The history of golf re-imagined as 9 holes

Experts at England Golf have re-imagined what the history of the game would look like if it was played over nine holes, rather than 18.

England Golf has conducted research into the result of every major championship of the last five years to determine how the outcome of each event would differ if played over nine holes.

And to address the debate of whether the game is won or lost on the front nine or back nine holes, research has been conducted into both.

If the game was played over the front nine holes, last year’s BMW PGA Championship would have been won by Thongchai Jaidee. The Thai star, the eventual runner-up, would have clinched victory with a -10 ahead of South Korea’s Byeong-hun An, the eventual winner.

Similarly, if the game finished after the first nine holes, injury hit Tiger Woods would have added a further two major honours to his record.

In 2012, the former world No. 1 would have claimed victory at The Open in Lytham St Annes, and the eventual winner Ernie Els would have finished third behind Woods (-4) and Australia’s Adam Scott (-2).

Woods would be within touching distance of Jack Nicklaus’ record haul of 18 major championship victories, if the 2013 Masters had come to a finish after the ninth hole.

Woods (-4) would have beaten a field of Angel Cabrera, Jason Day and Marc Leishman (all -2) to claim a fifth green jacket at the Augusta show piece.

If the game was played over the back nine holes, England’s Lee Westwood would have celebrated his first major championship victory at this year’s Masters.

Widely regarded as one of the best golfers to have never won a major tournament, the 43-year-old would have pocketed the $1.8 million in prize money up for grabs.

Similarly, Justin Rose would have added a second major championship trophy to his collection if the game was played from holes 10 to 18. The 35-year-old, a graduate of the England Golf coaching programme, would have won a green jacket at the 2015 Masters. 

The research conducted by England Golf was done so on behalf of Golf Express which is championing the nine-hole game.

Justin Rose said: “During practice I often play nine holes, rather than 18. Golf Express gives people the opportunity to go out and enjoy all the benefits of the game in half the time.”

England Golf’s Club Services and Development Director Richard Flint said: “What this research does is shine a light on the nine hole game and I hope it encourages more people to get into golf.”

Golf Express offers places to play across the country through its online directory at www.golfexpress9.org and keep an eye out for its special offers.

Related:

For more on how the R&A are introducing a nine hole event before The Open click here or on the image below.