golf course did not happen

Like many developments throughout golf history, the standardization of 18 holes as
the length of a "regulation" golf course did not happen as the result of a momentous
decision agreed upon by many.
"In 1858, the R&A issued new rules for its members; Rule 1 stated 'one round of the
Links or 18 holes is reckoned a match unless otherwise stipulated'. We can only
presume that, as many clubs looked to the R&A for advice, this was slowly adopted
throughout Britain. By the 1870s, therefore, more courses had 18 holes and a round
of golf was being accepted as consisting of 18 holes."Sam Groves, curator of the
British Golf Museum who helped me with this explanation.
Eighteen holes did not become the standard until the early 1900s, but from 1764
onward, more courses copied the St. Andrews model. Then, in 1858, the Royal &
Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews issued new rules.