10 Hidden Gem Par 3 Golf Courses That Will Make Your Weekend

I’ve played hundreds of golf courses across the country, but I keep coming back to these incredible par 3 gems. Trust me – they pack all the excitement of traditional golf into a quicker, more accessible package.

1. The Bad Little Nine (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Let me start by saying, The Bad Little Nine is no ordinary par 3 course. This private gem at the Scottsdale National Golf Club is as tricky as they come. Designed by Bob Parsons with the team at Jackson Kahn Design, this course will test your patience and precision from the first hole to the last. 

While the hole distances are pretty standard, trust me, distance is the least of your worries. The greens have wild slopes, there are deep bunkers waiting to trap you, and the mounds will make you second-guess every shot.

If you’re lucky enough to play here, try to book a Friday round. They’ll give you a $1,000 bar credit if you break par. Not that I’ve managed it yet—good luck!

Highlights

• Number of Holes: 9
• Par: 27
• Public or Private: Private
• Tee Time Required: Yes
• Night Golf: Yes (Glow Golf)

2. Sand Valley (The Sandbox) (Nekoosa, Wisconsin)

The Sandbox at Sand Valley feels like a walk through a dream. It’s a 17-hole par 3 course set in a restored sand prairie, and it’s as fun as it is beautiful. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, this course has holes ranging from 51 to 149 yards. Every hole offers something different, whether it’s an elevation change or a quirky green that keeps you guessing.

What’s great about Sand Valley is that it’s more than just a golf destination. They’ve got lodging, dining, and even grass tennis courts. It’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.

Highlights

• Number of Holes: 17
• Par: 51
• Public or Private: Public
• Tee Time Required: Suggested
• Cost: $55-$75 (Military and Junior Discounts Available)

3. Augusta National (Augusta, Georgia)

Just hearing the name “Augusta National” gives me goosebumps. While this par 3 course might not be open to the public, it’s famous enough to earn a spot on anyone’s bucket list. Every year, right before the Masters, the pros play a fun contest here. Sometimes they even let family or celebrities caddy.

The course itself is top-notch. It was recently renovated in 2022, with a fresh layout for holes 1 through 5. The rest of the course has lush turf improvements that only Augusta could pull off. It’s got a par of 27 and measures just over 1,000 yards. I can’t imagine the skill it would take to beat the course record of 20!

Highlights

• Number of Holes: 9
• Par: 27
• Public or Private: Private

4. The Olympic Club (Cliffs) (San Francisco, California)

The Cliffs Course at The Olympic Club is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. It’s perched along the Pacific Ocean, so every hole comes with an incredible view. But don’t get distracted by the scenery—this course is as challenging as it is beautiful. The pot bunkers are ruthless, and the elevation changes make it tough to predict your shots.

If you’re lucky enough to play here, you’ll also have access to the Olympic Club’s two other courses, the Lake Course and the Ocean Course. But for me, the Cliffs steals the show every time.

Highlights

• Number of Holes: 9
• Par: 27
• Public or Private: Private
• Tee Time Required: Yes
• Cost: Membership Required

5. The Quarry Short Course (La Quinta, California)

I’ve always heard about the exclusivity of The Quarry Short Course, and I have to say, it lives up to the hype. This members-only course in La Quinta is like stepping into a golfer’s dream. With only 250 members allowed, playing here feels like joining a secret club.

The course is incredible. Some holes can be played as par 3s or par 4s, which makes it a unique challenge. Distances range from 50 to 380 yards, and water and sand hazards keep you on your toes. I can see why it’s consistently ranked as one of the top 25 par 3 courses in the world.

Highlights

• Number of Holes: 10
• Par: 30
• Public or Private: Private
• Tee Time Required: No

6. Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course (Palm Beach, Florida)

Whenever I’m in Florida, I make it a point to visit Palm Beach Par 3. This course is public, which is a refreshing change for such a well-known gem. Designed by Dick Wilson in 1961 and renovated by Raymond Floyd in 2009, it has a classic feel with modern updates that make it a joy to play.

The layout is amazing. Hole distances range from 81 to 211 yards, and you have three sets of tees to choose from, which keeps things interesting. The landscaping, bunkers, and two lakes make the course as challenging as it is beautiful. 

After a round, I always stop by Fresco Restaurant and Bar for a meal. There’s also a driving range and short game area if you feel like sharpening your skills before heading out.

Highlights

• Number of Holes: 18
• Par: 54
• Public or Private: Public
• Tee Time Required: Yes (Book Online)
• Cost: $36-$50

7. The Hickory Course at Hamilton Farm (Gladstone, New Jersey)

Playing The Hickory Course at Hamilton Farm feels like stepping onto a piece of golf history. As the only par 3 course in America rated by the USGA, this private 18-hole course is an absolute masterpiece. Every hole has a personality of its own, with lengths ranging from 134 to 218 yards. I love how it challenges me to use every iron and wedge in my bag.

The course is packed with sand bunkers and water hazards, which keeps me focused, but the greens are where it really shines. They’re some of the best I’ve played on. The Hickory Course delivers an experience that’s hard to beat.

Highlights

• Number of Holes: 18
• Par: 54
• Public or Private? Private
• Tee Time Required? Yes

8. Oakwood Country Club (Kansas City, Missouri)

The Par 3 at Oakwood Country Club is one of the most creative courses I’ve ever played. When I first heard it was inspired by legendary holes from Augusta National, Spyglass Hill, and Whistling Straits, I couldn’t wait to check it out. It did not disappoint.

The hole distances here range from 92 to 157 yards, and each has two tees, so you can try different approaches. The back tees play about 1,100 yards total, which gives you plenty of opportunities to test your accuracy.

What really stands out to me is how much thought went into the design. Architect Todd Clark and writer Ron Whitten made sure this isn’t your typical par 3. It’s incredibly fun. Beyond the course, Oakwood has everything from a Trackman driving range to a fishing pond and even hiking trails. It’s a place you could easily spend an entire weekend enjoying.

Highlights

• Number of Holes: 9
• Par: 27
• Public or Private? Private

9. Battle Creek Golf Course (Marysville, Washington)

Battle Creek Golf Course stands out for its simplicity and charm. This public 9-hole course is perfect if you’re a beginner or just want to sharpen your short game. The holes are mostly straight shots, with distances ranging from 89 to 200 yards.

The course itself is set on 175 acres of beautiful Washington scenery. I remember being blown away by the views of Camano Island, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. 

Battle Creek also has a ton of amenities. There’s an 18-hole regulation course, a driving range, practice greens, and even a cafe for post-round snacks..

Highlights

• Number of Holes: 9
• Par: 27
• Public or Private? Public
• Tee Time Required? No
• Cost: $13-$15 (Discounts for Juniors and Seniors)
• Cart Rental: $9 per person

10. Waynesboro Golf and Games (Waynesboro, Virginia)

Waynesboro Golf & Games is one of those places where golf is accessible to everyone. This family-owned par 3 course is as welcoming as it gets.

Nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 9 hole short course is a great spot for beginners and experienced golfers alike. There are slight elevation changes to keep things interesting, and hole seven even has a water hazard that seems to swallow up a golf ball or two each round.

This course is quite laid-back, the prices are affordable, and it’s open to golfers of all ages. 

Highlights

• Number of Holes: 9
• Par: 27
• Public or Private? Public
• Tee Time Required? No
• Cost: $11 ($9 for Juniors and Seniors)

Why These Courses Make My Golf Dreams Come True

I’ve found that these hidden gems prove you don’t need long courses for an unforgettable round. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for years, I guarantee these par 3 courses will give you some of your best golf memories. See you on the course!