Is a 19-hole course within the rules?

[JerseyThursday]

I had a friend who said he played a course in Ohio that was 19 holes. It was designed that the first hole was to be a “warm up”. You play it like a regular golf hole, the only difference being the green had several holes/flagsticks and you don’t keep the score. This got me wondering if the rules specify, either way, about a course set up like this.

[Shindig]

I had a friend who said he played a course in Ohio that was 19 holes. It was designed that the first hole was to be a “warm up”. You play it like a regular golf hole, the only difference being the green had several holes/flagsticks and you don’t keep the score. This got me wondering if the rules specify, either way, about a course set up like this.

For the record, I'm guessing here.

I suspect the answer is that, if the course is pressed about it, they say the course is defined as holes 2-19, and when you pay your fee, you're paying also for one trip through the warm-up center.

[Elsfan]

I love it. I often don't have time to warm up before a round and suffer worst on the first hole.

[kregan]

What a great idea! I would love that.

[Razorhog]

Sounds like a good idea to me, but then again it might slow down play. A separate area for warm up is probably better.

[NM Golf]

I had a friend who said he played a course in Ohio that was 19 holes. It was designed that the first hole was to be a “warm up”. You play it like a regular golf hole, the only difference being the green had several holes/flagsticks and you don’t keep the score. This got me wondering if the rules specify, either way, about a course set up like this

From the rules of golf

Stipulated Round

A stipulated round is 18 holes unless a smaller number is authorized. So any tournaments or rounds for handicap purposes would have to be 18 holes.

[glebert]

Maybe isn't "legal" but is a great idea, especially for courses that don't have a range, or for people like me who don't have time to go to the range before playing. I personally always play the first hole as a "warm up."

[The Wilderness]

I am driving out to Erin Hills in Wisconsin next weekend. they have a 19th hole and I was told it was a short par 3 that was used to settle bets before arriving at the clubhouse.
www.erinhills.com