When most golfers think of nine-hole golf courses, visions of grandeur probably don't come to mind. In fact, the perception is more often than not, that of a short, marginally maintained course that offers little to get excited about.

In the early part of the 20^th century, when hundreds of golf courses were built throughout the United States, the nine-hole course was the standard not the exception. In fact, some of the greatest courses in America, such as Prairie Dunes in Kansas started as nine-hole layouts only to be expanded as resources and interest dictated. Now, as we are firmly embedded into the 21^st century, it's quite uncommon for a nine-hole course to be planned and built. However, there are some exceptions – and some are quite exceptional.

There are lots of reasons to play an outstanding 9-hole course. Some people just don't want to take the time to play 18 holes. Others may have physical limitations that make nine holes an attractive option. Whatever the reason, there are some great nine-hole courses scattered throughout the Midwest that you should put on your to do list. We researched the Heartland to locate the "best of the best."  We looked for uniqueness, outstanding layout, customer service, and last but not least the lasting impression or "memorable experience" value of the course. The courses we discovered range from short par 3 courses, to championship length courses with awesome par 4 and par 5 holes.

Following are what many golfers think are the most spectacular nine-hole courses in the Midwest. Some are old -- some are new. All are definitely worth a visit. If you've only got time for nine, here's the cream of the crop.

Illinois

South Shore – As the name implies, South Shore is situated on the South side of Chicago hard on the shore of Lake Michigan. Designed in 1906 by renowned architect Tom Bendelow (he also designed the famed Medinah Country Club), the scenic views and traditional stylings make for a memorable game of golf. The layout offers bentgrass greens and rye fairways.

A  Chicago Park District golf facility, the course is professionally managed by KemperSports Management so you can expect polite, knowledgeable staff members to assist you in making the most of your visit to South Shore. 

"It's kind of a hidden gem," says Stella Nanos, General Manager of the Chicago Park District golf facilities. "It's easily accessible and is really a challenging course. The tree-lined fairways are narrow and we have a couple of par 4s over 440 yards."

In the early days, the facility was called south Shore Country Club. The course was once home to some famous and infamous characters. Legend has it that everyone from the great amateur golfer Bobby Jones to the ruthless kingpin Al Capone strolled the fairways. During its heyday, the South Shore was a hotbed of Irish Catholic influence -- and there was no shortage of green backs. By the time the 60s came around, the club was in dire straights. It was purchased by the Chicago Park District in 1974.

"It's an historic piece of property and well worth a visit," Nanos concludes.

To play South Shore, it'll cost you $13 during the week and $14.50 on weekends to walk. For tee times and general information call 312-245-0909 or visit www.cdpgolf.com.

Iowa

Stone Creek Golf Course – This wonderful 9 hole, semi-private course was originally opened in 1961 as up until 2002 was called Sport Hill Country Club. Located in central Iowa in Williamsburg, just two miles south of I-80, it underwent a major overhaul in 2000 by former PGA Tour player D.A. Weibring.

What once was a nice little course, with one sand bunker and no water hazards to speak of, is now Stone Creek Golf Course; a challenging layout with 23 sand bunkers and three ponds which definitely come into play. The old layout was enlarged by 25 acres, and is now a par 36, 3,417 yard course featuring wall-to-wall bentgrass. It was voted "Best 9 Hole Golf Course in Iowa – 2002" by the Iowa Golf Association.

"It's a beautiful piece of the Midwest," says Steve Wolford, Golf Course Architect with the Weibring Group. "The new water features coupled with the existing rolling terrain compliment each other quite well. It's definitely one of the best nine-hole courses in the Midwest."  

Green fees will run you  $30 for nine holes with cart, Monday through Friday. Weekends are typically reserved for member play. For tee times and course information call Ty Brumm, General Manager, at 319-668-2225 or visit www.williamsburgiowagolf.com.

Kansas

Falcon Valley Golf Course – Craig Schreiner has created some of the finest 18-hole courses in Kansas and Missouri, and also arguably the best nine-hole course as well. Falcon Valley is located in the Kansas City suburb of Lenexa, KS and offers golfers an experience they will remember.

