History of golf property. One played the holes out, turned around, and played the holes in, for a total of 22 holes. In 1764, several of the holes were deemed too short, and were therefore combined. The number was thereby reduced from 11 to nine, so that a complete round of the links comprised 18 holes. Due to the status of St Andrews as the golfing capital, all other courses followed suit and the 18 hole course remains the standard to the present day. The evolution of golf can be explained by the development of the equipment used to play the game. Some
Fulwell Golf Course in 1906 making it just under in length with the longest hole being , formally opening for play on 19 November 1907. In 1921 Alister MacKenzie, the noted golf course architect, was contracted to extend and improve the outer course. Phil Gaudin was appointed as the first head golf professional at Fulwell in 1906, and he remained there until the start of World War I in 1914. Gaudin played a match there on 1 June 1906 against Taylor. Taylor led by 6 holes after the first round and eventually won 3&2. George Oke became resident professional at Fulwell in 1921