9 holers vs. 18 holers

[Golf_Beauty]

Is there a real animosity between the two?

Excerpt from GFW:

At golf clubs across the U.S., the notion of female bonding doesn't always extend past the first tee. Eighteen- and 9-holers may play the same game, but the groups have different self-images, cultures and approaches to golf. While they are friendly at many clubs, just as often an underlying tension simmers. As one low-handicapper who plays with neither group put it: "Everyone's looking for a leg up on the person who's lousier than they are."

Most women choose one group over the other, but I'm one of the few who plays with both. What are your thoughts? Have you or someone you know been a victim of disdain because of your choice? ALL opinions welcome. :)

[Debit]

Once upon a time, there was a 9-hole group associated with my publinx club. I don't recall "distain" as much as "say what?" Before they broke off, the 9-holers had petitioned to cut their dues in half even though 3/4 was to maintain handicap, refused to accept any club office, yada yada yada. It was much easier to let them go, give them table to use to manually calculate handicaps, and wish them joy and happiness. Now that group was a bunch of really old ladies -- most of them in their high 60s and 70s. They really didn't bother anyone, but their whining was too much for the rest of the club to really address.

 

That was then. Now there are several courses (publinx and otherwise) that have 9-hole leagues for all levels of play. Most of these are "after work" kinds of clubs and may be course or work-based. Whatever, there is no stigma attached to playing in most of those clubs. The members talk about having a lot of fun, and some clubs actually have a waiting list. If a player wants to participate, the 9-hole handicaps can be converted and used for tournaments of 18-54 holes. There are any number of people looking for club competition that just don't have 5-6 hrs/wk to dedicate in a single chunk.