The Rules of Par 3 Golf at Shortees Golf Club in Terrey Hills.

Welcome to Shortees Golf, where we’ve reimagined the classic Par 3 course experience! Whether you're a seasoned player or a first-timer, our 18-hole Pitch and Putt course at Terrey Hills on Sydney's Northern Beaches is designed for fun, relaxation, and quick, exciting rounds of golf. If you're planning to hit the course, here's everything you need to know about the rules and etiquette at Shortees.

What is Par 3 Golf?

Par 3 golf is all about precision and short-game skills, with each hole designed to be completed in three strokes or fewer. At Shortees, our course offers holes that range from 30m to 90m, perfect for golfers of all levels. It’s fast, accessible, and allows you to play a round without the commitment of a full-length course.

The local rules according to Shortees:

• use the tee mats provided.
• Tee off only when the green ahead is clear.
• Enjoy yourself but don't be a jerk.
• Yell "Fore" if you think you are going to hit some poor soul.
• Black & white stakes define out of bounds. 1 Stroke penalty applies.
• A ball on the wrong green can be moved without penalty.
• If a ball is hit into a garden area take a free drop.
• A ball that hits a light pole may be replayed. No penalty.
• Avoid slow play. have ya shot, keep moving.
• let faster groups play through. Pick up after 8 shots.
• Do not stand in front of someone taking a shot.
• Don't cheat, pay your bets, celebrate ya wins & play more golf!

1. Teeing Off

Before you hit the first hole, you’ll start from the tee box. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Always tee off the mats: All 18 holes at Shortees use synthetic grass mats for tee boxes. 
Check the distance: You don’t want to go long!
One ball per shot: If you hit your ball out of bounds, you’ll need to take a penalty stroke and re-tee.

2. Taking Your Shot

Once you've teed off, it's time to focus on getting to the green with the fewest shots possible. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
Accuracy is key: Since Par 3 holes are short, the challenge lies in making accurate shots. Take your time to line up each shot and aim for precision over power.
Club choice: Depending on the distance of the hole, you'll likely be using a 56-60 degree wedge. It’s always a good idea to choose the right club for the distance — don’t rush your club selection!
Take your time: Play at your own pace, but try to stay mindful of the group behind you. If you need a moment to line up your shot, take it — but try not to hold up play unnecessarily.

3. Putting on the Green

After making your approach shot, you’ll likely find yourself on the green. Here’s the etiquette to follow while putting:
Mark your ball: If your ball is in the way of another player’s putt, mark it with a ball marker (or a small coin) to avoid interfering with their game.
Respect the green: Be mindful of your fellow golfers by not standing in their line of sight while they putt and never use a wedge on the green - putter only.
Read the green: Take a moment to assess the slope and grain of the green before lining up your putt. This will help you adjust for any breaks in the surface.

4. Pace of Play

One of the best things about Shortees Golf is how fast-paced and enjoyable the rounds are. To keep things moving smoothly:

Keep up with the group ahead: If you’re playing at a steady pace, you’ll keep the course open for others.

Be ready: Have your club ready and be prepared to hit when it’s your turn.
Don’t linger too long: While it’s tempting to chat with your friends, try to keep the conversation light and avoid delaying play when it’s your turn.

5. Golf Etiquette at Shortees

At Shortees, we’re all about having fun, but it’s important to follow proper etiquette so everyone can enjoy their time on the course:
Repair divots: If your shot causes a divot, take a moment to repair it. This helps keep the course looking great for everyone.
Respect the course and our neighbours: Never use your wedge on the greens and before you think about blasting balls into the national park, think again. No-one likes a drongo.
Language: we don’t mind noise on the course, in-fact we encourage it but please use respectful language. 

6. Handling Penalties

Golf is all about precision, but mistakes can happen. If your ball lands in an undesirable spot, here’s how to handle it:
Out of bounds: If your ball goes out of bounds, take a one-stroke penalty and re-tee at the spot where the ball last crossed the boundary.
Lost ball: If your ball goes missing, take a one-stroke penalty, drop a new ball at the last spot, and continue the game.

At Shortees Golf, we believe golf should be fun, relaxing, and accessible to everyone. Our Par 3 Pitch and Putt course is the perfect place to enjoy a quick round of day or night golf with friends, family, or colleagues. By following these simple rules and keeping the pace of play in mind, you’ll ensure that everyone has a great time on the course.
Ready to have a blast? Grab your clubs, head over to Shortees, and experience Par 3 golf like never before!