Should beginners start on a par 3 course or an executive course?

Most beginners should start on a par 3 course because it removes pressure to hit long drives. Executive courses are also beginner-friendly but introduce longer tee shots on par 4 holes.

How long does it take to play a par 3 course?

Many 9-hole par 3 rounds take about 45–75 minutes. Most 18-hole par 3 rounds take about 1.5–2.5 hours depending on pace and traffic.

What should a beginner bring to a par 3 course?

A few clubs is enough: a wedge, a couple irons, and a putter. Play the shortest tees, focus on contact and direction, and don’t overthink it.

Are Par 3 Courses Good for Beginners? | Par 3 & Executive Golf Courses

Q: Are par 3 courses good for beginners?

Yes. Par 3 courses are one of the best places to learn because holes are shorter, rounds are faster, and the focus is on wedges and putting—skills that translate directly to “full” golf.

Quick answer

Yes. Par 3 courses are ideal for beginners because holes are shorter, rounds are faster, and you spend most of your time on wedges, chips, and putting — the skills that actually lower scores.

Why beginners struggle on full-length courses

Regulation courses can be rough for new golfers: long holes, forced carries, lost balls, and the pressure of “holding everyone up.” It’s not exactly a welcoming learning environment.

Why par 3 courses are beginner-friendly

Par 3 courses strip golf down to what actually matters. That’s exactly what beginners need.

Shorter holes: you’re not expected to hit long drives
Faster rounds: less waiting, less stress
Lower cost: usually cheaper than regulation courses
More reps: you practice approach shots and putting constantly

What beginners actually learn on a par 3 course

Beginners don’t lose strokes because they can’t drive it 260 yards. They lose strokes because of poor contact, distance control, chipping, and putting — all things par 3 golf teaches quickly.

Club selection and basic distance control
Solid contact (without trying to murder the ball)
Green reading and speed control
Simple course management (“aim here”, “miss there”)

Do beginners slow everyone down on par 3 courses?

Not really — and that’s part of the appeal. Par 3 courses expect a mix of skill levels. The pace is built around learning golfers, juniors, families, and casual players.

Par 3 vs executive courses for beginners

Both can work, but par 3 courses are usually the easiest starting point. Executive courses are still beginner-friendly, but par 4 holes add longer tee shots and more “full course” feel.

If you’re unsure, we broke it down here: Par 3 vs executive golf course.

How long does a par 3 round take?

One reason beginners love par 3 golf: you can actually finish. We wrote a full breakdown of typical round times here: How long does it take?

How beginners should use a par 3 course

To get the most out of it:

Play from the shortest tees (seriously — it’s fine)
Don’t rush — focus on contact and direction
Keep score, but don’t obsess over it
Practice putting every hole
If you’re stuck, pick up and move on — fun is the point

Finding beginner-friendly par 3 courses near you

Many par 3 courses are built specifically for beginners, juniors, and casual golfers. Use the directory to find nearby options:

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Are Par 3 Courses Good for Beginners?