One of the basic principles of golf is that a golf course consists of 18 holes. However, the origins of this choice are not as straightforward as one might think. If you were to ask a Scotsman or an Irishman, they would likely attribute it to the fact that there are exactly 18 “shots” in a bottle of whiskey.
In reality, the number of 18 holes in a complete round of golf has rather arbitrary beginnings and can be traced back to a time when golf was not yet standardized. Each Scottish club had its own set of rules and the number of holes on a course varied accordingly. It was simply a matter of determining the best layout for the club’s property.
Even the esteemed St. Andrews course initially had 22 holes. However, in 1764, the first and last 4 holes were combined to form what we now know as the 1st, 2nd, 17th, and 18th holes. This coincidentally resulted in a total of 18 holes. The rule of playing an 18-hole round of golf was officially established in the R&A Rules of Golf in 1858, but initially only applied to St. Andrews. It was the influence and significance of the Old Course and the R&A that led to the adoption of 18 holes as the standard, prompting other clubs to modify or reconstruct their courses accordingly.
Nevertheless, in recent times, the rise in golf tourism has led to the creation of many high-quality par 3 courses with a different number of holes. Examples of such courses include Bandon Preserve at the renowned Bandon Dunes resort and The Sandbox at Sand Valley. Despite deviating from the traditional 18-hole format, these courses offer an exceptional golfing experience.
While 18 holes will always hold a special place for traditionalists, there are instances where a course with fewer holes but of superior quality can be a worthwhile consideration. This is particularly relevant in an era where the overall playing experience and the excellence of the course design are increasingly valued.
The Rules of Golf serve as a standardized set of regulations and procedures that govern the sport. They are collaboratively developed and administered by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, the worldwide governing body of golf excluding the United States and Mexico, which fall under the jurisdiction of the United States Golf Association.