The answer to the question “how many holes are there on a golf course?” is easily answered: nine or 18 holes – although that isn’t always the case.

A standard full golf course consists of 18 holes made up of two nine hole loops: the front nine and the back nine.

Other courses are nine hole venues that can either be played for short rounds, or by playing the same nine holes twice to make up a full round of 18 holes.

You also have resort or larger courses that have a choice of say 27 holes that can be combined in any order to create an 18-hole round.

When courses refer to the 19th hole, they usually mean the bar or restaurant in the clubhouse where golfers descend after their round.

How Many Holes Does A Standard Golf Course Have?

The standard golf course has 18 holes, with each hole offering its own unique challenge.

The layout of a golf course will generally see a mixture of par-3, par-4 and par-5 holes totalling up to 7,500 yards depending on the tees you use for the round and the size of golf course used.

What Are 9-Hole Golf Courses?

Nine-hole golf courses are a fantastic alternative to the more traditional 18-hole layouts, offering something for all skill levels and a shorter round of golf.

A full round of 18 holes can take around four hours, whereas a nine-hole round is usually completed in about half the time.

This makes it easier to fit in a quick game of golf, whether it’s before or after work, during a lunch break, or even at twilight.

Nine-hole courses are also less intimidating for newcomers, who want to enjoy a game of golf without the commitment of a full 18 holes.

Just like their 18-hole courses, nine-holers are designed with a mix of challenging holes – so don’t expect these to a pushover.

The cost of playing on a nine-hole course is generally more affordable than an 18-hole round too.

These courses are often family-friendly and perfect for introducing children to golf. The shorter rounds are less tiring for young players, making it an excellent way to share the sport with the entire family.

What Are Par-3 Golf Courses and Academy Courses?

Short par-3 courses are a distinct category of golf courses that are characterised by their shorter hole lengths.

All holes are par-3s ranging from 100 to 150 yards, making them ideal for those who want to play a quick round of golf in under two hours.

They are especially appealing for newcomers, families and golfers who are just getting into the game.

The shorter holes reduce the need for powerful drives and long shots, allowing newcomers to focus on their short game, including chipping and putting.

Academy Courses are slightly different as they are designed with a focus on golf instruction, skill development, and practice.

They tend to be used for golf lessons and clinics, making them valuable for golfers seeking to improve their game or just learn the fundamentals of golf.

Academy courses often host junior golf programs and youth academies to provide a structured and supportive environment for young golfers to learn the game.