Golf doesn’t always have to be an all-day commitment. While the traditional 18-hole round isn't going anywhere, more and more golfers are discovering the benefits of nine holes. It’s faster, more affordable, and often just as satisfying as a full round. For those of you who need some convincing on whether playing only nine holes is a worthwhile endeavor, here are nine reasons why you should work these rounds into your rotation:
1. Time Friendly
Possibly the most common excuse for why people don't play more golf or don't golf at all is that it takes too much time. I'm not here to argue that it's not a fair point. A full 18-hole round can generally take four to five hours, not including travel, warm-up, or post-round drinks. While I would argue there are few things I'd rather spend half my day doing, it can be daunting when other responsibilities are competing for your time.
Nine holes, on the other hand, can usually be wrapped up in around two hours. That makes it possible to squeeze in a round before work, after school, or even during a long lunch break if you’re lucky enough to have a course nearby.
2. Cost Effective
If time isn't the biggest barrier to playing more golf, than cost likely is. It isn't going to change the price of a new set of clubs or a dozen golf balls, but nine holes is a budget-friendly way to play. Most courses offer reduced nine-hole rates that are often half the price of a full round. Look for those twilight tee times, when golf courses usually offer their best rate for those willing to race the sunset. If you’re trying to stretch your golf budget, nine holes is a great starting point.
3. Beginner Friendly
New golfers can find 18 holes intimidating, both mentally and physically. Nine holes offers a more approachable way to get on the course. Appealing to beginners is also why most tracks with only nine holes opt for either a par-3 or executive layout. It’s enough golf to learn the flow of the game and enjoy some success without overwhelming a beginner with too many shots or too much time on the course. In fact, playing nine holes is step #4 in our official guide to introducing your friends to golf.
4. Stay Fresh
18 holes of golf is a marathon, not a sprint. Walking and swinging for four to five hours can leave even seasoned golfers feeling drained. Just like a marathon runner doesn't 26 miles every time they go for a run, you don't always need to play 18 holes of golf every time out. Playing nine holes keeps you in golf shape while not draining your tank. Plus for those of you looking to incorporate a little more walking and little less cart cruising into your golf experience, it's a lot easier to convince yourself to walk when you're only playing nine. You’ll walk off the last green with energy to spare, which makes it easier to carry that positive momentum into your next round.
5. Beat the Crowds
Nine-hole rounds often mean you can grab earlier tee times or play later in the day, both of which tend to be less crowded. With fewer groups on the course, you’ll enjoy a quicker pace of play and a more relaxed atmosphere. Instead of waiting on every tee box, you can stay in rhythm and truly enjoy the flow of the game. It's a big reason why nine-hole golf leagues like Twilight Golf and Spark Golf exist—to provide a competitive golf outlet that doesn't require competing for prime tee times and more easily works into your schedule.
6. A Better Kind of Practice
Nine holes is the perfect way to focus on specific parts of your game. Maybe you want to test your driver on every tee, practice your course management, or sharpen your short-game decisions under real conditions. Take this example from Tina Mickelson's article in FORE Magazine:
I was about to break up with my 3-wood a few years back, but I decided to make a last-ditch effort to save the relationship. There was a time when we had had a great connection, and I wasn’t willing to give up without a fight. I took that baby out on a late summer afternoon with no expectations other than having a great time.
I quickly noticed that walking the course was relaxing when I wasn’t carrying anything but that one club. And carrying that one club between shots and all around that course turned it into something pretty cool. It was more about experiencing the club and the different shots it could produce, instead of expecting it to perform a certain way and then being let down when it didn’t do exactly what I wanted it to.
Playing a shorter round lets you work on skills with intention without the fatigue that often creeps in during a full 18.
7. It Still Counts
For those of you that don't think playing only nine holes is "real golf", it doesn't have to be just for fun. You can post nine-hole scores to GHIN®, and the system will combine them with another nine-hole round to create an 18-hole score. That means every quick round you squeeze in still contributes to keeping your Handicap Index® current. It’s a great way to make sure your official record reflects all the golf you’re actually playing, not just your full 18-hole outings.
8. Social Connection
It’s easier to coordinate nine holes with friends, coworkers, or family members. Non-golfers or casual players are much more likely to join if they know the round won’t stretch on all day. Whether it’s a quick morning match with buddies or an evening outing with your kids, nine holes makes golf more social and inclusive.
9. More Golf, More Often
Because it’s quicker and more affordable, nine holes makes it possible to play more frequently. Instead of saving golf for one long weekend round, you can sprinkle shorter sessions throughout the week. The result? You get more reps, more enjoyment, and more chances to improve your game.
