Don’t overlook the 9-hole golf courses

While 18-hole golf courses are the preferred course, nine-hole and Par-3 courses still have an important place in today’s golf landscape.

As available land has always been the deterrent to golf course construction, often nine holes became the only option in many locations. But, a shortened course doesn’t mean they are less challenging or deliver an inferior golfing experience.

Courses like Highlands in Tacoma have summed up their short course experience perfectly: When they say “Half the Time, Twice the Fun,” it means that a round of golf takes less than 75 minutes. At other courses like Crossroads in Bellevue, it is a short Par-3 course with holes ranging from 63 to 107 yards and the perfect place for beginners to work on their games. With no tee times, you show up and tee off.

Many nine-hole courses were built before the modern equipment changed the length that golfers hit their shots today and are generally shorter in overall length, often with a lower par rating compared to modern courses. Smaller greens were built to accommodate the shorter distances and lower ball flight of earlier eras.

However, from a skill perspective, smaller greens require greater accuracy in approach shots and demand precise ball placement. Let’s look at some of the other factors that make nine-hole courses have to offer. Generally, nine-hole courses have lower green fees compared to 18-hole courses. This can make golf more accessible and affordable for players, particularly for those who want to enjoy the game without incurring the cost or time commitment of an 18-hole round. For beginning golfers, the affordability factor allows them to get started without breaking the bank.

The Par-3 Highlands is an example of what the short course can be. With a long history of neglect, local attorney Jack Connelly stepped in and bought the course and invested heavily in the course. It is now one of the premier Par-3 courses in the Northwest and golfers have taken notice.

Lake Cushman Golf Course is a  9-hole course nestled in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains, surrounded by towering evergreens and abundant wildlife. The course plays to a par 36 and stretches just under 2,910 yards from the back tees.  It is praised for its value, pace of play, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or just passing through the Olympic Peninsula, Lake Cushman offers a round of golf that feels like a retreat into nature. It’s not just a course—it’s an experience.

Tapps Island Golf Course does things differently too with two cups on each green and different sets of tees for its nine holes to give the golfers a feeling of playing 18 different holes.

Gamble Sands has one of the top-ranked 18-hole public courses in the country but also has added a nine-hole course called Quick Sands that is another way for people to visit the area and get in some golf that is not time consuming.

Bandon Dunes Resort might not have a 9-holer, but its Preserve Course is 13 holes and all Par-3 holes and plays quickly with plenty of terrific views. Bandon also offers a course called Shorty’s with 18 short holes.

And there are private clubs who are in the 9-hole business. Places like Grays Harbor Country Club in Cosmopolis have nine holes, but a second set of tees to give a different look the second time around. Glen Acres in Seattle is another private 9-hole track.

There are several other nine-hole courses spread throughout the Northwest that provide an outstanding round of golf.