These 10 Par 3 Golf Courses Are So Beautiful, They’ll Make You Forget the Score
Standing on the tee box at Coeur d’Alene Resort’s floating 14th hole in Idaho, your heart might skip a beat. The entire green sits on a movable island, surrounded by crystal-clear waters that mirror the mountain peaks above. And that’s just one of the jaw-dropping par 3 courses waiting for you to discover.
1. Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course
Idaho The world’s only floating, movable golf green steals the show here. Hop on a mahogany water taxi to reach this engineering marvel, where the position of the island green changes daily. The backdrop of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding mountains makes every shot Instagram-worthy, even if your ball finds the water.
- 9 holes, all par 3s
- Green fees: $75-150 depending on season
- Famous floating green measures 15,000 square feet
- Includes mahogany boat service to the floating green
- GPS-controlled movable island green system
2. Palm Beach Par 3
Florida Imagine playing between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. That’s exactly what you get at Palm Beach Par 3. The ocean breeze carries salt air across manicured greens, while palm trees sway overhead. The sunset views from the 13th hole alone are worth the green fee.
- 18 holes of pure oceanfront golf
- Green fees: $35-89 seasonal
- Recently renovated by Raymond Floyd
- Two-story clubhouse with ocean views
- Walking-only course with pull carts available
3. Harbor Links Par 3
Washington Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Harbor Links offers views of Puget Sound that’ll make you forget about your scorecard.
The course wraps around natural wetlands where eagles and herons often steal the show from golfers. The 7th hole, perched on a cliff edge, might be the most photographed par 3 in Washington.
- 9 scenic holes overlooking Puget Sound
- Green fees: $25-45
- Multiple tee options on each hole
- Wildlife sanctuary designation
- Night golf available with LED-lit balls
4. Suncoast Golf Center & Academy
Suncoast Golf Center & Academy is my go-to spot for a quick, fun round. This 9-hole par 3 course is fully LED-lighted, which means you can play well into the evening.
One thing I love is the bunkers—they’re filled with G-Angle white sand, the same stuff the pros deal with on the PGA Tour. The greens are now artificial turf, so putting conditions are always consistent, even after a Florida downpour.
- Number of Holes: 9
- Par: 27
- Public golf course
- $15 for adults ($8 to replay)
- Floodlights for night golf
5. Winter Park 9
Florida Don’t let the urban setting fool you. This historic course, dating back to 1914, weaves through downtown Winter Park with style.
Ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss frame each hole, creating a uniquely Southern golf experience. It’s like playing through a postcard from Old Florida.
- 9 historic holes in the downtown setting
- Green fees: $19-32
- Walking-only course
- Historic oaks over 100 years old
- Public transit accessible
6. The Cradle at Pinehurst
North Carolina Pinehurst’s newest addition proves that par 3 courses can pack a serious punch in a small package. Gil Hanse designed this playground to be fun first, and challenging second.
The music playing from hidden speakers and the rustic pine needle rough create an atmosphere that’s more backyard party than a stuffy country club.
- 9 holes designed by Gil Hanse
- Green fees: $50 (replay rounds free)
- Outdoor music system throughout
- “Pinecone” beverage cart service
- Kids under 17 play free with an adult
7. Little Bell
Little Bell (in Richmond, VA) is like a living tribute to golf design. This walking-only 6-hole course brings A.W. Tillinghast’s famous par 3 holes to life. Each hole has a name – “Tiny” (65/85 yards) and “Scot’s Duel” (140/170 yards). The layout features twenty-two bunkers, rolling fairways, and mature trees that add a peaceful vibe to the experience.
It’s a great spot for introducing someone to golf or squeezing in a practice round before heading to the main Belmont Golf Course. The best part? It’s affordable and part of a municipal facility run by First Tee – Greater Richmond, which means it’s all about growing the game.
- Features 6 holes
- Par: 18
- Accessible to the public
- Cost: $12 ($8 for seniors, military, and first responders)
8. Top of the Rock
Missouri Johnny Morris didn’t just build a golf course; he created an Ozark Mountain masterpiece.
Waterfalls cascade between holes, limestone outcrops frame the greens, and bass jump in the stocked ponds. Jack Nicklaus designed it, but Mother Nature supplied the scenery.
- 9 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus
- Green fees: $95-135
- The cave tour included with round
- Electric cart included
- On-site Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail
9. The Sandbox at Sand Valley
Wisconsin Playing here feels like stepping back in time to golf’s Scottish roots. The natural sand dunes and wispy fescue grasses create a links-style experience in the heart of Wisconsin.
No two holes play the same way twice thanks to ever-changing wind conditions.
- 17 holes of pure links-style golf
- Green fees: $65
- No tee times required
- Multiple pin positions daily
- Walking-only course
10. Mountain Shadows Par 3
Arizona Camelback Mountain looms over every shot at this desert gem. The course somehow manages to blend perfectly with its surroundings – desert flora dots the landscape while red rock formations create natural hazards.
Sunset turns the whole course golden, making even bad shots look good.
- 18 holes of desert par 3 golf
- Green fees: $45-85 seasonal
- Night golf available
- Resort pool access included
- Short game practice area
Ready to Tee It Up?
These courses prove that you don’t need 7,000 yards to create golf magic. Pack your favorite wedges and putter – and don’t forget your camera. You might come for the golf, but you’ll stay for the views.
