying: "Beautiful little course nestled in the mountains. Just about perfect." - bradlypresson -
Oasis Country Club
Green fee: $64-$84
What they're saying: "Executive excellence. Great staff, great course to work on your short game, and is playable in around 3 hours." - gordo5488 -
Shadow Hills North
Green fee: $49-$74
What they're saying: "Best par 3 I’ve ever played. Beautiful layout, great condition and quite challenging, especially on the back 9. Several holes over 200 yards. Staff were so very friendly. Special shout out to Kasen, who always takes great care of us and really goes the extra mile. Will definitely be back!" - twgreenman -
Gopher Hills Golf Course - Executive Nine
![Gopher Hills GC]()
Cannon Falls, MinnesotaPublicGreen fee: $15-$20
What they're saying: "Fun course if you’re hitting it well but there’s plenty of trouble if not. Fun layout with lots of great sight lines when on the highest points of the course. I was actually surprised with the conditions with how dry it has been around here. Well done Gopher Hills." - Ryan9998798
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