Calories Burned Playing Golf and at the Driving Range

Sizing Up Golf as a Calorie Burning Workout

From weekend hackers to pros walking entire courses, golf undoubtedly provides physical activity. But with so much variation in play style, just how many calories can you burn golfing or practicing at the range?

Calorie Burn Rate While Golfing

Calculating calories burned during golf considers duration and intensity. Using a cart instead of walking obviously decreases energy expenditure. Here's an estimate of golf calorie burn rate:

• Riding in a golf cart - 167 calories per hour
• Walking and carrying golf bag - 331 calories per hour
• Walking and pulling clubs on push cart - 392 calories per hour

Competitive golfers walking briskly for 4+ hours can burn over 1,500 calories during a single round.

Most Golfers Don't Walk

While walking the course burns 2-3 times more calories than riding, unfortunately most golfers take the easy way. Some figures state over 75% of golfers in the U.S. use a cart.

Burn More Calories with Hillier Courses

Naturally hilly courses require significantly more climbing and muscular exertion. One study found golfers burned 30% more calories walking a hilly 18 holes versus a flat course.

Driving Range Sessions Burn Surprising Calories

You don't need to spend 4 hours walking a course to reap golf calorie burning benefits. Even just one hour at the driving range or practice area can provide meaningful activity:

• Hitting balls for 1 hour - 246 calories burned
• One large bucket of balls - 372 calories
• 90 minutes range session - 493 calories

Increase Practice Calories Burned

To turn your practice time into an enhanced fat burning, calorie crushing session, incorporate these tips:

• Take practice swings between shots
• Focus on solid footwork and resistance training
• Don't just whack balls - alternate clubs each shot
• Walk to gather balls after each bucket
• Include bending, squatting and side lunges to pick up balls

Add Weighted Clubs or Vest

Pros often use weighted clubs or wear special weighted vests during practice to increase resistance. The extra load forces greater exertion, raising calorie burn. Consider using a 5-20 pound vest or clubs.

Daily Golf Habits Burn Calories Fast

Regular golf activities like playing 9 holes, hitting the range or practicing putts tally up. Golfers sticking with the sport reap consistent calorie burning benefits over time.

9 Hole Walk Burns 400+ Calories

Making time for 9 quick holes after work a few days a week adds up fast:

• 9 holes walking with clubs, 2 hours - 426 calories burned
• Playing 9 holes 4 days a week - 1,704 extra calories burned weekly

Range Sessions Burn 500+ Weekly Calories

Consistent short range sessions help boost fat loss without spending hours walking an entire course:

• 1 hour session, 3 days a week - Around 740 calories weekly

Daily Putting Practice

Improving your putting even 15-30 minutes daily torches extra calories over 7 days:

• 15 minutes putting daily - Around 180 calories per week
• 30 minutes putting daily - About 360 weekly calories burned

Maximize Golfing Calories Burned

While golf offers light to moderate exertion for most, taking a strategic approach enables burning more calories across rounds and practice time:

• Walk the course and carry clubs when possible
• Select hilly courses when you can
• Practice consistently several days per week
• Increase exertion during range sessions
• Consider wearing weighted vest during practice
• Always stretch muscles before and after

The muscles engaged through a good golf workout will surprise you. Along with mental benefits, regular golf play rewards players with tangible calorie burning fitness perks over time.

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.