Discover how long does golfing 18 holes take, along with key factors that affect playtime, and tips to speed up your game and conquer the greens!

How Long Does 18 Holes of Golf Take? Know the Timing for Your Next Golfing Adventure

Ready for some gaming in the greens? Sure, but “How Long Does 18 Holes of Golf Take?” you may ask. Regardless of the level of your expertise, you may want to plan your day around a golf game and need to know more or less how much time it will take you to finish.

Well, then. You are in the right place. In this article, we will reveal how long golfing 18 holes takes – on average – and list the key factors that can affect the overall playtime.

So you can have a clearer picture of what to expect and be well prepared.

How Long Does 18 Holes of Golf Take?

Let’s first start with the official estimate coming from the United States Golf Association (USGA). If you are going to play on a weekday you should expect around 4 hours, while if you visit the course during the weekend you should add half an hour more (4.5h hours).

This time has been calculated for a standard course, with a four-player group playing at a moderate pace. If you play alone, the time may shrink to 2.5 hours, or if you have one or two playmates it will probably take you around 3 to 3.5 hours, respectively.

How Long Will It Take to Golf Each Hole?

Typically, the total sum of 18 holes is divided into three types of holes (par-3s, par-4s, and par-5s), each type taking a different time to approach and reach your ball.

For a four-player group, the time will be approximately as follows:

• 40 minutes for the par-3s (4holes*10minutes)
• 2 hours and 10 minutes for the par-4s (10holes*13minutes)
• 1 hour and 4 minutes for the par-5s (4holes*16minutes).

Roughly, this will take you around the estimated time mentioned above, including the time you need to travel between holes.

However, all the above times can vary quite a bit depending on a few key factors.

Let’s have a closer look at the most important of them.

The Key Factors That Affect Golfing Time

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The Course Traffic

If you and your team hit the greens first thing in the morning then there is a high chance that you’ll finish your match within the estimated period.

However, if you choose to visit the course later on or during weekends, then you may come across a busy field that will eventually slow things down. You’ll have to wait at each hole for the group – or groups ahead to finish.

The Skill Level

If you are still a rookie expect your playtime to extend a bit, since you’ll need more time to line up your shots, retrieve your balls, and learn the ropes.

On the contrary, if you have already mastered the field, you’ll tend to be quicker because you’ll know better how to manage your time on the course.

The Logistics

Another factor that can affect your overall playtime is whether you reach each golf hole on foot or a golf cart.

Walking to all 18 holes can add an extra 30-60 minutes, depending on your pace, while if you hop on a cart, you will save quite a bit of time, but on one condition: provided that your vehicle won’t follow path-only rules because they can slow things down, too.

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The Course Difficulty

Not all terrains are the same. And some courses are more challenging than others.

If you are dealing with a long or hilly course with lots of bunkers and water it will take you more time to cover the area, compared to an easier and smoother terrain.

The Weather

Weather always plays a big role in all outdoor sports and activities. And golf couldn’t be an exception to this rule.

A windy or rainy day will make your game more difficult extending its duration. The same goes for extremely high temperatures.

Slippery greens or strong gusts can make it harder to line up shots, while hot days may call for extra breaks to hydrate and cool down.

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The Tee-Time Intervals

And then you have the tee-time intervals. These breaks are the scheduled gaps between players starting their rounds, typically ranging from 8 to 15 minutes, and are determined each time by the operators.

4 Tips to Speed Things Up a Bit

If you want to shorten the playtime a bit, the following tips and tricks can come in handy. So, try them out to speed things up a bit:

• Remain Focused: When your turn comes, be ready to play with your club and shot lined up. Don’t just sit and watch your playmates commenting on their swings. Be on your guard.
• One or Two Practice Swings Will Do: To save time limit your practice swings before each shot.
• Play When You’re Ready: This is linked to the first tip; Line up and hit your ball when you’re ready and don’t necessarily wait for the furthest person to go first.
• Keep Your Eyes on Your Ball: This way, you won’t waste time searching for it in the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to golf 18 holes

It depends on whether you play alone or with other people. Typically, for a four-player group playing moderately on a rather easy course will take up to 4-4.5 hours.

Can I golf all 18 holes in less than 3 hours?

Probably yes. But you’ll have to golf solo and do things quickly. No wasting time between shots. If you play with others, you all have to be good at golf and spare chit-chat for after the game.

How long will I have to walk to cover all the 18 holes?

In general, you may reach up to 5 miles to cover a round of 18 holes. But if that seems like too much, you can always hop on a golf cart and skip walking. 

How Long Does It Take Golfing 18 Holes? Key Takeaway

As already mentioned, you should block around 4 to 4.5 hours on your schedule.

However, this is the general rule, and the exact time will be determined by factors like your group size, the weather, and the course traffic, among others. Read our blog- how many clubs in a golf bag, if you are curious about golf bag mechanisms. Visit Green Golfing Genius to learn more about golf products and review best clothes.

If by any chance you wish to speed things up, ensure that you stick to good gaming etiquette and be fully prepared in advance.

So, now that you are wiser on the matter, go ahead and book your next round, and make sure you set aside some time for post-game drinks and socializing with your playmates at the clubhouse!

The game is on!