Skip to main content

What is an executive golf course?

What is an executive golf course? Skip the long game and find the time for this shorter course

A group of friends playing golf.
LightField Studios / Shutterstock

What are you supposed to do when you want to play a round of golf but don’t have that kind of time? You should find the nearest executive golf course. What is an executive golf course? It’s a must when you only have a few hours on a Saturday instead of a whole day, but you’d like to get a few swings in. Here’s what an executive golf course is, and why you should tee up at one instead of heading to the driving range.

What an executive golf course is

Man golfing at a club.
Jason Pofahl / Unsplash

Take the regular golf course we all know and love, and make it smaller and shorter.

  • Around 2,600 yards in a 9-hole course, with par ranging from 28 to 32
  • Around 5,200 yards in an 18-hole course, with par ranging from 55 to 65
  • Might contain maybe one par 5 hole and a couple of par 4 holes
  • Will mostly contain par 3 holes
Recommended Videos

Where to find executive courses

Your best bet to finding an executive course is to go to your regular course and ask. While the courses could be on their own, like putt-putt, they could be part of a regular course, driving range, or other facility arrangement. 

Why is it called an executive course

We have to separate the different courses somehow, and using “big course” and “little course” just doesn’t do it. The name came from the idea that busy business executives only had a certain amount of time to get their golf game in, so there was a need for a shorter course.

Perks of an executive golf course

A golfer carrying their bag on the course.
Daxiao Productions / Shutterstock

If you aren’t ready to give up your favorite green for a new course, then hear us out about the perks of taking your clubs over to an executive golf course.

Time saver

To play a full round of golf on a regular course could take an entire day, easily. But you could run through an executive course in around three hours. That’s perfect for a quick after-work go or when you want to play on the weekend but still do other things.

Great starter course

There’s no shame in being petrified on a regular golf course if it’s your first time, especially if you go with experienced players. The executive courses are less intimidating for people learning the clubs.

Practice makes perfect

Even if you aren’t a beginner and know how a regular course works, an executive course makes a worthy place to practice your flop shot.

Built for those who can’t play a full round

If you have a disability, play with a handicap, or can’t physically get through a regular game of golf, the shorter style of the executive course is a match.

Cost-effective

The fees and costs of playing golf are high enough as it is. For a more financially savvy player, this course offers a chance to get out and play for a more affordable price.

Not that you need another excuse to get the clubs out, but you should try an executive course and see how you like it. If you love playing golf but can’t get through a whole round, don’t have the time to take every weekend off, or have always wanted to play but the regular courses freak you out, look for an executive golf course to get out on. The fresh air will do you good.

Topics
Dannielle Beardsley
Dannielle has written for various websites, online magazines, and blogs. She loves everything celebrity and her favorite…
How to use a compass for navigation when GPS fails
Don't get lost this hiking season: try out a compass!
Baseplate compass on top of a map

In the days since GPS was invented, many of us have lost the skill of navigating by a good old compass and map. As a family on the road in a 1991 Airstream Motorhome, we were early adapters to the GPS, but I still remember a time when we had to navigate New York with the crinkled old maps in the glovebox. Out in the wild, things are a little bit different. Milestones don't often sweep you by while you're busy using a magnifying glass to figure out what intersection you're on, but it can still be a challenge. Today, compasses are still considered to be a top 10 safety item by the National Park Service, but it's a shame how many people don't know how to use a compass. Here's how to get started.
Parts of a baseplate compass

There are so many compasses to choose from, but if you're just starting out, I highly recommend using a simple baseplate compass. These are attached to a ruler, so you'll be able to easily take your bearings. Experts from REI do a great job of explaining the basic parts of a compass and how to use them, but here is the breakdown:

Read more
How to adjust ski bindings in 10 easy steps
Your ski bindings are the link between you and the snow, so set them once and set them right
Ski boot clipping into binding from behind

When you’re riding the chairlift or gondola up your favorite ski mountain and picturing your next great run, there’s a good chance you’re not explicitly thinking about your ski bindings. I know that I really don't ever give my bindings much thought, except when I'm stepping into them. However, once you get to the top of the mountain and plant your skis in the snow to clip your boots in and start down the slope, you’ll be reminded of how crucial ski bindings are to the whole skiing experience.
After all, ski bindings attach your ski boots to your skis, allowing you to stay in control of your skis. Therefore, having properly adjusted ski bindings ensures you can ski safely and comfortably without risking injury to yourself or others by accidentally losing control due to an equipment failure.
Adjusting your ski bindings isn’t particularly complicated. Still, it must be done correctly -- and that's true if you're participating in the Winter Olympics skiing events or if you're like me, hitting the slopes for some weekend fun! With that in mind, let's get you set for the best ski season yet as we show you how to adjust ski bindings.

Can you adjust your own ski bindings?

Read more
How to stay warm outside: Essential tips for winter adventures
Don't freeze another day out there with these winter warming hacks
Skiers on Mountain Quail at Telluride Colorado

When wintertime comes around, most people put away their camping gear and spend their time bundled up indoors. But if you're one of the adventurous few, you'll know that winter time is the best time to experience the magic of our treasured outdoor locales. Snowcapped mountains, powdered trees, and the wildlife rival anything you might see in summer, but in order to enjoy it, you need to know how to stay warm outside. In my experience, staying warm is the key to your wintertime enjoyment. Those who follow these tips are sure to stay out longer than ever.
Look at your layering system

Let's start at square one: your layering system. The layering system includes three layers. First, your base layer the closest to your skin. These will be your under shirts and thermalwear. To avoid chills, avoid cotton at all costs, and choose merino wool or moisture-wicking synthetic fibers to draw any moisture away from the skin. These should be close-fitting but comfortable.

Read more