Small Wonders Can short courses spark a movement?

It might be surprising to learn that the number of 18-hole courses in the United States didn’t surpass the number of nine-hole courses until 1974. Though sometimes viewed now as anachronisms, sub-18-hole courses played a critical role in the growth and development of the game throughout much of the 20th century. Something similar might be happening again. An unexpected recent architectural trend is the popularity of short courses: entertaining, quick-play accessory designs stuffed with ambitious architecture.

- Derek Duncan

Miniaturized versions of their full-size siblings, they follow no formalised number of holes—there are 13 at Bandon Preserve at Bandon Dunes, 17 at The Sandbox at Sand Valley, and 10 each at The Nest at Cabot Cape Breton and the short course at Forest Dunes in northern Michigan, both of which opened this summer.

Because short courses usually accompany one or more regulation layouts, their architecture is free to offer more radical contour and psychedelic short-game situations. Ideal for matches and lighthearted social play, golfers are encouraged to experiment, to carry just two or three clubs, to chase long bump-and-runs off slopes and backstops, and putt 90 yards tee to green.