For Immediate Release March 9, 2021
The WGA releases its first every ranking of western U.S. short courses
"The Short List" promotes par 3 courses across the entire west
BOTHELL, WA. Today, the Western Golf Alliance officially released "The Short List", a ranking of the top 10 'par 3' golf courses in the western United States. Including courses from five different states, the purpose of The Short List is to promote those courses that cater to "grow the game" objectives like family golf, quick rounds, and simple access, yet maintain the amenities and qualities of high-end championship courses.
For a decade, in odd-numbered years, the Western Golf Alliance has released its "Western Stars" rankings of the best golf resorts in the western United States. However, with the worldwide travel impacts that have occurred, it was difficult to properly evaluate such resort destinations over the past 12 months, and questionable whether there was value in emphasizing resort travel at this time in history. This prompted the decision to create The Short List - and thus further promote quality golf options to the boom of individuals who took up the sport during the pandimic - perfect for 2021.
"We are extremely serious about our mission of promoting the amazing game of golf, and that includes golf experiences for all players and playing abilities," said Peter McGarry, WGA president. "We realized that our prior rankings focused on high-end and often expensive destinations, and given the events of the last 12 months we wanted to highlight and honor those locations that provide a different kind of access and experience."
Courses on The Short List include those from many different golf locations and experiences. High on the list are courses that still reflect famous golf pedegrees like Bandon Dunes and Sunriver. It also includes "true muni" tracks like 'the Mif' in Alameda California, and the Golden Gate Park Golf Course. The Short List even includes non-traditional locations, like Eagle Landing, a golfing playground incorporated into a unique wedding facility.
"We may have had more fun researching this ranking than any of our prior efforts," said Andy Connor, task force leader. "We are proud to honor those courses that truly care about the services and experience they provide to all their customers, but never get the type of recognition their 'big brothers' get."
The Short List rankings are as follows:
1 - Bandon Preserve, Bandon Dunes Resort, Bandon OR
2 - The Short Course, Mountain Shadows Resort, Paradise Valley AZ
3 - Caldera Links, Sunriver Resort, Sunriver OR
4 - The Links at Terranea, Terranea Oceanfront Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes CA
5 - Cloud 9, Angel Park, Las Vegas NV
6 - Golden Gate Park Golf Course, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco CA
7 - Eagle Landing Golf Course, The Aerie Wedding Venue, Happy Valley OR
8 - Heron Links, Willows Run Golf Complex, Redmond WA
9 - The Mif Albright, Corica Park, Alameda CA
10 - The Challenge Course, Monarch Dunes Golf Club, Nipomo CA
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About the Western Golf Alliance: The Western Golf Alliance is the premier golf organization in the United States. The WGA exists to further the greatness of this grand sport of golf through the improvement of golf play by its members, the promotion of golf rules, etiquette, and tradition, and the ability to gather together from time to time for golf events and tournaments. The regional organization spans five western states, and is organized into nine geographic regions. Further information is available at http://www.westerngolf.org/.
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