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For decades, many short course operators have marketed themselves with a "championship-lite" promise to deliver all the hallmarks of the "real thing," but with the added benefits of speed and accessibility. While a sensible strategy for some, the pursuit of legitimacy through scaled-down emulation appears to have created a perception trap for many short courses.
Topic: Course Operations
Golfers’ perceptions of Short Courses are crucial to understanding their place – and untapped opportunity – within the golf landscape, particularly when considering 'transitional' golf facilities that can convert beginners to lifelong golf consumers. Our recent survey on the perceptions of Core golfers revealed some stark contradictions.
Topic: Green-Grass Facility
Short Course Supply Update
Member update on Par 3 supply and development in the U.S.

Over the past 5 1/2 years, “short courses” – Par 3 courses, in particular -- have accounted for over one-third of new openings. While overall U.S. golf development remains relatively limited despite a recent uptick, this trend is more than just a blip on the radar.

Golf’s ‘Real’ Short Course Movement Awaits

The perceived "Short Course movement" in golf, and engaging players with less time-consuming options, conceals a disconnect in the market over the past two decades. While millions of dollars are being actively invested in extraordinary par-3 experiences, the more “local” short courses that could serve as everyday developmental pathways have closed at disproportionate rates.

Facilities, Facility Health, Municipal Golf, Development, 9-Hole and Par 3
Concise and comprehensive one-page summary reports on various supply-related topics
Par 3's Have Record Representation Among 2023 Openings
Assessing golf's short course movement

Par 3 courses are increasingly common among new course openings, especially relative to their standing in overall supply.

Golf Supply Reports Now Available
5 Numbers to Know About U.S. Golf Course Supply

The latest industry data points on the U.S. golf market -- from course openings and closures to total supply, facility health, municipal golf, short courses and more.

Net Changes in U.S. Facility Supply


The States With the Most Par 3 Courses


Par 3 Proportion of New Course Openings










