by D K Mitchell

Created on: March 19, 2010   Last Updated: March 31, 2010

Luxury Golfing - The appeal of the nine hole course.

Once bitten by the golf bug, course size in general doesn't matter. But there is something most appealing about a 'quick' 
round played on a designated nine-hole course.

Naturally, when time permits, the course will be played twice for the standard eighteen hole game. But time doesn't always 
permit and on a normal eighteen hole course stopping at the ninth may mean you are quite a distance from the clubhouse.

Not every course will allow for easy manoeuvring and crossing fairways on your return journey can be rather hazardous; not to 
mention annoying to other players.

At the world's oldest golf course in Musselburgh, Scotland, the course was originally played on just seven holes, the eighth 
and ninth added later. This was the course, it is said, happily played by Mary Queen of Scots.

Many early golf courses were constructed as nine hole courses and as such have survived to this day to display their full 
glory. Magnificent tree lined fairways offering protection as well as a glorious display of ancient growth. Healthy memberships and full events calendars are a good indication of the esteem in which the course is held.

Only the those who weren't informed would by-pass such history in favour of a new eighteen hole course. An established nine hole course generally has survived the ravages of time due to favourable playability and construction quality. The newer courses have yet to prove their survivability.

The avid golfer will play all their local courses in time and come by their personal favourite after play but when briefly visiting an area offering many courses, it can be advantageous to opt for history and play the older course.

Land shortages, cost of upkeep and lack of club memberships can see golf courses come and go. Even quite popular courses can 
be lost to development.

A smaller course has a tighter grip on longevity. With this in mind even the newer nine hole courses will offer the chance to become an inaugural part of a long surviving club no doubt offering the favourable hospitality generally found at these smaller clubs.

The nine-hole course will usually offer everything offered by the eighteen hole courses, sometimes with the exception of a pro-shop.

Most clubhouses offer a degree of comfort not found in sporting facilities other than golf.

Where a clubhouse will most often be the restful stop supplying food and beverages it is also the here that the restrooms are found and many can be a genuine treat.

 In golf, as in no other sport, the restrooms contain most of a persons potential needs. If headaches, chaffing or blisters are requiring treatment chances are it is available in the restroom for immediate repair. Lotions, potions, and implements, all there for your comfort. Many offer showers complete with shampoos, conditioners, hair dryers and towels. 

Moisturisers freely available more often than not with good choice  selections.

Not a service found very often at a larger more commercially orientated course. Some eighteen hole courses are run along similar lines as the nine hole courses though it is hard to duplicate the intimacy found at the nine hole course.

Social nights and friendly games are all part and parcel of the smaller clubs.

Golf, after all, isn't just a game, it's a lifestyle.

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