The New Short Course at Peninsula State Park

Talk to anyone who has played Peninsula State Park golf course in beautiful Door County and they will likely mention something about playing the eighth hole, the shortest on the course.

At just 69 yards, playing from the edge of a rocky bluff that runs through the course, the drop shot to the circle target green below is a half wedge at best, a chip shot for some.

But as of 2014, the eighth is no longer the shortest hole associated with Peninsula, believe it or not.

That distinction now lies just across the road from the practice range at the new Short Course, which opened late last summer. Consisting of just six holes, which range in yardage from 64 to 115 on the scorecard, it gives Peninsula a learning center as good as any public facility in the Wisconsin.

"It will continue to be the place to provide a non-intimidating golfer experience," said general manager Jason Daubner. "The key is to introduce new people to the sport and grow the game."

Peninsula has two full-time teaching professionals on staff during the golf season - Peter Mogg (PGA) and Sylvia Ferdon (LPGA) - who are available for individual, group, video, and on-the-course instruction. The staff also conducts two separate golf schools for juniors in the summer - one in June and one in July - from kids ages 8-14. Each school is open to the first 30 entrants and is FREE of charge through the Dr. William and Carolyn Bell Junior Fund and the PGA.

"We also have started a First Tee program that is open to kids ages 6-17 and costs $80 per child for the full summer," said Daubner. "This (past) year the First Tee program met once a week on Wednesdays for nine weeks and incorporated First Tee life lessons along with golf instruction. The last night of First Tee included play on our new short course and a family cook out for all the participants."

Rates for the Short Course in 2014 were $8 for adults ($5 replay) and $5 for juniors ($3 replay). Rental clubs are also available for just $5. There is a separate check-in area and parking for the Short Course which is just past the main entrance to the "big course" along Highway 42 in Ephraim.

The 18-hole regulation golf course at Peninsula State Park is one of the most beautiful in Door County with views of Eagle Harbor from the clubhouse and three holes on the back nine. The 18-hole layout dates back to 1931. It plays to a par 71 from the back tees at 6,304 yards.