By: Patrick Stephenson

Golf is evolving, and perhaps no segment of the game reflects that more than the rise of par-three courses. These shorter, more accessible layouts are transforming how new and seasoned players experience the game. Gone are the days when 7,000-yard marathons were the only way to enjoy a round. Today, golfers are increasingly trading in their full sets for a light golf bag, grabbing a few clubs, and heading to a par-three course.

This shift isn’t just about saving time—it’s about elevating the game’s fun, encouraging skill development, and making the sport more inclusive. From design trends to destination-worthy layouts, here’s why par-three courses are booming, and which ones are leading the charge in the United States.

Why Par Three Courses Are Booming

1. They Fit the Modern Golfer’s Schedule

Time is one of the biggest obstacles facing golfers today. A full 18-hole round can take four to five hours, not including warm-up or travel time. A par three course, however, can be played in 60 to 90 minutes. For busy professionals, young families, or anyone squeezing in golf after work, this makes a huge difference; not to mention, due to their small size, many courses are now lighted.

2. They’re Beginner-Friendly Yet Challenging

While shorter in length, par-three courses are far from easy. With small greens, tricky bunkers, and undulating slopes, they demand precision. They also serve as ideal learning grounds for beginners. Instead of struggling through a long par five, new golfers can focus on mastering irons, wedges, and putting on a short digestible layout.

3. Encourages Walking and Carrying Your Golf Bag

Many par-three layouts are walkable, which is both healthy and enjoyable. Players often bring a carry bag or a stand bag, limiting themselves to just a few clubs. It’s a more minimalist, focused way to play—and a growing trend among younger golfers who prefer the freedom of carrying their golf bag rather than relying on a cart to get around a big layout.

4. Course Designers Are Paying Attention

Some of the game’s most celebrated architects—Gil Hanse, Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw, Tom Doak, and Jack Nicklaus—are channeling their creativity into par three course design. These aren’t afterthoughts or beginner-only tracks; they’re thoughtfully crafted, small-scale masterpieces. With dramatic green complexes, strategic bunkering, and bold contouring, modern par-three courses are proving that less yardage doesn’t mean less design. In fact, many are condensed expressions of the architect’s full-length philosophy, offering a rich and rewarding playing experience in half the time.

Choosing the Right Gear for Par Three Play

If you’re heading to a par-three course, you don’t need your full 14-club arsenal. Most golfers find that a light golf bag—stocked with a few versatile irons, wedges, a putter, and maybe a hybrid—is all they need. That’s where a stand bag or carry bag comes in handy.

Look for a golf bag that is:

• Lightweight (under 5 lbs)
• Has comfortable, padded straps
• Includes a stand for easy access on uneven terrain
• Offers just enough storage for balls, tees, and a water bottle

The simplicity of the setup enhances the casual, relaxed spirit of a par-three round. And if you’re walking 9 or 18 holes, a light golf bag can make or break your experience.

The Best Par Three Courses in the United States

With more par-three courses popping up across the country, it’s helpful to know which ones are worth your time. Below are some of the top-rated and most interesting par-three layouts in the U.S. today:

The Cradle – Pinehurst, North Carolina

Designed by Gil Hanse and nestled in the heart of Pinehurst Resort, The Cradle is often called the “most fun 10 acres in golf.†It’s only 789 yards long, but don’t let that fool you. Each of its nine holes presents a new creative challenge. The course is walkable, scenic, and encourages players to carry just a few clubs in a lightweight stand bag.

Bonus: Music is played throughout the course, and players can grab a drink between holes at the mobile bar cart. It’s golf, reimagined.

Top of the Rock – Branson, Missouri

This Jack Nicklaus-designed par-three course offers sweeping views of the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake. With waterfalls, lakeside greens, and PGA-level conditions, it feels like a luxury course in miniature. It’s hosted legends like Gary Player and Tom Watson in televised exhibitions.

Though the holes are short, many require precision and creative shot-shaping, making this a serious test even for pros. Ideal for a relaxed round with a carry bag and a good camera.

Bandon Preserve – Bandon, Oregon

Located at the world-renowned Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon Preserve is a 13-hole par-three course designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Each hole offers dramatic ocean views, and the variety of shot types keeps even seasoned golfers on their toes. This thirteen-hole loop is a legit test with holes ranging from 63 up to 150 yards.

