Best 9-Hole Golf Courses in the UK

Nine-hole golf is one of the most underrated parts of the game. A nine-hole round gives you a full golf experience in about half the time of 18 holes. It is also cheaper and easier on the legs. As a result, it suits beginners, families, busy workers and older golfers alike.

This guide explains why nine holes are worth your time and how the different kinds of short course work. It also points to some well-known nine-hole courses across the UK. You can find every nine-hole course we list on our 9-hole golf course finder.

Why nine-hole golf is underrated

It takes about half the time

An 18-hole round can fill most of a day. By contrast, nine holes fit into a morning, an afternoon or a summer evening. That makes golf far easier to fit around work and family.

It usually costs less

Nine-hole green fees are usually lower than 18-hole fees. In addition, many nine-hole clubs have cheaper memberships. Our guide to cheap golf courses has more ways to save.

It suits beginners and families

Beginners tire over 18 holes, while children lose interest. Nine holes keep the round short and fun. Our guide to golf courses for beginners and our junior golf guide explain how to start.

It suits older and returning golfers

Nine holes are a gentle way back into the game after a break. Similarly, older golfers often prefer a shorter walk.

Nine-hole courses in England

England has nine-hole courses in almost every county, while some are well known far beyond their area. A few examples:

• Royal Worlington & Newmarket (Suffolk) is a famous nine-hole course on sandy heathland near Newmarket.
• Reigate Heath (Surrey) plays over open heath beside a windmill.
• Wooler (Northumberland) sits in the hills near the Scottish border.
• Hebden Bridge (West Yorkshire) climbs high above the Calder valley.
• Masham (North Yorkshire) is a friendly club in the Dales.

East Anglia has several short courses too. The directory lists golf courses near Norwich and golf courses near Cambridge. In the south-west, see golf courses near Exeter. You can also browse every course we list in England.

Nine-hole courses in Scotland

Scotland is full of small nine-hole clubs, since many villages built their own course. For example:

• Gifford (East Lothian) is a peaceful village course south of Haddington.
• Comrie and Mains of Taymouth (Perthshire) sit in lovely Highland Perthshire scenery.
• St Fillans sits at the end of Loch Earn.
• Knightswood is Glasgow’s public nine-hole course, with adult rates from £6.50 in winter (checked 11 October 2026).

The Highlands have many more. Our Highlands golf guide covers the region, and you can browse every course we list in Scotland.

Nine-hole courses in Wales, Northern Ireland and the islands

In Wales, for example, there are short courses such as Kinmel Park in Denbighshire. In Northern Ireland, Cushendall sits on the Antrim coast. Meanwhile, Osborne on the Isle of Wight plays in the grounds of Queen Victoria’s former home. Our Isle of Wight golf guide covers the island’s other clubs.

Types of short course

Full nine-hole layout

A full nine-hole course has a normal mix of par 3s, par 4s and par 5s. In other words, it is half a full round. Our guide to golf course types explains how short courses fit alongside links, parkland and heathland.

Par-3 course

A par-3 course has only short holes. It is ideal for beginners and for practising iron play. Our par 3 and pitch and putt guide covers these in detail.

Pitch and putt

A pitch and putt has very short holes, so you only need a few clubs. As a result, it is perfect for children and complete beginners.

Going round twice

Most nine-hole courses let you play 18 holes by going round twice. Some clubs use different tees on the second loop, so each hole plays differently.

The pros: You get a full round on a short site, and you can stop after nine if time runs short.

The cons: You play each hole twice. However, many golfers enjoy the chance to improve on their first attempt.

Nine holes or 18?

Choose nine holes if you are short of time, new to golf or playing with children. Choose 18 if you want a full day out or are playing a competition. In fact, many golfers mix both.

Handicaps from nine-hole rounds

Under the World Handicap System, nine-hole scores count towards your handicap. Your first Handicap Index needs scores from 54 holes in total. So six nine-hole rounds are enough. Our guide on how to get a golf handicap explains the details.

Public and pay and play short courses

Many nine-hole courses are run by councils or are pay and play. Our guide to municipal golf courses and our pay and play guide explain how they work.

Find a nine-hole course near you

Our 9-hole golf course finder lists every nine-hole course in our directory, with holes, par and contact details. Pick one near home and give it a try. If you want something shorter still, try our lists of par 3 golf courses and pitch and putt courses.

On the kit side, our guides to push versus electric trolleys and buying a second-hand electric trolley may help.