Why are there 18 holes in golf?

If you’ve ever stepped out on the course to tee off but wondered, "Why are there 18 holes in golf?" you're certainly not alone.

Golf has many curious features that make it unique, and having 18 holes is one of the most iconic aspects of the game. But have you ever wondered how and why this specific number became the standard?

In this guide, we’ll look at why a round of golf is made up of 18 holes. We’ll take a history lesson looking back at its origins and how it all started. Plus, we’ll explain why 18 holes continues to be the universally recognised choice for golfers across the world today.

The early days of golf

Golf, as we know it today, has advanced significantly since its early days in 15th-century Scotland. The game started out a lot more basic, played over open land, and with no fixed number of holes. In those early days, golf courses had no standard layout. Instead, players just hit a ball from one point to another. The idea of a ‘hole’ in the modern sense of the word didn't exist then in the way we understand it today.

As golf became more popular, it was clear that a more structured approach to the game was needed. By the 18th century, golf courses had developed further, and a more standard way of playing the game began. However, the number of holes on a course still hadn’t been set at that point. 

St. Andrews: The Home of Golf

The big change that would give us the 18-hole round came at St. Andrews, the famous venue often referred to as the Home of Golf. St. Andrews, in Scotland, is one of the world’s oldest and most famous golf courses, and it played a huge role in shaping the game as we know it today.

In 1764, the course management team decided to combine the two sets of 12 holes into a single 18-hole course by changing the first four short holes into two holes. Players then had 10 holes, eight of which were played twice, making it more manageable, less repetitive, and far more enjoyable for golfers.

So, the number of holes we know and play today can be linked right back to this decision. When the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) arranged the rules of golf in the 19th century, the 18-hole layout was officially defined as the global standard. With this famous course at the heart of these decisions, 18 holes then became the standard, and the rest of the golfing world would soon follow.

Recognising the 18-hole course across the world

By the time golf reached the US in the late 1800s, the 18-hole round was already widely recognised, particularly in the UK.

In 1892, Chicago Golf Club became the first club in the US to build an 18-hole course, and by the turn of the 20th century, 18 holes had become the universal standard both casually and professionally.

Why does golf have 18 holes?

Now that we know the historical background, let’s look at the technical reasons why a round of golf has 18 holes.

As golf courses were designed around the world, the 18-hole round became the ideal format for several reasons.

• Firstly, 18 holes is enough to test a golfer’s skill, endurance, and strategy.
• The layout also allows for a steady flow of play, with the first nine holes being a warm-up and the second nine becoming more challenging to finish.
• Timing also plays a key role. A full round of golf generally takes around four hours to complete, making it a good length for both casual players and professional tournaments. 

The combination of difficulty and enjoyment is another reason why the 18-hole round is so popular and rarely disputed.

Golf today

Golf has changed in many ways over the years, but the 18-hole round has remained the same ever since it was introduced. It’s one of the main qualities that defines golf, from professional competitions to casual rounds with friends at the weekend.

While there are still courses with fewer holes (9-hole courses, for example) and special formats for certain events (like the Ryder Cup), the 18-hole round remains the standard.

The reason is simple: it works. 

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