Features of an Executive Golf Course

An "executive course" or "executive golf course" is a course that's shorter than a standard golf course in one or more respects. It has a lower par because it's usually comprised of more par-3 holes than are found on a typical golf course. While executive courses contain more par-3 holes, they can also include par-4 and par-5 holes.

An executive golf course can be a standalone operation, but many of them are part of larger golf clubs or facilities. Another place golfers sometimes find executives is as part of a practice facility accompanied by a driving range.

Less Time 

It's all about time. Think like a golfer saying, "I'm short on time Saturday, so let's play the executive course instead of the regular course." Executive golf courses can be nine holes or 18 holes in length. The shorter hole lengths lessen the time required to finish, and if the course is just nine holes, it will obviously take significantly less time to play compared to a standard 18-holer. Because the majority of holes are short, executive courses are also good options for junior golfers, beginners, or anyone else who enjoys golf but struggles with the length—or time requirements—of a standard golf course.

Executive vs. Par-3 Courses

Are executive courses and par-3 courses the same thing? They can be, but "executive course" is more of an inclusive term. It's like that old saying: All poodles are dogs, but not all dogs are poodles. All par-3 courses can be thought of as belonging to the "executive course" set, but not all executive courses are par-3 courses. Think of par-3 courses, short courses, and pitch-and-putt courses as sub-sets of executive golf courses.

What's in the Name

The term "executive course" comes from the business world. If business people—and specifically business executives—want to get in a quick nine before or after work or maybe even sneak away to the golf course during a long lunch, the odds of doing that successfully are higher on a shorter course that takes less time to play.

The name for these types of golf courses came from that idea. However, executive courses are not only popular with golfers who want to get in some holes after work and just barely have time before the sun goes down, but they are also great for beginners, higher-handicappers, or anyone who wants a shorter game.