Any golfer has probably heard the legend: golf courses have 18 holes because it matches the number of drinks you can serve from a bottle of whiskey. According to this story, in 1858, a clever Scotsman from St. Andrews decided to limit his sips to one per hole, finishing the round when the bottle was empty. While it’s a fun anecdote, it’s still just a rumor.
The True Origin of the 18 Holes
The origins of golf date back to Roman times, and early courses varied greatly, with layouts ranging from 5 to 24 holes. St. Andrews, the oldest known course and the birthplace of modern golf, started with 12 holes, played in a round-trip format, totaling 22 holes per round.
It wasn’t until 1764 that they decided to combine and reduce some holes, establishing an 18-hole course that, over time, became the global standard.
And the Whiskey?
While the connection between golf and whiskey is almost inevitable given their shared Scottish origin, there’s no official tradition linking the number of holes with the number of drinks. It’s more of a charming curiosity, likely born from the imagination of a golfer with a good sense of humor and a love for both traditions.
A Final Thought
Enjoying a good whiskey after a round of golf can be a pleasure for many, but always with moderation and responsibility. Meanwhile, the 18 holes remain the undisputed standard of the sport, not because of a bottle of whiskey, but due to centuries of history and evolution.
So, the next time you step onto the course, play your best round and, if you wish, toast to it at the end of the day!