Across North America, Europe, and even the Bahamas, a new generation of short courses is emerging—compact, creative layouts that swap distance for fun, strategy, and pure shot-making joy. Some glow under lights after sunset, others can be played in reverse, and many sit beside vibrant practice areas or vast putting greens. Here’s a look at eight standout newcomers and soon-to-open gems—and why they’re reshaping the future of golf.
The Commons at Sand Valley (Nekoosa, Wisconsin)
Sand Valley’s next addition is The Commons, a 12-hole course from Jim Craig that’s designed to be social, walkable, and boldly strategic — very “Sand Valley,” just distilled. Growing in through 2025, it’s slated to become the resort’s sixth layout, with an opening targeted for spring 2026. Expect a compact routing that encourages quick loops, creative angles, and the same adventurous spirit that made The Sand Box and the resort’s bigger courses cult favorites.
Crossroads at Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, South Carolina)
Crossroads is a reversible nine designed by Rob Collins & Tad King (King-Collins) on roughly 54–60 acres — two distinct experiences on the same ground. One direction, The Hammer, plays like a whirlwind of diagonals; flip it to The Press and you get a fresh set of puzzles. Built for members of Palmetto Bluff Golf Club, it compresses “a lot of golf” into minimal acreage with fast, creative rounds and plenty of match-play energy.
The Chain at Streamsong (Bowling Green, Florida)
Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw’s The Chain might be the purest “choose-your-own-adventure” short course yet. There’s a six-hole loop through oaks (roughly 50–150 yards) followed by a 13-hole loop with shots stretching near 300 yards — no par on the card, just teeing areas bounded by literal dragline chains, a nod to the site’s mining heritage. The winner picks the next tee spot, which makes every loop feel different; it opened in 2024 alongside the “Bucket” putting grounds.
Cliffhangers at Big Cedar Lodge (Ridgedale, Missouri)
Johnny Morris’s wilderness golf playground added Cliffhangers, an 18-hole par-3 carved into Ozark limestone with creeks, ledges, and big views beside Payne’s Valley. Holes hover in the ~60–170-yard window, with cinematic elevation changes and a Fourth of July 2025 grand opening. It’s meant to be an “adventure course” that complements Mountain Top and Top of the Rock — high drama, low scoring.
Doon Brae at The Highlands (Harbor Springs, Michigan)
At The Highlands (formerly Boyne Highlands), architect Ray Hearn created Doon Brae, a walking nine-hole par-3 that slides across ski-slope terrain with downhill, uphill, and sidehill lies — and it’s fully lit for nighttime play. Multiple fairway options on each hole encourage inventive lines, while the neighboring Back Yaird Himalayan-style putting course turns the complex into a family-friendly evening hub.
Little Sandy at Omni Amelia Island (Amelia Island, Florida)
Opened in 2022, Little Sandy is a Beau Welling design woven through oak-marsh habitat with ten holes in the 70–125-yard range. It was built to be played in just over an hour — ideal for resort guests and Amelia Island Club members — and sits on pieces of the old Ocean Links footprint, marrying coastal scenery with beginner-friendly fun and veteran-approved shot-making.
The Playground at Jack’s Bay (Eleuthera, Bahamas)
Tiger Woods’s TGR Design opened The Playground in 2020, a 10-hole ocean-clifftop par-3 that embraces flexibility: setups can run ~55 to 170 yards, and the routing can morph to suit casual family loops or sharper match-play showdowns. It’s the poster child for short-course joy — pure vistas, fast golf, and just enough bite for better players.
The Piglet at Les Bordes (Loire Valley, France)
In the heart of France’s Loire Valley, The Piglet at Les Bordes Golf Club proves that world-class golf doesn’t need 18 holes. Designed by Gil Hanse, this charming 10-hole par-3 layout complements the club’s acclaimed Old and New Courses with playful shot values, intricate greens, and plenty of variety across just a few acres. Each hole ranges between 85 and 150 yards, making it perfect for quick, pressure-free rounds or family fun. Its thoughtful routing and scenic woodland setting encourage creativity, while still offering the same design integrity that defines Les Bordes as one of Europe’s premier private golf estates.
Why These Courses Matter
Short courses aren’t replacing full-length golf — they’re widening the on-ramp. Reversible designs like Crossroads double the fun without doubling the footprint; The Chain turns tee selection into a game within the game; Doon Brae’s lighting proves golf can thrive after work; Cliffhangers shows that par-3s can be as spectacular as any championship hole; and Little Sandy and The Playground demonstrate how an hour of golf can still feel rich, varied, and memorable. In aggregate, they’re reshaping resort golf into something more social, more flexible, and more playable for everyone.
