Recommended for golfers who: Like their courses to be short but interesting.

Among the shortest but most entertaining layouts in the metro area, the Country Club of Gwinnett offers players who don’t bomb it off the tee the opportunity to hit short irons into most of the par 4s and maybe even reach a par 5 in two. With the exception of a hole or two, length is not a serious concern, but even with the modest yardage numbers, the course is no pushover.

Former PGA Tour player turned broadcaster Steve Melnyk designed the course, which opened in the early 1990s and was renovated several years ago, with the nines reversed from the original layout. Melnyk offers ample room to drive the ball on most of the holes, but there are a few that require considerable accuracy, with the fairways sloping in the direction of tight tree lines. The large, moderately rolling greens and some relatively hilly terrain provide much of the challenge, with solid iron play and a deft touch with the putter necessary to capitalize on the absence of serious distance.

 The 16^th is one of the most appealing over-water par 3s around, with the two back nine par 5s very inviting if (a big if) you can hit it straight.

There are a reasonable number of hazards in play, but no overly demanding forced carries, and the combination of the layout’s friendly nature, along with quality course conditions and affordable rates, make for a consistently enjoyable golf experience.