The best quick rounds in Dallas-Fort Worth are The Swing at PGA Frisco (a lighted 10-hole par-3 course), the lighted 9-hole executive course at Lake Park in Lewisville, the Players Course at Watters Creek in Plano, Texas 9 in Fort Worth and Stewart Peninsula in The Colony. All are open to the public, and you can play most of them in an hour or two with half a bag of clubs.
We checked each course's own website in October 2026. Hours and booking rules change, so confirm before you go.
Which short courses in DFW are lit for night golf?
Three are lit, according to their official sites: The Swing and The Dance Floor at PGA Frisco, and the executive course at Lake Park in Lewisville. If you like playing after dark, see our guide to night golf in Dallas.
Par-3 and 9-hole courses around DFW
The Swing at PGA Frisco (Frisco)
A lighted, 10-hole, par-3 course at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, 3255 PGA Pkwy. Holes run about 45 to 100 yards, so it's mostly wedges. Resort guests can book tee times; the PGA Frisco site says it's walk-up only for the public. It's open into the evening most days.
The Dance Floor at PGA Frisco (Frisco)
Not a golf course but a 2-acre natural-grass putting course next to The Swing, also lit at night. Good for a group that wants to compete without full swings.
Lake Park Golf Club Executive Course (Lewisville)
A lighted nine-hole, par-29 executive course at 6 Lake Park Rd, next to the full 18 at Lake Park. Par 29 means a few par 4s mixed in with par 3s, so you'll hit more than wedges. Call 972-436-3113 or book online through the club.
The Courses at Watters Creek: Players Course (Plano/Allen)
A 9-hole, par-30 course (six par 3s and three par 4s) at 7201 Chase Oaks Blvd, on the Plano-Allen line. The official site lists $35, or $30 for seniors and Allen residents, cart included. It's one of the best places in North Dallas to learn the game or sharpen your irons.
The Courses at Watters Creek: Futures Course (Plano/Allen)
Six short holes of 40 to 110 yards at the same facility, built for juniors, beginners and families.
Texas 9 (Fort Worth)
Formerly the Texas Golf Center, at 8940 Creek Run Rd. Nine holes of executive golf. The course runs 7am to sunset and isn't lit, but the range stays open until 9pm. Book on the Texas 9 website or call 817-303-4370.
Stewart Peninsula Golf Course (The Colony)
A 9-hole course at 100 Cottonwood Springs Cir, near Lewisville Lake. Double greens and multiple tees let you play it as 18. It's longer than a par-3 course, so bring your full bag.
For juniors: The Ronny Golf Park (Frisco)
The Northern Texas PGA's short-game and play area at 16124 Championship Dr is free and open to the public when junior programs aren't running. Check its status page before you go.
What's the difference between a par-3 course and an executive course?
A par-3 course has only par-3 holes, so nine holes add up to par 27. An executive course is a shorter version of a regular course that mixes in some par 4s. Lake Park (par 29) and the Watters Creek Players Course (par 30) are executive courses. The National Golf Foundation classifies 9-hole courses under 2,600 yards as executive.
Do 9-hole and par-3 rounds count for a handicap?
Yes, as long as the course has a Course Rating. The USGA's 2024 handicap update cut the minimum length for a rated course to 750 yards for nine holes, and a 9-hole score now turns straight into an 18-hole differential. Ask the pro shop whether a course is rated before you post a score.
What clubs do you need for a par-3 course?
Not many. For a true par-3 course, a 7 or 8 iron, a 9 iron, a pitching wedge, a sand wedge and a putter cover almost everything. For an executive course, add a hybrid or fairway wood for the par 4s. Short courses are where wedges get the most use, so it's worth having lofts that are spaced evenly. Browse used wedges and used hybrids, or build a small set with our build-your-own set tool. You can also try clubs on the simulator at our Farmers Branch shop, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Want a full 18 instead? See our list of the best public golf courses in Dallas-Fort Worth.
FAQ
Is there a lighted par-3 course in Dallas?
The closest lighted short courses are The Swing at PGA Frisco and the executive course at Lake Park in Lewisville.
How long does a 9-hole par-3 round take?
Usually about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how busy the course is.
Are par-3 courses good for beginners?
Yes. Short holes mean fewer lost balls, faster rounds and a lot of practice with the irons and wedges you use most.
Can I play The Swing at PGA Frisco without staying at the resort?
Yes. The PGA Frisco site says the public can play on a walk-up basis. Resort guests can reserve tee times.
Last updated October 2026.
