Specialist golf insurance provider Golf Care has launched a handy interactive map locating 35 of the best 9-hole courses in the UK.
The map is also loaded with useful information about each course, such as on-site amenities and distance to the nearest town or city centre.
The increased popularity of shorter golf rounds, as opposed to the traditional full 18, continues to be one of the industry’s most noticeable trends. Last year, data released by BRS Golf by Golf Now revealed that despite the pandemic, 9-hole tee bookings had more than doubled in the UK in 2020.
A growing number of people are being drawn to shorter courses and the opportunity to play fewer holes due to work and family commitments. For the younger generation, juggling working from home and childcare, among other things, has meant golf has taken a backseat since courses reopened post-lockdown.
However, playing shorter 9-hole rounds has several benefits to time-pressed players. Not only does it allow players onto the course quicker, meaning a round can be slotted into a lunchtime or weekday more easily, but it also helps newcomers to the sport hone their craft.
Commenting on the trend, Bernard Gallacher, three-time European Ryder Cup captain and Golf Care ambassador said: “Nine-hole courses holes are perfect for anyone that’s time-challenged, but still wanting to play. Shorter courses are also great for young children or those first learning to play golf, as playing a full 18 can be a bit of a slog at first.
“It’s important we pull together as a sport and look at ways of adapting the game to make it more accessible for all. The appetite for golf will always be there, but diversifying will enable us to fully bounce back from the pandemic. It’s been great to see people out enjoying golf in person again.”