Must-play Courses: December edition

Short courses. Big fun.

Par-3 layouts have come a long way, from the scruffy practice loops of old to some of the most thoughtfully designed, joyfully playable courses in the world. They’re fast, fun, family-friendly, and surprisingly bold in both strategy and style.

This month, we’re spotlighting three standout short courses meticulously rendered in Virtual Golf 3 — each with a personality of its own, and each a reminder that great golf doesn’t need 7,000 yards to deliver a memorable experience.

Let’s get to it.

Tucked between the rugged coastline of Bandon Dunes and the tall pines of Bandon Trails, Bandon Preserve is a 13-hole, short-but-sweet stunner. Co-designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, it’s as scenic as it is strategic — with ocean views, sandy blowouts, and wide greens that welcome creative shot shaping.

Indoors, the vistas still pop, but it’s the hole variety that really shines. You’ll face elevation changes, tucked pins, and greens that invite bump-and-runs or sky-high wedges. It’s playable for anyone, and never boring.

Fun fact: All profits from the real-world course go to the Wild Rivers Coast Alliance, which supports conservation and community initiatives. That feel-good energy translates beautifully into the simulator.

It’s been called “the most fun 10 acres in all of golf” — and once you play The Cradle, you’ll understand why. Set at the heart of Pinehurst Resort, this 9-hole course was designed by Gil Hanse to be equal parts accessible and exhilarating.

The longest hole measures just over 120 yards. The shortest, barely 50. But don’t mistake brevity for blandness — the greens are wild, the slopes are cheeky, and the routing encourages plenty of group banter and bold plays.

Just as in the real world, The Cradle is a blast. Quick to loop, easy to love, and perfect for players of any level looking to sharpen their wedges, test their touch, or settle a friendly match in under 30 minutes.

Senoja Valley might not exist beyond the sim, but don’t let that fool you — this 9-hole course is thoughtfully designed with a real sense of place. The rolling terrain and warm golden light give it a distinctive California vibe, while the layout rewards touch, tempo, and smart decision-making.

With multiple tee boxes and pin positions, it scales beautifully to match a player’s skill level. Newer golfers can run shots onto the greens from the front tees, while more experienced players will face tighter lines, trickier angles, and more trouble to carry from the back.

Greens are fairly flat, and there’s always a generous “bail-out” zone to play safe when needed — making it a confidence-building track for juniors, families, or anyone learning the ropes.

And keep an eye out for those jigsaw bunkers — they’re as fun to look at as they are to avoid.