The Open Championship returns in 2026, and as fans prepare for the tournament, many are unaware of the real reason why golf is played over 18 holes. The tradition, now standard across the sport, has a fascinating origin story rooted in the history of the game.
The Origin at St Andrews
The 18-hole round can be traced back to the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland, widely considered the home of golf. In the mid-18th century, the course originally had 11 holes, with players teeing off and then playing the same holes back to the clubhouse, making a round of 22 holes. However, in 1764, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews decided to reduce the number of holes from 11 to 9, creating a round of 18 holes. This change was made to improve the layout and reduce the length of the round.
According to the R&A, the governing body for golf outside the US and Mexico, the decision was a practical one. The course's layout was altered to avoid overlapping fairways and to create a more efficient routing. The 18-hole standard was not immediately adopted worldwide but gradually became the norm as other courses modeled themselves after St Andrews.
Why Not 17 or 19 Holes?
Some might wonder why 18 holes became the standard rather than another number. The answer lies in the fact that St Andrews was the most influential course in the early development of golf. As the sport spread across Britain and later the world, course designers looked to St Andrews as the template. By the late 19th century, most new courses were built with 18 holes, and the tradition was cemented when the R&A codified the rules of golf in the 20th century.
Interestingly, there are exceptions. Some courses, like the famous Glen Eagles in Scotland, originally had 14 holes, while others experimented with 12 or 16. But the 18-hole round prevailed due to its balance of length and challenge, typically covering about 5 to 7 miles of walking.
The Open 2026 and the 18-Hole Tradition
As The Open 2026 approaches, fans will see the 18-hole format in action at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, the host venue for the 154th Open Championship. The tournament, scheduled for 16-19 July, will feature the world's top golfers competing over four rounds of 18 holes each, totaling 72 holes.
The R&A Official Shop has unveiled a 154th Open collection ahead of the tournament, offering fans a chance to purchase merchandise. The collection includes apparel, accessories, and memorabilia celebrating the event. Prices vary, and the shop is available online.
Conclusion
The 18-hole round is a tradition born out of necessity and practicality at St Andrews in 1764. While many golfers may not know the reason, it remains a fundamental part of the game. As The Open 2026 tees off, spectators can appreciate the history behind every hole they watch.
