Short course

I'm just about to become a member of a course, gain my handicap and try and give this sport a go.

However, the course in question (which I find very challenging) is just over 5,000 yrds long (par 66). This as you know is very short by anyones standards, however, it has the toughest par 3's (uphills with gaurded bunkers, tunnel of trees with a 20 yard gap that last for over 100 yrds, 240 yrd par 3, - all very daunting), awkward dogleg par4's etc. - so it really tests your game.

I am nervous that it will leave me a little rusty for the 550yrd par 5's or 440yrd par 4's that exist on other courses. I only use the driver on 10/11 holes (and often opt for the 3 wood as the course is ultra tight - tightest I've ever played and has some well placed water).

I'm aware that the tough par 3's and tight par 4's and par 5's will stand (and have stood) to me on other courses, I would appreciate peoples advice on what possible bad habits I need to be careful of developing on a short course.

I have friends who play a course that is 6,500 yrds, but it is very wide and has no water at all. They really suffer on a tight course - and it's easy to see why. I just don't want to fall into the opposite traps that may exist from playing a short course a lot.

Any wisdom appreciated.

I think there are more advtanges than disadvantages in terms of shotmaking ability. Realistically, I think most golfers, treat anything above 440 yds as a par 5 anyway. The one problem I would anticipate is the waiting time for each shot. Each group on the hole will have to wait longer for the group in front to clear.

Hi Delboy,

I think that you'll find that when you play longer courses, you'll be better off.

A short course gives you a couple of advantages:

1) Without using course management, you'll theoretically get much more short game practice (chips, pitches, 1/2 swings) than you would on a 'full size' course.

2) A short course is a great place to learn course management - especially if it's tight, like you say. Now all of a sudden landing zones become much more apparent - and you should be able to 'see' them better, after some practice.

I would agree with those above the one thing you may want to do is continue to practice with your long Irons, from the sound of it they may not be getting a lot of use. Which if you go to a longer course would change in a hurry.

Bob

The biggest difference is not being able to play your long irons from the fairways, as ogallalabob said. If you are just out practicing, tee off on all the par 4's with your SW. From there, see if you can get on the green in two with your long irons.

The fact that you are required to play course management and you are comfortable with that, puts you ahead of most golfers who are just aiming for the green with no consideration for the dangers that lie ahead.

Much appreciated lads. I expected that you'd say to get more time in with my driver/3 wood from the tee etc., but your right - I've actually taken my 3i and 4i out of my bag (replaced with a single 22 degree utility iron for long par 3's) and rarely hit my 5i on the fairway, its generally a 6i/7i thats required on the fairway, never the long irons as your trying to avoid hazards or find the right position for your next shot. I will also try the wedge from the tee on the par 4's - it should be a great way to try and develop my long iron game.