How Many Holes Should a Round of Golf Be? Let’s Dive In!

When we think about golf, 18 holes usually come to mind. It’s kind of a tradition, right? But have you ever stopped to think about where that came from? Believe it or not, it all traces back to the Old Course at St Andrews. Way back in the day, there were 22 holes, but they combined some shorter ones to create the classic 18-hole layout you see today. Fast forward nearly 300 years, and somehow, that 18-hole standard spread across the globe thanks to the influence of the R&A and St Andrews. But here we are in 2025, and with life getting busier, maybe it’s time to question if 18 holes is the best fit for a normal round of golf in today’s world.

To kick off our discussion, we asked a bunch of folks at MGS a question: if golf was starting fresh today, how many holes would really make sense for a standard round? Let’s see what they had to say!

15 Holes: A Sweet Spot?

First up, Sean Fairholm chimes in with an interesting suggestion—15 holes. He argues that dropping three holes could save about 45 minutes on your round. That keeps you in the sweet spot—3 to 3.5 hours on the course. “Anything longer takes too much planning, and anything shorter feels rushed,” he points out. It’s all about finding that balance, right? Who wouldn’t love to finish up in the late afternoon sun without feeling like they’ve spent half their day on the course?

The Magic of 12 Holes

Next, Adam Beach proposes going even shorter with 12 holes. This idea is gaining traction for its accessibility. With the pressures of everyday life, how many people can spare 4 or 5 hours for a round? A 12-hole game could fit snugly into about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Plus, shorter rounds could mean lower greens fees since upkeep costs drop with less land to manage. Adam believes this setup would attract new players, families, and younger crowds. It’s all about growing the game, and less time on the course could do just that!

The Quick Fix: 6 Holes

Then there’s Connor Lindeman, who goes for the ultra-short with six holes. Picture this: two par-3s, two par-4s, and two par-5s. He suggests it would be a breeze—like a quick lunch break from work or school. Imagine being able to squeeze in a round in just about an hour. That could be a game-changer for busy lifestyles, boosting participation in the game!

Staying Traditional: 18 Holes with a Twist

On the other hand, Brittany Olizarowicz believes in maintaining the classic 18 holes but with a modern twist. Her idea? Structuring courses into six-hole loops. This means you could start with just six if you’re strapped for time or go for the full experience with 18. It’s like being at the driving range but still getting the thrill of a full round.

A Compromise: 14 Holes

Chris Nickel makes a solid case for 14 holes. He thinks we need to keep some familiarity for those transitioning from the traditional 18. He likens it to a meal—you can’t just swap a 16-ounce ribeye for a 5-ounce. If you want that “front nine and back nine” feel, 14 could genuinely hit the sweet spot. Quick rounds would still feel complete, and who wouldn’t love a designed option for those days when you just want to get in a little extra practice?

The Classic Double: 36 Holes

Scott Hutchison takes it full throttle with a suggestion of 36 holes. Loop the traditional 18 twice! Imagine telling your significant other, “I’ll be back in ten hours.” Sometimes, going big can be a blast if you have the time and energy for a full day of golfing.

The 9/18 System: Sticking to the Basics

Dave Wolfe believes in a 9/18 system but with a twist: let’s ditch the golf carts. While not the core topic, he argues that carts lead to slow play. Going back to basics could speed things up and enhance the experience for everyone on the course.

Loops of 9 or 12 Holes

Phillip Bishop offers thoughts on playing in three or four-hole loops—like mini-golf for adults! Most members at private clubs are likely sneaking in those little games anyway. With courses like Sweetens Cove Golf Club going the nine-hole route, you could get a full day of play while still having a ton of fun with varied tee boxes and unique layouts.

The Perfect 12

Finally, Bennett Green is all in on the 12-hole concept as well. His vision includes four par-3s, four par-4s, and four par-5s—a balanced course offering that would keep players from getting too worn out. Not only does it make for a shorter, more enjoyable round, but it’s also eco-friendly. Less water, less fertilizer, and more accessible rounds for everyone, including newcomers.

So, What’s the Verdict?

Now, with all these opinions swirling around, we’ve got to ask: what’s your take? Are you team 12, 15, or keeping it classic at 18? Or are you leaning toward the radical 6-holes or 36-holes? We want to hear what you think in the comments below.

Golf is an ever-evolving game, and as we challenge conventions, maybe we can find a way to make it even more fun and accessible. Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking for something fresh, let’s keep the conversation flowing. After all, golf is all about enjoying the green!

Hope you enjoyed our deep dive into the number of holes in golf! Excited to hear your thoughts and ideas. Keep swinging, friends!