For quite some time, golf resorts have been synonymous with fancy accommodation, stunning surroundings, and tough courses. But a new trend has been taking root lately: short golf courses. Here’s all you need to know about why short golf courses are popular and how they can stand out in such a competitive market for a golf resort.
Short Courses Are More Accessible
Traditional 18-hole golf courses can be intimidating for players who are just starting out or who have limited time spent playing the game. To play more quickly, 43% of players choose short golf courses within golf resort areas, according to the National Golf Foundation (NGF).
In addition, there are things known as “short courses,” which typically consist of only nine or twelve holes and are a more convenient and time-saving alternative. They enable golfers to play a round of golf in less time, which is great for golfers with busy schedules, exploring the benefits of short golf courses.
Great for Beginners and Families
About two-thirds of first-timers surveyed by Golf Digest in 2025 preferred shorter courses as a means to focus on the fundamentals and avoid getting frustrated.
Because of the compact design in golf resorts, players won’t be put off by the perceived distance. Due to the low-pressure distance, younger and more inexperienced golfers are able to practice their swings and hit the ball as it moves. Families can enjoy a wonderful time on the golf resort course, having fun without the intimidation of a traditional 18-hole setup.
Some golf resorts’ short golf courses offer a more forgiving experience. These features have fewer challenging hazards and simpler greens, making them ideal for children to begin learning the game.
Increased Focus on Fun and Enjoyment
A lot of regular classes in a golf resort are boring, but short golf courses are fun. The holes tend to be more lenient, less about distance and more about having fun.
According to a PGA report from 2025, 55% of golfers playing short golf courses reported that their rounds were less stressful and more relaxing, making for a better overall experience.
This change in emphasis has opened golf to a broader market, attracting many who otherwise would have been put off by golf’s old challenges and encouraging more interest in golf resorts with short courses.
Enhanced Design and Unique Challenges
Even though they’re shorter, short golf resort courses can be brutally challenging. Currently, numerous golf resorts are designing courses, and the best ones incorporate imaginative obstacles, creative layouts, and strategically placed hazards. All these design elements help make the courses captivating and difficult enough, but not overwhelmingly so, even for the low-handicap golfer.
Cost-Effective for Golfers
Golf is widely known as being an expensive sport, and when you think about high green fees on long golf courses, it continues to make sense. Fees for short golf courses are generally 30–40% lower than fees for full-length courses, bringing costs within reach of more players. Less length leads to lower green fees, but the experience remains high quality.
For families or occasional golfers in a golf resort, short golf courses provide a less expensive entry to the game. More accessible pricing also enables resorts to appeal to a greater variety of players, stimulating foot traffic and play.
Enjoy Golf Through a Short Yet Enjoyable Setting
In the world of golf destinations, short golf courses are quickly becoming the norm. They are easy to get to, good for beginners, fun, and cheap, which makes them a good choice for golfers of all types.
You can take a short lesson on various golf resorts, whether you’re an experienced player looking for a new challenge or a beginner wanting to take it easy while benefiting from the benefits of short golf courses.