This course is walking-only, emphasizing the importance of a light golf bag. It’s a bucket-list experience wrapped in a quick, satisfying loop.

Short Course at Forest Dunes – Roscommon, Michigan

Designed by Keith Rhebb and Riley Johns, this 10-hole par-three course allows players to tackle it in any order—yes, any order. The routing is non-linear, with holes ranging from 65 to 150 yards.

It’s perfect for groups, match play, and relaxed walking rounds. The vibe is casual and creative, so grab a few clubs and go. You’ll want a stand bag for the walk, but maybe leave the scorecard in your pocket—this one’s all about fun.

Palm Beach Par 3 – Palm Beach, Florida

Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, this 18-hole municipal par three is among the most scenic public courses in America. Originally designed by Dick Wilson and later renovated by Raymond Floyd, it features sea breezes, well-manicured greens, and lush tropical views.

The longest hole is just over 200 yards, but most are in the 100–150-yard range—perfect for a compact carry bag setup. You’ll get the beach-town vibe without sacrificing quality or time.

Cloud 9 – Angel Park, Las Vegas, Nevada

This 12-hole par-three course in Vegas was inspired by some of the world’s most iconic par threes—including replicas of the island green at TPC Sawgrass and the 12th at Augusta. It’s lit for night play, making it a fun stop after dinner or before hitting the Strip.

A lightweight stand bag and a few well-selected clubs are all you need. Cloud 9 brings big-course drama in a fraction of the time.

Sandmines – Aiken, South Carolina

One of the most exciting new entrants to the par three landscape is Sandmines, located in the golf-rich region of Aiken, SC. Designed by the acclaimed team of King-Collins Golf, the minds behind Sweetens Cove, Sandmines brings a rugged, minimalist aesthetic to a property once used for mining kaolin clay.

The course offers 9 holes carved into a sandy, pine-studded landscape with dramatic elevation changes and bold green complexes that each feature two hole locations. Each hole is designed to give players multiple shot options, rewarding creativity and feel over brute distance. It’s walkable, welcoming, and pairs perfectly with a light carry bag and a handful of wedges and mid-irons. Sandmines is a testament to how par three golf can be both soulful and strategic—and it’s quickly becoming a destination in its own right.

3’s Greenville – Greenville, South Carolina

Formerly known as Crosswinds, 3’s Greenville has reinvented itself as one of the most fun and community-driven par three courses in the country. Redesigned by Beau Welling, who also worked alongside Tiger Woods on TGR Design projects, 3’s features 12 imaginative holes that blend challenge with playability.

The course embraces a laid-back atmosphere with music, fire pits, and an on-site bar and putting course called “The Humps.†It’s a place where players of all skill levels can walk the course with a stand bag, hit creative shots, and soak up a social vibe rarely found in traditional golf settings. From night golf events to local league nights, 3’s Greenville is helping to redefine what modern golf culture looks like—one short hole at a time.

A Cultural Shift in Golf

Par-three courses reflect a cultural shift happening across the golf world:

• Efficiency > Elitism: Fast, fun, and affordable play is in.
• Health & Simplicity: Walking and carrying your golf bag is trendy again.
• Design-Led Innovation: Architects are pouring creativity into small-scale courses.
• Inclusivity: Everyone from beginners to scratch golfers can enjoy these layouts.

The success of innovative layouts like the ones listed above—each with its own personality and purpose—proves that golfers today are seeking more than just the traditional 18-hole grind. They’re looking for flexibility in how they play, opportunities to sharpen their skills without devoting an entire day, and most importantly, a fun and engaging experience.

Whether it’s a quick loop after work, a casual walk with friends, or a creative test of shot-making, par three courses check all the boxes. And as urban land becomes scarcer and lifestyles get busier, these compact, thoughtfully designed courses are poised to become even more popular. Expect to see more of them popping up across the country—especially in places where golf is being reimagined for a new generation of players.

Tags: Bandon Preserve, Cloud 9, Forest Dunes, Inclusivity, Palm Beach Par 3, Par Three Course, Sandmines, The Cradle, Top of the Rock