Short course good or bad for my game?

I'm joining my local club this weekend (my friend is the Pro there so makes sense as will be able to play a bit with him & get tips etc)

It is a very short course though (although beautifully kept and a good challenge).  The yardage is only 3502 with a Par of 60 (SSS 57).

Was just wondering if you guys thought it would be good for my game or not and how it may effect my handicap (or is that all relative to the SSS anyway)?

I reckon that it'll help my short game which is probably very important.  There are still 3 holes where I can tee off with a wood so it's not like I wouldn't be hitting any fuller shots.

What are your thoughts - do you think I may get too used to it being short and then play terribly on longer courses?  Or will it improve my swing regardless just as I'll be playing more?

Thanks in advance....

Thats 18 holes ?

Sounds like a par 3 course with a couple of longer holes thrown in. Personally I would use it as a bit of fun kind of knock after work or maybe to home in on a new wedge or short game practice.

If your not getting the opportunity to hit long irons/woods/utilities off the fairway then you will certainly struggle on a longer course when these shots are needed - it would be good for you to have a neat short game but not so good if it takes 4 shots to arrive to your short game point - if you see what I mean..

Better off joining a proper course for me.

NWOT.........

Thanks for your replies so far.  Valid points - I get what you mean Robbie, need to get short before a good short game kicks in!!  However I've found so far that I'm fairly good at getting to that point and then have let myself down with the 50 yard in sort of game so hopefully this short game practice should help me out!

Very helpful input from you thanks Christopher, like you say sounds a similar setup to your course where I will always be punished for wayward shots so hopefully should get me to hopefully develop a straight game even if not the longest.  As far as tackling my handicap goes I also agree that if I ever get to the level of trying to chase single figures then would obviously need a more standard par course to develop further etc..  

For now (with time constraints also a factor as I have a 1 year old son to help look after) playing more often even if it is on a shorter course will hopefully benefit me more than playing much less often on a true par 72 full course.

We shall see!!!  Just LOVE playing!!

Jim, your comment about "will it make me too used to a short course" tells me you have already assessed the potential problem. On a full course you might be trying too hard to steer and place all your long shots. Just make sure you play enough long courses as well to open your shoulders and get the feel of covering distance rather than achieving precision. Take the benefit of all that short game practice when you play away - plus the fact that you should get round in a lot less time at your home course so play more rounds!

Thanks for everyones responses.  I did join yesterday and am looking forward to playing far more frequently now.  As mentioned by a few of you if I can make sure I still play a few longer courses as well every now and then hopefully I should see the benefit to my all round game.

Thanks for the advice - I'll let you know my progress!