Pronunciation: [e͡ɪtˈiːn hˈə͡ʊlz] (IPA) 
The phrase "eighteen holes" refers to a standard number of holes on a golf course. The word "eighteen" is pronounced /eɪ'tin/, with stress on the first syllable and a long "a" sound. The word "holes" has a short "o" sound /hoʊlz/ and is pronounced with a silent "e" at the end. The spelling of this phrase captures the unique combinations of consonant sounds and vowel sounds that are typical of English pronunciation.
Eighteen holes refers to a standard number of golf holes found on a golf course. It represents a full round of golf where players traverse through the entire course by playing each of the 18 designated holes. Each hole typically consists of a tee box, fairway, rough, hazards, and a green with a flagstick indicating the location of the hole.
The term "holes" refers to the individual sections or stages of a golf course, which are marked by a starting point (tee box) and an ending point (green). Golfers aim to complete each hole by hitting the golf ball from the tee box, progressing towards the green, and ultimately sinking the ball into the hole. The skill and strategy required to navigate each hole differ due to varied distances, obstacles such as bunkers or water hazards, and the undulating topography of the course.
A full 18-hole round of golf is commonly played by professionals, amateurs, and recreational golfers alike. It often takes several hours to complete and requires endurance, skill, and mental focus. The total distance for an 18-hole course can vary, but it typically ranges from 6,000 to 7,000 yards, or even longer for championship-level courses.
Overall, the term "eighteen holes" represents a complete round of golf, encompassing all the challenges and joys of the game, and is widely recognized as the standard format for competitive play and leisurely enjoyment of golf.
The etymology of the phrase "eighteen holes" can be traced back to the early history of golf. The game of golf, as we know it today, originated in Scotland during the 15th century. Initially, the game was played with a varying number of holes, ranging from 10 to 22, depending on the local course.
However, in 1764, the St Andrews Links Golf Club in Scotland formalized the standard number of holes to 18, which became widely adopted across golf courses. This standardization was largely attributed to the influence of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, one of the oldest golf clubs in the world.
The term "holes" refers to the targets on the golf course that golfers aim to hit the ball into. Each hole is typically a round cup sunk into the ground and marked by a flagstick.
