THE BATTLEFIELD AT OKLAHOMA’S SHANGRI-LA RESORT NAMED A TOP 25 PAR-3 COURSE BY GOLFWEEK

The Battlefield, designed by Tom Clark and Kevin Atkinson, makes its debut on the list tied for 13th with a host of courses from other famed destinations around the country.

Golfweek launched these rankings in 2023 on the philosophy that “the greatest trend in golf development over the past decade has been the introduction of short courses at so many resorts and private clubs,” the magazine’s editors explain.

“To acknowledge the rapid rise for short courses, Golfweek’s Best introduced a ranking of these layouts in 2023. This year, we go a step further, breaking the category into two divisions with the top public-access and private lists of short, par-3 or other non-traditional courses. 

“This is the ranking for the public-access layouts, which can include resorts, municipal courses and daily-fee operations.”

The Battlefield is one of America’s most unique courses. Unlike most par-3 courses that offer more of a pitch and putt feel, The Battlefield offers 18 unique full-length par-3 holes allowing players of all levels to use every iron in their bag. The course encompasses 80 acres of rugged terrain with more than 100 feet of elevation changes. As you wind through the natural feel of creeks and falls, exposed rock outcroppings and railroad ties hold the land together. 

Although the course is built for all players, the challenge you take on is up to you. With five sets of tees, players can choose the more manageable and shorter tee options with more direct access from tee to green. Or they can opt to play from the tips that bring the beautiful and well-placed bunkers, creeks, and dramatic greens complex features into play. From the back tees, the Battlefield presents holes ranging from 110 – 245 yards long.

“The Battlefield is an incredible golfing experience, probably the most fun and engaging 3,000-yard course in the country, so it’s a privilege to have Golfweek raters recognize that,” said Ryan Snyder, PGA Director of Golf for Shangri-La Resort. 

“We’re excited that more and more golfers are discovering the magic – and incredible quality – of the Battlefield. in addition to the excellent 27 championship holes at Shangri-La. This lakefront resort is probably one of the most unexpected and underrated golf destinations in the country and as more people come play here, expect us to be in conversation on a more national scale.”

Earlier this year, The Battlefield received official USGA course and slope ratings. Starting in 2024, par-3 courses can now receive a course and slope rating from the USGA. The World Handicap System (WHS) reduced the minimum length requirements for courses to receive these ratings, from 3,000 yards for 18-hole courses and 1,500 yards for 9-hole courses to 1,500 yards and 750 yards, respectively. 

The Battlefield plays 2,951 yards from the back tees. The Course Rating System uses formulas, adjustments, and table values to calculate ratings based on the obstacle factors and effective playing length of 9 or 18 designated holes. Rounds played at courses that receive these ratings can count towards a golfer’s official handicap.