Falcon Valley challenges golfers with a variety of natural elements – primarily the elevation changes, thick woodlands, native prairie grasses and creeks. Add to that several lakes which come into play, and numerous strategically placed sand bunkers and you've got a what is without a doubt the finest nine-hole layout in the state of Kansas. The signature hole is the short par 3, 5th hole (pictures at left). Playing just 150 yards from the tips, anything right of the green will leave you with a big number and any tee shot above the hole will probably produce a three putt. A beautiful golf hole.

In addition to an outstanding golf courses, the clubhouse features a superb restaurant on the main level – The Brassie – as well as a pub and full service pro shop on the lower level which walks out to a superb putting green. The level of service at Falcon Valley Golf Course is second to none.

Green fees for Falcon Valley are $25 during the week and $30 on weekends (including cart). For information call 913-780-5976 or visit www.falconvalleygolf.com.

Michigan

Threetops

Heralded as one of the best par 3 courses in the world, Threetops at Treetops Resort in Northern Michigan is truly a sight to behold. Elevation changes from 90 to 170 feet offer the kind of challenge that golfers who play will remember for years to come.  The course plays host annually to the Tylenol Par 3 Shootout -- a televised lovefest with some of golf's greatest players. The 2004 field includes last year's winner Fuzzy Zoeller, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and Lee Trevino.

"Players of all abilities can pack a day's worth of fun in a 90-minute, nine-hole round on one of the most unique challenges in golf," says course designer/resort owner Rick Smith. "Perched high over the Pigeon River Valley, Treetops Resort is one of the Midwest’s premier four-season resorts, offering majestic views of one of northern Michigan’s most stunning landscapes — it’s the perfect escape."

Anyone who has visited Treetops would surely agree that it's one of the Midwest's greatest golf resorts -- despite a short season. Treetops Resort, boasts 81 holes of championship golf by designers Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Tom Fazio and Rick Smith. Treetops is a 6-time recipient of Golf Magazine's "Silver Medal Resort" award and is rated #32 in America's Top 75 Golf Resorts by Golf Digest.

The cost to play Threetops is $50. For information call 888-TREETOPS or visit www.treetops.com.

Minnesota

Double Eagle

This course has tree-lined fairways and sand bunkers on most holes. The greens are slow, and water hazards come into play on no fewer holes than four holes. This was the first golf course in the U.S. that was designed to reverse the direction of play every other day. It features eighteen separate tee boxes and ten greens, used to make two distinct nine hole layouts known as the Gold Course and the Green Course. On alternating days, players use different tee boxes even though they are hitting to the same greens. Double Eagle, located about 100 miles southeast of Brainerd, is carved through native Minnesota forest and offers several interesting dogleg holes as well as some exceptional par 3 holes.

The course is 3,337 yards long and plays to a par 36. Green fees are under $20. For information call 238-738-5115.

Missouri

Hidden Lakes – Tee it up at Hidden Lakes Golf Course located at Tan-Tar-A Resort, Golf Club & Spa, and you'll immediately see why USA Today has ranked this gem as one of the "Best 9-Hole Courses In America." Golf Digest Architectural Editor Ron Whitten says it's a "great example of what a nine-hole course should be."

Memorable holes featuring zoysia fairways with sweeping elevation changes are accentuated by views of Lake of the Ozarks which provides a spectacular backdrop for this Jim Lewis-designed layout. Playing at 3,015 yards from the tips, this par 35 course is open to the public and offers golfers a chance to spend a couple of hours experiencing what Lake of the Ozarks golf is all about.  At Hidden Lakes you'll play par 4s with incredible elevation drops and a short, but treacherous, par 3 over water. Excellent course maintenance and a large pro shop staffed with customer friendly associates add to the experience.

