Short Course
A short course is a golf facility with only short holes, usually par-3 holes, often with 6 or 9 holes instead of 18.
The short course is the compact form of the golf course. The holes are much shorter than on a large facility, the course par lies well below 72, and a round often takes only one and a half to two hours. Many short courses are playable without a course certificate and serve as an entry into the sport, as a training complement to the driving range or as a quick after-work round. It is played with the same rules and the same etiquette as on the big course — repairing pitch marks, raking bunkers and consideration for other groups apply here too.
In practice, the short course is particularly suitable for two purposes. Firstly for beginners: with a 7 iron, wedge and putter you play a complete round without being overwhelmed by 400-metre holes. Secondly for experienced players as targeted practice of the short game: on nothing but short holes you get the situation dozens of times per round that decides the score on the big course. An example: nine par-3 holes after work, a different flag position on every green, plus every missed approach as a chip exercise — training hardly gets more effective.
One widespread prejudice: the short course is not proper golf. The opposite is the case — it demands exact distance control and clean play on and around the green, precisely the disciplines that count at every facility. The second misconception is also off the mark: short does not mean easy. Short holes with small greens, water or a narrow rough fringe punish inaccuracy mercilessly. Separate conditions apply to handicap-relevant rounds, depending on the respective course and association — a quick enquiry is worth it.
FAQ
Am I allowed to play on a short course as a beginner without a course certificate?
On many short courses yes — they are often playable without a course certificate or membership and are intended precisely for giving beginners their first real contact with a course. The conditions do differ from facility to facility, so ask briefly beforehand. Rules and etiquette apply there just as on the big course.
Is a short course also worthwhile for experienced players?
Absolutely, because there you train exactly what decides the score: distance control and play on and around the green. On nine short holes you get the approach situation dozens of times, which on the big course only occurs a few times per round. As a quick practice round after work, the short course is hard to beat.
Does a round on the short course count for my handicap?
Not automatically — handicap-relevant rounds have their own conditions, which depend on the course and the association. Some short courses are registered for this, many are not. If your handicap matters to you, ask at the club office before the round instead of wondering afterwards.