Membership at a 9-hole course

[JGus]

Seeking opinions from those who have had memberships at 9-hole courses or anyone who has went through this decision process.

I have been checking out local courses for a membership, I would like to play and practice more this year rather than playing many different courses. All other courses around me are at least $2,200+ for unlimited rounds, handicap, and unlimited range, plus all courses charge extra for carts.

At the local VFW course, I can get an unlimited membership, handicap, and unlimited range time for $995. There are different T-boxes for each hole when playing 18, which gives a different angle/yardage. 18-holes is a par 70, yardage total is 6017 (a little short), and ratings are 68.7/126. Longest par 4 is 408 and the par 5 is 512, fairways are narrow and the greens are small (in comparison to other local courses).

Again, my goal is to practice/play more to better fine tune my swing and overall game, and I have played the course before, it is a very nice layout and for the most part is challenging.

Would really like to hear any pro's/con's to having a membership at a 9-hole course or anyone's personal take on if it helps or hurts the overall game. Thanks!

[bucklateral]

I just got back into golf about 10 months ago. There are about 4-5 different courses around me and one of them is a 9-hole course much like the one you described. The one here is smaller than yours but also has small greens, narrow fairways, and on the side of a hill.

If you are just looking to play more I would recomend it. I chose my 9 hole course for the following reasons:
---Just wanted to play more often. At the 9 hole tee times aren't an issue since very few people play it or know about it.
---The cost was perfect. I was just interested in playing more and the cost here was about a 1/3 of what everywhere else was.
---This course is known as a tough one. I have found that as I get better at this course I have done better at the courses in the area that are known as tougher courses. I find that the other courses seem easier since they are much more wide open. Wide fairways and big greens seem much easier than what I am use to.

The only drawbacks are the following:
---A limited choice in the clubhouse for many things. My clubhouse only sells used clubs (from other members) and used golf balls (those picked up around the course).
---My struggle (outside of my game) on other courses is getting use to their length. I am not as good with my long irons, hybrids, or fairway woods as I would be if I played longer courses. I find that my driver, short irons, and putting has improved. I have to purposely choose to play rounds without my driver to get the practice I need.

[DaSportsGuy]

I thought about getting a membership at the local 9-Hole Course but they charge like an 18-Hole Course and I could get a membership at a better course with 18 holes for a $100 cheaper.

[MSDOGS1976]

I am not as good with my long irons, hybrids, or fairway woods as I would be if I played longer courses. I find that my driver, short irons, and putting has improved. I have to purposely choose to play rounds without my driver to get the practice I need.

This is the main draw back I see. But as above, simply tee off with 5 wood or long iron instead of a driver to give yourself some variety. But if you are happy with the course, I would go for it. Sounds like a good deal to me with range facilities.

[andef]

Sounds like a good deal to me. Someone previously mentioned their course being short but yours has par 5s so you should be able to practice hybrids and long irons.
I think that for half the price you should take advantage of this.
We have a small 9 hole course here which is part of the club. I usually play the 18 hole course but when I don't have time I play this one. It's a good course to practice on because the greens are small, hard and most are divided into 4/5 sections (like Nicklaus' course in at the Ritz-Carlton). The longest par 4 is 350 yards (no par 5s ) so it's about hitting it straight and into the right sections of the greens. It's also a great practice for chipping/pitching.

[JGus]

Thanks all for your thoughts/opinions on this, I am planning on playing the course before I make my final decision, but think that even though it is only a 9-hole course and a little short, I will still be able to practice/play with all of my clubs to help fine tune my game. But will play it again to make sure.

[enis750]

ask ur self this.......u want to practice and hone your game
how much will you spend on green fees at other courses, to test your "practicing" on the 9 holer?

if that is less than $1000, then get the 9 hole
if you are going to find yourself spending at least $1000 or so on green fees & range passes elsewhere, to golf w ur buddies and try out a different course....get the 18 holer