Hidden Lakes is open from mid-April until mid-October. Green fees are $35 for 9 holes (includes cart). The award-winning Tan-Tar-A Resort, Golf Club & Spa also features The Oaks, an 18-hole championship course, as well as lots of opportunities for family or romantic activities. It's a beautiful place to spend a few days playing golf and relaxing. For information call 573-348-8655 or visit www.tan-tar-a.com

Top of the Rock – It's hard to assign the proper adjectives when describing this Jack Nicklaus masterpiece. Outstanding, spectacular and awesome just don't do this par 3 course justice. Set high on a ridge high above Table Rock Lake just south of Branson, Missouri, the attention to detail is second to none.

Top of the Rock Golf Course, conveniently located a short drive from the entrance to Big Cedar Lodge just south of Branson, Missouri, offers one of the most unique golfing experiences in the entire Midwest. a challenging design, this Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, the first Par 3 course to bear his golden name, is also a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.

"It's the prettiest par 3 course I've ever seen. And that includes that little par 3 course down in Augusta, Georgia," Nicklaus says with a smile making a pointed reference to the par 3 course at Augusta National Golf Club.

From the moment you tee up your first shot until you putt out on the 9th green, your senses will be tickled by waterfalls, flowering shrubs, towering hardwood trees, perennial wildflowers and panoramic views of Table Rock Lake. And the golf holes -- you've got to see it to believe it! The attention to detail is incredible throughout and course as well as the pro shop. The best time to play the course is late in the day. After golf, sit outside on the deck at Top Of The Rock Restaurant and sip your favorite beverage and watch the sunset glowing over the lake and hills. It truly doesn't get any better  than that.

Big Cedar Lodge located over the ridge is just as magnificent as the golf course. Check it out. Green fees are $35  ($30 for Lodge guests) for nine holes. For tee times and information call 417-339-5312 or visit www.big-cedar.com/thingstodo/outdoor-golf.cfm.

Nebraska

Legend Buttes - Legend Buttes Golf Course has been designated by one of Nebraska's most respected newspapers, The World Herald, as one of the best 9 hole golf courses in Nebraska. The 3,178 yard, 36 par golf course located at the west edge of Crawford is in one of the most scenic areas in the country. Legend Buttes was one of only two nine-hole courses designated by the panel of professional golfers. The course is a city golf course, and is open to anyone who wants to play.  Legend Buttes also offers a driving range, practice putting green, pro shop, and lounge. Tee times can be made by calling 308-665-2431. Cart and Club rentals available. Green fees are $9 during the week and $10 on weekends.

Wisconsin

Eagle Springs Golf Resort - In 1866, two  Irish immigrants, John and Mary Tuohy, arrived from Boston and settled on the western shores of Eagle Springs Lake where their 80-acre farm grew to 601 acres. In 1893 John sold his portion of the land to his son, William, who then decided that the area would be an ideal vacation spot and established a resort including a grand hotel, 12 cottages and 18-hole golf course. He hired A. G. Spaulding, a former pitcher and manager for the Chicago Cubs, to designed the first two holes and let nature dictate what would become the rest of the 18-holes.
 

After the depression in 1929 the golf course was cut to nine-holes -- as it remains today. Although the original resort hotel no longer stands on the property, the old hotel’s “laundry building” is currently the Clubhouse for the golf course. It features the original cherry wood tables and chairs from the resort. The cherry wood bar also comes from the hotel. Many reminders of the past are displayed in the cherished, antique clubhouse. Nine of the original cottages remain as part of the current resort and are available for rent. Both the golf course and the cottages epitomize the legacy of Eagle Springs Golf Resort.

Owner Mike Bolan, fifth generation, and his family represent Eagle Springs Golf Resort as the oldest family owned nine-hole course in Wisconsin. The property is located approximately 45 minutes southwest of Milwuakee, Wisconsin and about 15 minutes from Lake Geneva. Green fees are $13.00 weekdays and $15.75 on weekends. For more information on golf and cabin rentals call 262-594-2462 or visit www.eaglespringsgolfresort.com.

Think we overlooked a great nine-hole layout in the Midwest? E-mail your comments and suggestions to editor@midwestgolfguide.com.