An 18-hole round is usually played sequentially and takes roughly 3-6 hours to complete. Unfortunately, some balls are bound to get cut or stuck in a faulty hole, so it’s best to pack a few extras just in case.
You should bring three to five golf balls for 18 holes, on average. However, your exact number will depend on your experience level. Amateurs may need as many as nine balls, while experienced players may only need one or two. Still, it is best to err on the side of caution and bring a few extras.
If you want to play 18 holes yet aren’t sure how to prepare equipment-wise, read on. In this post, I’ll explain how many balls you might need based on your experience level and provide a list of everything you’ll need to bring to complete any course. Let’s get started!
What Equipment To Bring for 18 Holes
To prepare for an 18-hole round of golf, here’s a list of everything you need to bring:
- Golf balls. As mentioned above, the exact number will depend on your experience level and the course’s difficulty. For most golfers, 3-5 balls will suffice. That said, always consider your experience level (realistically) and bring a couple more, just in case.
- Golf clubs. For 18 holes, a full set is typically needed. That includes a putter, a wedge, irons, hybrids, fairway woods, and a driver.
- Water and snacks. An 18-hole round generally takes a couple of hours (at least). So, ensure you stay hydrated and full throughout the game; otherwise, your health and performance will suffer.
- Gloves. Bringing a pair of golf cloves along is a must, especially when playing such a lengthy course. Not only will doing so prevent blisters, but it’ll also improve your grip and, in turn, your overall game.
- Ball markers. You’ll need at least one of these to mark your ball’s position on the green.
- Towel. You’re bound to get a bit sweaty during the game, so keep a towel nearby to wipe your hands or equipment as needed; after all, the last thing you want is a club slipping out of your hands.
- Tees. You’ll need several in varying lengths to accommodate all club choices. Tees are necessary to tee your ball on the tee box.
- Good quality golf shoes. Don’t underestimate how good-quality golf shoes can affect your performance. Golf shoes provide some much-needed traction and stability, not to mention comfort, so don’t treat them as an afterthought.
Conclusion
The number of balls needed for 18 holes, or any number, ultimately depends on your experience level and course difficulty. More advanced golfers playing an easy course might even get by with one or two balls; however, that’s not always the case.
Generally speaking, 3-5 balls should be enough for most players. However, if you’re an amateur, you may want as many as nine or more with you to ensure you can complete the course and enjoy your time.