Over a long, gloomy winter and through those wet days, 9 holes has slowly become a firm habit. Even last Saturday, with the sun finally making an appearance, I found myself heading back to the car after just a couple of hours.
Between carrying bags and navigating what is still a boggy course if you happen to miss the fairway, it’s been hard going. You could argue these are just excuses, and you’d be right! Having not played for a few weeks, I, more than anyone with limited opportunities, should have played the back nine.
But there is another habit to mention as well. Since the fire at West Essex, while we wait for the temporary clubhouse, a new ritual has emerged. We head straight to the local pub for wine, chicken wings, and chips all round!
Once the trolley bans are lifted and the course finally dries out, I’ll be all for 18 holes again. For me, it feels like a bit of a faff to pack all the gear into the car just for 9 holes. I love the exercise and actually want the challenge of a full four-hour round, mostly so I feel like I’ve really earned that food and glass of wine afterwards!
Of course, during the summer months, a quick nine in the early evening followed by a drink is perfect... I’m starting to realise I sound like I have a bit of a theme going here!
But it got me thinking about the 12-hole courses popping up, including Mad Swans in Bristol, which Golf Monthly contributor Genelle Aldred experienced. Are shorter formats the future? In this article, Genelle shares her thoughts and features a video where she, PGA Professional Katie Dawkins, and I sit down to discuss the subject.
Genelle points out that 18 holes wasn't always the gold standard. Originally, St Andrews had 22. It was only in 1764 that they decided to combine several shorter holes, effectively reducing the round to 18. This change eventually set the tone for the rest of the golfing world, and by the late 19th century, it was formalised by The R&A and the USGA as the official length for a round.
As Genelle says, just because 'that’s how it’s always been' for the last century or so, it doesn’t mean it’s how the game must stay. Like me, Genelle loves a full 18, but she believes it should be about choice.
The 12-hole format does offer a middle ground for the modern game. It’s significantly less of a time commitment than the traditional 18, and it’s great for beginners who might find 18 holes a bit overwhelming. There’s also the built-in flexibility, as it allows you to easily repeat a loop if you want a full 18-hole experience, or simply play 6 holes when you’re squeezed for time.
I’m not sure I’m quite ready for the 12-hole revolution, but if there are wings at the end, I might be convinced!
By Alison Root, Women's Editor Golf Monthly.
