Michigan, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Several major golf resorts across the U.S. are adding short courses to appeal to younger players and those looking for quicker rounds. Six notable resorts, including Garland Lodge and Golf Resort and Boyne Mountain Resort, have jumped on this trend in the past six months. The move caters to a growing demand for accessibility in golf, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the game. More resorts are expected to follow suit as they look to enhance their offerings and stay competitive in the market.
Golf Resorts Get Ready to Swing with Short Course Additions!
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the golf scene lately, you’ll be excited to hear that several major golf resorts are jumping on the short course bandwagon! In a move that’s turning heads and enticing players to hit the greens a little more often, six notable resorts have added short courses over the past six months. These hotspots include some favorites like Garland Lodge and Golf Resort, Boyne Mountain Resort, and Harbor Shores—all located in beautiful Michigan. We’re also seeing big names like French Lick Resort in Indiana, Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri, and Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection in Virginia getting in on the action!
A Trend That Keeps Growing
The popularity of short courses isn’t something that has just popped up overnight; it’s been a decade-long trend that’s being continually refined and improved. By offering shorter rounds of golf, resorts can make the game more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, especially those just starting out or those who just want to unwind after a morning tee time.
Why are golf resorts such a perfect fit for these courses? Well, they have the luxury of much more land compared to public or municipal courses, which often face land constraints in their development. This makes it easier to create fun, shorter experiences that players can enjoy with friends and family!
Younger Golfers Love the Change!
One of the biggest draws of these short courses is how they cater to younger golfers who are looking for quick, memorable experiences on the course. After finishing a morning round of full-sized golf, players are more inclined to grab a few friends and head over to a short course to continue the fun without investing several hours. It’s all about creating lasting memories on the course!
The Struggle of Space
Interestingly, some famous California resorts, such as the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay and Omni La Costa, have expressed interest in adding short courses, but they’re facing serious land limitations. This highlights an essential factor for many golf resorts around the country—space is key. Did you know that approximately half of America’s largest golf resorts, that’s 12 out of 28, do not currently offer the short course experience? This opens the door for many resorts to consider adding these fun layouts to stay competitive!
Potential Candidates for Short Courses
Speaking of the future, there are several resorts that could jump at the chance to add short courses! Just think of The Broadmoor in Colorado, which boasts over 5,000 acres that could easily accommodate a short course. Innisbrook in Florida is exploring options to transform part of its North Course, while Turtle Bay in Hawaii has the perfect ocean views to create a stunning new course. Grand Traverse Resort in Michigan could reshuffle part of its layout, and Nemacolin in Pennsylvania has ample land waiting to be used!
You’ll also want to keep an eye on Horseshoe Bay, which can accommodate a short course in its expansive facilities, and Legends in Myrtle Beach, where a new short course would enhance the competition and fun. With options for attracting more buddies trips, resorts like Primland in Virginia and Suncadia in Washington are ready to jump on the trend!
Lastly, Shanty Creek in Michigan is gearing up to be the next resort to build a short course, while Capitol Hill in Alabama, part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, certainly has room to create a short course within its practice area. Exciting times are ahead for golf lovers everywhere!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Island Boosts Fall Golf Tourism
Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame Welcomes New Legends
Adidas Golf Launches Spring Collection for Golf Enthusiasts
Golf Course Renovations and New Community Coming to Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Thrive in Autumn Paradise
Myrtle Beach: A Year-Round Golf Destination
Golf Champion Emiliano Grillo Shines in 2025 Season
Clemson Golf Team Prepares for Invitational in Chattanooga
Perfect Family Getaways for Columbus Day Weekend
Jack Lee Secures First College Golf Win in Myrtle Beach
Additional Resources
- GolfPass: American Golf Resorts That Need Short Courses
- Golfweek: Best Public Short Course List
- Golf Digest: Best New Short Courses
- MyGolfSpy: Short Courses Are the Best Way to Play Golf
- Detroit News: Michigan Golf Joins The Short Course Boom
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Short Courses in Golf
- Google Scholar: Short Courses in Golf
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Courses
- Google News: Short Golf Courses
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
