Course Basics Standard Layout: 18 holes (9-hole and non-standard variants exist) Surface Types: Natural grass (bentgrass, Bermuda), artificial turf (FIFA-approved), sand (budget courses) Hole Types: Par 3, 4, 5 (rarely Par 6 or 7) Course...
| Course Basics | Standard Layout: | 18 holes (9-hole and non-standard variants exist) |
| Surface Types: | Natural grass (bentgrass, Bermuda), artificial turf (FIFA-approved), sand (budget courses) | |
| Hole Types: | Par 3, 4, 5 (rarely Par 6 or 7) |
| Course Dimensions | Total Area: | Varies (typically 100-200 acres for 18 holes) | |
| Hole Lengths: | Par 3: | Under 260 yards (men) / under 220 yards (women) | |
| Par 4: | 240-490 yards (men) / 200-420 yards (women) | ||
| Par 5: | 450-710 yards (men) / 370-600 yards (women) | ||
| Par 6+: | 670+ yards (men) / 570+ yards (women) |
| Fairway and Rough: | Fairway: | Short, even grass for optimal play |
| Rough: | Longer grass, penalizes wayward shots | |
| Doglegs | : Left/right bends to challenge strategy | |
| Greens: | Putting Surface: | Closely mowed, smooth grass |
| Cup (Hole): | 4.25 inches diameter, at least 4 inches deep | |
| Flagstick (Pin): | Marks hole location | |
| Hazards: | Bunkers (Sand Traps): | Must play ball as it lies |
| Water Hazards: | Penalty for unplayable shots | |
| Natural Obstacles: | Trees, slopes, ravines |
Course Design and Layout
Front 9 and Back 9: Traditional split (return to clubhouse)
Links Courses: Coastal, wind-affected (e.g., St. Andrews)
Parkland Courses: Inland, tree-lined fairways
Maintenance and Playability
Grass Types:
Cool climates: Bentgrass, fescue
Warm climates: Bermuda, Zoysia
Green Speed: Measured via stimpmeter (6-12+ feet)
Bunker Care: Raked daily for consistency
Course Ownership Types
Private: Members-only (e.g., Augusta National)
Public/Municipal: Open to all (e.g., Pebble Beach)
Resort/Commercial: Pay-to-play (e.g., Pinehurst)
Global Golf Course Stats
Total Courses: Approximately 39,000 worldwide
Top Countries:
1. USA (43 percent)
2. Japan (8 percent)
3. Canada (7 percent)
4. UK (England and Scotland combined 7.5 percent)
Notable Records
Longest Course: Nullarbor Links, Australia (1,365 km)
Oldest Course: Old Course at St. Andrews (1764)
Key Takeaways
Golf courses vary in design (links, parkland, desert)
Hazards and terrain dictate strategy
Grass type impacts play (speed, roll, difficulty)
Private vs public access affects exclusivity
Note: All measurements based on USGA and R and A standards.
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