There are many different types of golf courses available to you.

There are thousands of golf courses, “Public,” “Private” and “Semi-Private” located throughout North America.

Here is some basic information about the different courses to help you find a course that fits your way of life and where you will feel welcome and comfortable, that will meet your golfing needs in a price ranges that will fit your budget.

Courses can be classified by “length,” “accessibility” and “where they are located.”

Full-length courses

Full-length golf course can be either 9 or 18 holes.

An 18-hole course could range from between 5000 yards to over 7000 yards.

The holes can measure anywhere from 80 yards to over 500 yards.

The shorter holes are referred to as — par threes, mid-length are — par fours and the longest holes are — par fives.

The majority of 18 hole courses are made-up of — three par 3s, twelve par 4s and three par 5s, others may differ slightly, example, four par 3s, ten par 4s and four par 5s.

The most common “Total Par” for an eighteen holes is 72.

Par 3 courses

These golf courses consist entirely of a variety of shorter “par three holes.”

These holes are usually about the same length as the par 3s on the full-length courses.

They can have 9 or 18 holes.

These are good courses for beginners to play a few games when they first start out".

Executive courses

These courses were designed for the golfers who don't have time to play a full-length course. Usually they have 9 shorter holes for a faster paced game.

Private Courses

Only allow members of their club play on their courses.

They offer a wide range of amenities and social events to their members.

Semi-Private Courses

Allows members full access to the course and are open to the public on a daily fee basis.

Pay-as-you-play courses

Opened to every one, charge on a daily basis to play on their courses.

Public Courses — Privately owned.

Municipal Courses — Owned and operated by local government.

Playing these courses on weekdays compared to weekends are typically less crowded and less expensive.

Annual passes may be available at some courses.

Resort Courses

They are owned by a resort or hotel. They may be opened to the public or restricted to the guest of the resort.

Residential Courses

Owned and managed by a community. They are usually reserved for community members only.

Where and when you play can make a world of difference on how much it will cost.

With so many different types of courses available to you, it should not be too hard find one that will meet your needs and lifestyle.

There are booklets available in some areas that will allow you to play different course at discount prices.

Retirees are very important to most courses and many offer special senior rates.

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