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Florida’s Golf Landscape: The Charm of Short Courses

Stunning close-up view of a beautiful golf course, emphasizing the unique features of short golf courses.

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News Summary

Explore the evolving golf scene in Florida as short golf courses gain popularity. This article reflects on the delightful experience of playing shorter layouts, highlighting the top ten charming short courses and promising future developments. Golfers of all skill levels can look forward to exciting new options and improvements in the Sunshine State.

Florida’s Golf Landscape: Discovering the Charm of Short Courses

Reflecting on my decade in the sunny state of Florida, I’ve seen an incredible transformation in my golf game and preferences. Initially, I was drawn to long, daunting championship courses that seemed to stretch on forever. However, as I spent more time exploring the diverse golf offerings, I discovered the unique joys that short courses bring to the table.

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly are these short courses? They’re generally courses under 6,000 yards or those with a par of 69 for an 18-hole layout. Nine-hole layouts can also qualify if they’re under 3,000 yards with a par of 36. Out of over 1,000 golf courses in Florida, it’s remarkable that about 344 of them fall into this delightful category. That means tons of quick rounds of golf in the sunshine!

During my golf escapades across Florida, I’ve enjoyed playing on a staggering 168 different courses. It was only natural that I compile my personal list featuring the top ten short golf courses that have charmed me over the years. While many deserving contenders were left out, I ensured the ones selected truly shine in their own unique way.

Notable Exclusions

Some interesting courses didn’t quite make the cut. For instance, Riomar Country Club didn’t fit our short course definition, as it stretches over 6,000 yards with a par of 70. The Ocean Course at The Breakers was similarly excluded—though it’s less than 6,000 yards, it still tallies a par 70. The Squeeze at Cabot Citrus Farms may have been under 3,000 yards at a par 38, but it just didn’t meet the criteria for this list.

Honorable Mentions

Before unveiling the top ten, I must acknowledge two honorable mentions that made quite an impression: Mount Dora Golf Club and The Leaf at Saltleaf Golf Preserve. Both are beloved in their local golfing communities and are absolutely worth a round!

Top 10 Short Golf Courses in Florida

So, without further ado, here’s my curated list of the top ten short golf courses in Florida, presented in alphabetical order:

18 holes, Par 60, 3,689 yards: An executive course featuring an astounding 12 par-threes that range from 89 to 186 yards, making it a thrilling test of skill.
11 holes, Par 33, 1,000 yards: A par-3 loop designed for an exhilarating experience, marked by uniquely shaped greens.
18 holes, Par 63, 4,434 yards: Crafted by the renowned Pete Dye, this course emphasizes fun short holes that are sure to highlight your precision.
9 holes, Par 27, 759 yards: Don’t underestimate this smaller course—its wild greens and sand bunkers keep players on their toes!
18 holes, No par, 5,841 yards: A re-imagined layout that encourages creative play, breaking free from traditional par concepts.
9 holes, Par 27, 802 yards: A par-3 loop that promises maximum enjoyment, perfect for families and friends to bond over golf.
18 holes, Par 54, 3,056 yards: A hidden gem that challenges golfers to use every club in their bag, ensuring a full test of skill.
19 holes, No par, 2,916 yards: This unique course encourages friendly competition while seamlessly blending concepts from par 3 holes.
18 holes, Par 62, 3,697 yards: Nestled within a condo complex, this creatively designed course radiates charm and challenge.
9 holes, Par 35, 2,470 yards: A neighborhood favorite that has recently been renovated, enhancing its appeal and playability.

What’s on the Horizon?

Exciting changes are afoot in Florida’s golf scene, with new developments and courses anticipated to make their debut soon. Both public and resort courses are expected to open by 2025. One particularly promising public course designed by Art Schaupeter is set to make a splash between Denver and Fort Collins in the summer of 2025.

Meanwhile, renowned architects such as Gil Hanse and Coore & Crenshaw are at work on astonishing designs that promise to elevate our golfing adventure even further. One standout project is the $12 million renovation of The Golf Club at Crown Colony, led by architect Bill Bergin, which aims to enhance the clubhouse and practice areas, making it more accessible for everyone.

And don’t ignore Chester Valley Golf Club, which will introduce a delightful six-hole short course designed by Jim Nagle just outside of Pennsylvania. Across the globe, Al Badia in Dubai features an innovative reversible eight-hole short course by Robert Trent Jones II, marking an exciting new twist in the golfing world.

The vibrant golf development scene in Florida is thriving, ensuring our beloved sport remains engaging and enjoyable. Whether you’re a veteran player or just starting out, the future of golf in this sunny state holds a wealth of promise!