How Long Does a Round of Golf Take? Timing Breakdown by Pace, Course and More

How Much Time Does a Round of Golf Take?

Golf is a popular sport that people of all ages and skill levels enjoy. But for those new to the game, one common question is: how long does a round of golf take? The answer depends on several factors.

Pace of Play

The biggest factor determining the length of a golf round is the pace of play. Golfers are expected to play at a reasonable speed and keep up with the group in front of them. The total time for a round can vary greatly based on the pace.

Here are some general timeframes for 18-hole rounds at different paces:

• Slow pace (over 5 hours): More than 5 hours
• Average pace (4-5 hours): 4-5 hours
• Fast pace (under 4 hours): 3-4 hours

The standard pace for a foursome is 4-5 hours. However, rounds can take 5+ hours if golfers are playing slowly. On the other hand, organized tournaments and scratch golfers often complete 18 holes in under 4 hours.

Course Difficulty and Layout

The length and difficulty of a golf course can also impact how long a round takes. More challenging courses typically take longer to play for a few reasons:

• Longer yardages between holes
• More hazards to avoid (water, sand, trees)
• Fast, undulating greens that are hard to read
• Hilly terrain that requires more thought and care on each shot

In addition, course layout can make a difference. Courses with bottlenecks, like those with par-3 holes clustered together, are more likely to cause slowdowns and backups. Rounds tend to move faster on courses with good spacing between hole locations.

Skill Level of Golfers

The pace of play is also connected to the skill level of golfers in the group. Higher handicap players who lose a lot of balls off the tee and struggle with consistently getting on the green tend to play slower. Skilled golfers who hit accurate shots and make pars and birdies generally move through the course faster.

Here's how skill level impacts 18-hole time:

• High handicappers (20+): 5+ hours
• Average handicappers (10-20): 4.5-5 hours
• Good players (0-10): 4-4.5 hours
• Professional and scratch golfers: 3.5-4 hours

The more shots per hole a golfer takes, the longer the round. Beginners and high handicappers requiring 6+ strokes per hole play slower than pros who can reach greens in regulation.

Walking vs. Riding

Does using a golf cart speed up play versus walking? Golf carts allow golfers to conserve energy between shots and quickly move to the next hole, so cart golf is generally faster. Here are the typical time differences:

• Walking: 4.5-5.5+ hours
• Riding cart: 4-5 hours

However, carts can slow things down if multiple groups bottle up waiting for open holes ahead. Walking spreads golfers out more evenly across the course.

Time at the Tee Box and Green

The amount of time golfers take practice swings, set up, and actually hit shots impacts pace. Similarly, too much time reading greens can make rounds drag. Golfers should:

• Limit practice swings to 1-2 per shot
• Be ready to hit when it's their turn
• Mark balls and prepare for the next shot while others are hitting
• Read greens quickly and continuously putt if not holing out

Taking 90 seconds or less per shot keeps things moving. Any more than that, and the round starts taking too long.

How Golfers Speed Up Play

For golfers looking to play faster, here are some tips to improve pace:

• Use a caddie to help with club selection and pace
• Play ready golf - hit when ready instead of honors
• Walk briskly between shots
• Carry extra clubs so you don't have to walk back to the cart
• Aim drives at wider parts of fairways
• Hit a provisional ball if your original shot may be lost
• Limit practice swings and pre-shot routines
• Be efficient reading greens and marking balls
• Concede short putts to fellow players

Keeping the right mindset and having proper golf etiquette goes a long way as well. Golfers should be courteous, limit chatting, and be aware of their position on the course.

Does Golf Count as Exercise?

So how does golf stack up against other sports in terms of exercise? Many wonder if the leisurely reputation of golf means it can't be good exercise. But while less intense than many vigorous sports, golf does provide meaningful physical activity and health benefits.

Calories Burned Golfing

Golfing for 18 holes walking while carrying your clubs can burn around 1,000 calories. Riding a cart leads to lower calorie burn, but still requires walking long distances. Average calorie burn per hour:

• Walking and carrying clubs: about 500 calories
• Walking with a push/pull cart: around 400 calories
• Riding a cart: roughly 250 calories

For perspective, that puts golfing on par with other moderate intensity exercises like brisk walking, recreational swimming, and social dancing.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Cardiologists consider golf a mild-to-moderate aerobic activity. Walking 4-6 miles up and down hills during 18 holes keeps your heart rate elevated. This type of cardio activity can:

• Increase stamina
• Improve circulation
• Boost blood flow and oxygenation
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• Reduce risk of heart disease

While less intense than running, sports, or other workouts, golf still qualifies as recommended moderate intensity aerobic activity.

Muscular and Skeletal Benefits

Beyond cardio, golf also provides strength and flexibility benefits. The rotational nature of the golf swing engages all the major muscle groups. Power comes from the legs, core, shoulders, and arms. Key benefits include:

• Increased core strength and stability
• Improved balance and coordination
• Greater shoulder mobility and flexibility
• Strengthened leg and back muscles
• Reduced risk of low back pain and injury

Carrying clubs while walking further engages the upper body, core, and legs. This resistance training element helps build muscle. Push carts provide a balance between added exercise and lighter loads.

Mental Benefits

Beyond the physical activity, golf also offers mental health perks. Golf provides stress relief, requiring focus, patience, and blocked out hours away from daily stresses. Other benefits include:

• Emotional wellbeing from fresh air and sunshine
• Reduced anxiety, depression, and anger
• Improved concentration and cognitive function
• Opportunities for social interaction and bonding

The mental decompress and social connections from golf are key. The meditative aspect while walking outdoors is calming.

Making Golf Part of a Fitness Routine

While golf requires less exertion than many sports, treating it as part of an overall fitness plan maximizes benefits. Here are some tips for making golf exercise:

• Always walk instead of using a cart
• Carry your bag or push your clubs at least some of the time
• Combine golf with strength, core, and flexibility training
• Do yoga for golf-specific balance and mobility
• Purchase a fitness tracker to track calories and steps
• Hydrate properly and use sun protection
• Stretch thoroughly before and after playing
• Listen to your body and take rest days as needed

Beyond golf, also aim for 2-3 days per week of more vigorous exercise like cardio, weights, swimming, and sports. A balanced routine keeps your whole body fit for optimal golf performance.

Is Walking or Riding Better for Exercise?

Walking maximizes calorie burn and cardio benefits. It also enhances the meditative, stress-reducing nature. However, riding may be better in some cases:

• Very hot, humid weather when dehydration is a risk
• Hilly courses that require significant climbs
• During injury rehab when you need to limit activity
• For older adults where 18 holes of walking may be too strenuous

Consider a mix of walking and riding each week, or walking just 9 holes. Do what allows you to keep playing safely and consistently.

Golf Provides Worthwhile Activity for All Ages

It's clear golf does provide measurable exercise, especially when walking. While less aerobically demanding than vigorous sports, regular golf supplies enough activity for fitness when combined with other exercise.

The flexibility of golf makes it the ideal lifetime sport. Kids, seniors, and everyone between can play at their level. Golf works as:

• A first sport for developing coordination and skills
• A social activity for making friends and memories
• A competitive game for those seeking a challenge
• A way to enjoy the outdoors well into your golden years

Maximize the health benefits by walking the course at a brisk pace, using proper form, and supplementing with other exercise. Turn golf into an active lifestyle, not just a hobby. Golf provides a pathway to improved cardiovascular health, muscle tone, stress relief, and happiness.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.