The Shack Show Episode 12: The Great Par-3 Course Renaissance

Children’s Course at North Berwick

How time flies!

To celebrate the first ten Shack Shows (eleven now after a chat with Hank Haney about his change of heart on rules bifurcation), I’m offering up something a bit different: a look at the par-3 course renaissance.

I love a good par-3. Always have. And from the earliest days playing golf I could never grasp why there were so few. Maybe it was my exposure to a couple here in southern California that shaped this view, but either way, the resurgence of appreciation for wee courses that appeal to all golfers and schedules is a beautiful thing.

Because of their scale, par-3 courses are the perfect place for children to begin the game. They’re also ideal spots for those without the time or ability to play a full-length course. And, no offense good players, your game inside 120 yards or so would be a lot better if you played one instead of banging range balls.

As for Shack Show 12, I asked some of the previous guests about their thoughts, memories and emotions when considering a par-3 course. So after my introduction sketching out the history and beauty of the par-3, you’ll hear from, among others, Nick Faldo and Ben Crenshaw talking par-3 courses.

As always you can subscribe and listen via Apple podcasts, or wherever you get podcasts. And the iHeart embed below. Thanks as always to producer Tim Parotchka for the editing, guidance and polished turnaround.

Show Notes:

If you are looking for a reference piece or just some assurance that my assertions in this podcast are not all a figment of my imagination, check out Adam Schupak’s definitive Links story on the par-3 comeback.

The proposed MacKenzie approach and putt course at Augusta National, found by Josh Petit and posted by him here.

The Horse Course designed by Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner and Geoff Shackelford credited by Mike Keiser as inspiring his interest in par-3’s at his developments.

And the epic ace referenced in the show: