The Battlefield

By: J. David Chapman/May 11, 2023

I am writing today’s column on Monkey Island at Grand Lake from Shangri-La Resort’s newest amenity. Today is opening day for a new par 3 golf course called The Battlefield. This course is being called one of the most unique golf courses in America.

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 if they desire. The threes are built on 80 acres of rugged terrain, with more than 100 feet of elevation changes throughout the property.

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 four sets of tees, players can choose the easier and shorter teeing options with more direct access from tee to green. Or they may choose to push play to the back set of tees 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 stand-alone clubhouse facility offers a short-iron warm-up area and a large putting green. Although some players may prefer to walk the rolling course, golf carts are available. At a patio overlooking the beautiful landscape, you can relax following play and see several greens complexes throughout the course. The included turn house will provide meals, snacks, and drinks during your round, and in the Battlefield golf shop, you will be certain to find some great souvenirs from your experience and provide for all your golf needs.

The facility is operated separate from Shangri La’s 27-hole Championship Course and was designed by Paul Clark, who worked with golf course architect Kevin Atkinson of Atkinson Design and Dale Forrest of construction firm United Golf on the project. Many of the buildings were built by Timberlake Construction. This new course is all part of the dream of owner Eddy Gibbs, who brought back the initial course with a new clubhouse, new hotel, new marina, and a recently finished activity center called The Anchor to make this one of the best resorts in the U.S.

J. David Chapman is a professor of finance and real estate at the University of Central Oklahoma (jchapman7@uco.edu).