With the goal of promoting and extending the practice rounds of nine holes to golfers across the country, the American Golf Association, USGA, has designated the upcoming July 29, 2015 as “Play 9 Day” and developed a website to provide golfers with additional information on courses that offer 9-hole rates. The website also features a video starring Rickie Fowler, who, like many American Tour professionals, often plays nine-hole practice rounds at tournament venues.
The USGA is working to make golf more accessible to anyone who wants to play, and nine-hole rounds are an important part of that,” said Rand Jerris, managing director of Public Services for the USGA. “Nine-hole rounds can fit into anyone’s schedule and are a great way to bring young people to golf and for families to spend time together.”
These efforts to promote nine-hole rounds are not intended to be to the detriment of 18-hole rounds. They are simply intended to encourage golfers to enjoy the game whenever they can, which may mean before work, after work, on a business or vacation trip, late in the evening on a weekend, or any other time when a traditional 18-hole round may not be feasible.
Nine-hole rounds are a satisfying way to enjoy the game in half the time, at a reduced price and in a format that is more convenient for friends or family members who may have less golfing experience. The appeal of a nine-hole round is that all aspects of the traditional golf experience are enjoyed in less time.
Golf courses also benefit from nine-hole rounds, as these can help fill gaps in tee times and create the incentive to return and perhaps play 18 holes in the future.
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