“9-Holes vs. 18-Holes”

My golfing partner and I usually play 18 holes when we hit the links.  There are plenty of reasons why we play 18-holes vs. 9-holes.  For instance, just ask anyone how long a game of golf is, and they’ll tell you it’s 18 holes.

There’s even a 19^th hole to celebrate the fact!  

The famous St. Andrews links has had 18-holes since 1764, and it’s been the standard for courses across the world since the early 1900’s.

There’s just a lot of history in favor of 18 holes.  And the simple fact is the more holes played equals more fun had!  For my golfing partner and me, there’s no better feeling than teeing off on the opening hole safe in the knowledge we’ve got another 17 more to come.  

However, our recent travels in the northeast found us playing a couple of rounds on  9-hole courses:

• Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa
• Pine Hill Golf Course  

And if I was to be honest, I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed the 9-hole format.

Our first 9-hole round was at Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, New Hampshire.  Architect Ralph Barton originally built this historic venue in 1900 and later re-designed it in 1938.  The course offered us some challenging play and stunning panoramic views of the White Mountains.     

Next was Pine Hill Golf Course in Brewer, ME.  This course’s family feel was so welcoming we ended up playing the 9-holes twice. On our second time around we were paired with life-long friends Frank and Steve (who by the way introduced themselves as Frank and Steve, NOT Frankenstein).  They had us laughing most of the round – their stories were priceless!

They have played golf together for over 30 years.  After a few minutes with them, it was obvious how much they enjoy golf and are still finding the pleasure and excitement of playing every single time they hit the links! 

While playing 9-holes I didn’t seem to feel as much pressure during the round.  I wasn’t concerned about my score and I was able to do a bit of experimenting with my game.  Throughout both rounds, I hit multiple balls from the same spot to try and work on a couple of swing issues.  

Playing 9-holes was a much quicker round.  My golfing partner and I were finished well under a hour-and-a-half, which left us plenty of time to do some sightseeing in the areas. It was also a tad easier on my body.  I still got some great exercise in and didn’t feel like I over did it. 

My Reads from the Reds – Whichever course you choose, whether it’s 9-holes or 18-holes, it’s still golf.

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting.    Written by Kathy Festa