18 or 36 Holes a Day? How to Choose Your Golf Trip Intensity

By the Curated Golf Trips concierge team · Updated October 17, 2026 · 5 min read

When 18 a day is right

Eighteen holes a day leaves room for pool afternoons, long lunches and nightlife. It's the right call in desert heat, for groups with a wide range of handicaps, and when partners or non-golfers are coming along.

When 36 a day is right

Thirty-six works when golf is the whole point. It's easiest at multi-course resorts — Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, Forest Dunes, We-Ko-Pa, Barefoot — where you don't have to drive between rounds and replay rates are often discounted. Summer in Northern Michigan or Wisconsin, with daylight past 9 p.m., makes it effortless.

The 27-hole compromise

Short courses and par-3 loops have become a trip highlight: The Cradle at Pinehurst, Bandon Preserve, Top of the Rock at Big Cedar, The Sandbox at Sand Valley. A morning 18 plus an afternoon short course gives everyone extra golf without the fatigue.

Walking vs. riding

Walking 36 holes is roughly 10–14 miles. Some of the best destinations, including Bandon Dunes and Whistling Straits, are walking-only. Build in a rest morning on longer trips, and consider caddies for the headline rounds.

Put this into practice

Our trip request walks you through dates, group size, budget and golf intensity — and shows a live per-person estimate. Or browse the month-by-month calendar.

Start a trip request

Common questions

Is 36 holes a day too much on a golf trip?

For most groups, 36 every day is too much over four or more days. Two 36-hole days surrounded by 18-hole days is a popular balance.

Are second rounds cheaper?

Often, yes. Many resorts and multi-course facilities offer discounted replay rates for a second round the same day.

Oregon

Bandon Dunes

Walking-only links golf on the Pacific — the purest pilgrimage in America.

Seaside links$$$$ · Top-shelf

Wisconsin

Wisconsin: Kohler & Sand Valley

Major-championship links on Lake Michigan and Coore & Crenshaw sand in the heartland.

Seaside links$$$ · Premium

Michigan

Northern Michigan

Bluff-top golf on Lake Michigan and summer daylight until 10 p.m.

Great Lakes bluffs$$ · Moderate

Missouri

Big Cedar Lodge & the Ozarks