18hole

18hole is a term used in golf to denote a course or round consisting of 18 holes. It is the standard format for most modern play and competition, and the adjective is typically hyphenated as 18-hole. The concept describes both the layout of a course and the act of playing a full round.

Most golf courses are arranged as an 18-hole layout, though some offer nine-hole courses or 27-hole configurations created by two or more 9-hole loops. Each hole has a designated par value, and the total par for an 18-hole course is typically 70 to 72. Distances vary widely; courses commonly range from about 5,000 to 7,500 yards, depending on design and level of play.

Rounds of 18hole are usually completed in four to five hours, depending on pace of play and course conditions. The design of an 18-hole course includes a mix of par-3, par-4, and par-5 holes, with hazards such as bunkers, water, and trees shaping strategy for both amateur and professional players.

The game governed at international level by organizations such as the USGA and The R&A, which oversee the rules, course rating and slope, and handicapping systems that apply to 18-hole rounds. Notable examples of 18hole courses include historic links and championship venues around the world, such as St Andrews, Augusta National, and Pebble Beach, among many others.