How Many Holes in Golf? Golf is a sport played on a course consisting of a series of holes. Each hole is marked by a flag and a cup, and the goal is to hit the ball into the cup in as few strokes as possible.
How Many Holes in Golf?
In this article, we’ll explore how many holes there are in golf and the history behind this number.
18 Holes
The standard number of holes in a round of golf is 18. This is the number used in most professional and amateur tournaments, as well as in recreational play. A full round of golf typically takes around four hours to complete.
The Origin of 18 Holes
The origin of 18 holes in golf is a topic of debate among historians, but there are a few theories as to how this number came to be. One theory suggests that the number 18 was chosen because there are 18 shots in a bottle of Scotch, and early golfers often enjoyed a drink after a round of golf.
Another theory suggests that 18 holes became the standard because the Old Course at St. Andrews, one of the oldest and most famous golf courses in the world, has 18 holes.

9 Holes
While 18 holes is the standard number used in most golf courses, there are also courses that have 9 holes. These courses are often used for shorter games or for beginners who are just starting to learn the game. A round of golf on a 9-hole course takes around two hours to complete.
Other Variations
There are also variations of golf that use different numbers of holes. For example, there is a form of golf called “speed golf” that uses 6 holes and is played in under an hour. Additionally, there is a form of golf called “flog ton” that uses 11 holes.
Conclusion – How Many Holes in Golf?
In conclusion, the standard number of holes in a round of golf is 18, although there are also courses with 9 holes and variations of the game that use different numbers of holes. The history behind the number 18 is a topic of debate, but it has become the standard number used in most professional and amateur tournaments, as well as in recreational play.