WEST LINN — For awhile now, Mike Fritz has thought it would be cool to put a par-three golf course in his backyard. Not literally in his backyard in Lake Oswego, but figuratively in land not far from home.

Fritz has done that with Shortland Golf Club, a 19-hole — that’s right, 19 — course with which “unique” is the operative word.

Located on the property that was formerly Sandelie Golf Course, which closed in 2022, Shortland may be the only full par-3 course in the country with synthetic tee boxes, greens and bunkers.

That’s right, bunkers. More on that in a minute.

Play began on May 5, and enough rounds have been played to produce 68 holes-in-one in only three months. And that has been achieved while playing on only 14 holes, since the full course hasn’t been available to play.

But starting at noon Thursday, 19 holes will be open as part of grand-opening ceremonies that will run through Sunday. For walk-ons from noon to 5 p.m., greens fees are $19. Through the weekend, there will be plenty of promotional activities.

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