The Must-Visit 'Par 3 Golf Course' Before Your First Round

Practice Short Game in Various Situations Like Bunker, Rough, and Slopes
Affordable Fees and Solo Play Available... Safety Precautions Needed

Golfers are enjoying a round at Daecheong Valley Okcheon CC, a par-3 golf course. [Image source=Daecheong Valley Okcheon CC]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] For beginner golfers, the most anticipated yet daunting experience is undoubtedly the ‘first round.’ This is because playing on a flat mat at a driving range and playing on a natural course are completely different dimensions. Roughs, bunkers, sloped terrains, and even well-maintained fairways can be sources of fear. If the game is delayed due to repeated mistakes, it can also be discourteous to fellow players.

There is a great way for beginner golfers to overcome these fears: practicing at a Par 3 golf course. Although driver shots are not possible due to the short distances of each hole, iron shots and shots around the green are practiced in an environment similar to a regular golf course, making it an ideal place to experience real golf. The usage fee is affordable, ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 KRW, and since 1-2 player rounds are possible, the economic burden is also low.

Over 40 Locations in the Metropolitan Area... Affordable Fees

Par 3 golf courses are not an official designation. Generally, they refer to a type of mini golf course where all holes are about 100 meters or less. A standard golf course consists of 18 holes with a mix of par 5, par 4, and par 3 holes. In contrast, Par 3 golf courses usually consist of nine par 3 holes, though this varies slightly by course. There are over 40 Par 3 golf courses in the metropolitan area.

The biggest advantage is that you can develop your skills in iron shots over short distances and approach shots around the green. Typically, male golfers only need to prepare 8-9 irons, wedges, and putters regardless of the course length. It is recommended to prepare a half bag separately, but some golf courses offer these for free rental.

Green fees vary from the high 10,000 KRW range on weekdays to around 40,000 KRW on weekends. Although rare, some courses provide caddies and carts, which incur additional charges. Since some courses accept reservations while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis, it is advisable to check in advance.

Practice Short Game in Various Situations

Since the holes at Par 3 golf courses are mostly short, it is best to focus on practicing short irons and wedges. Rather than focusing on scores, it is more efficient to practice shots in various situations around the green such as fairways, bunkers, roughs, and bare ground.

When hitting shots around the green, it is essential to check how far the ball travels with the same club depending on your swing size. Most driving ranges focus on full swings, so players often do not know how to handle shots within 50 meters. Getting accustomed to this distance will be very helpful during actual rounds at regular golf courses. Having a companion who can provide short game coaching makes the round even more efficient.

There are also precautions. Although it is a Par 3 golf course, there are players not only with you but also ahead and behind, so you should not take excessive time. To practice more shots in a short time, it is good to prepare plenty of used golf balls that you don’t mind losing.

Be cautious of safety accidents as well, since many courses do not have game progress staff. Always stand in a safe place when your companion is taking a shot and be mindful of the play of the group behind you.

All-day Rounds and Driver Use Available at Some Courses

There are also Par 3 golf courses operated in unique ways.

Yeongjae Par 3 Golf Land in Gyeonggi’s Yeoju allows unlimited rounds from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM for a fixed fee with no additional charges. Daecheong Valley Okcheon CC in Okcheon-gun, Chungbuk, has the longest hole reaching 250 meters, allowing for long drive practice.

Mayfield Hotel Par 3 Golf Course in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, offers good accessibility. Blue Ocean Golf Club in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, offers rounds with ocean views; Top Golf Club in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi, charges only 5,000 KRW; Asiana CC in Yongin, Gyeonggi, allows single-player rounds on weekdays; and Dongseoul Golf Club in Gwangju, Gyeonggi, permits single-player rounds even on weekends, all of which attract attention.