How Long Does It Take To Play 18 Holes Of Golf

Are you among the one in seven Americans hitting the links each year? Even if you're not an avid golfer yet, you might be tempted to add this increasingly popular sport to your list of activities. But as with any new endeavor, you'll need to know how much time to set aside to get started.

How long does it take to play 18 holes of golf? Keep reading to find out!

Factor in How Crowded the Course Is

One of the biggest factors in determining how long it takes to play a round of 18 holes is how crowded the course is. Golfing on weekends, for instance, when many people are off from work, means you'll have a more congested course. As a result, you may need to wait longer for the group in front of you to finish before moving on to the next hole.

For a faster round of golf that won't creep past three hours, opt for a morning tee time. Many golf courses open early in the morning for this very reason. If you can set your alarm earlier, you'll enjoy a quieter course, a faster game, and beautiful morning light.

Alternatively, if you can schedule a game during a weekday, look to that as an efficient option. You won't see as many groups on the course on a Wednesday afternoon. And you may have more flexibility in booking a tee time, too.

As another consideration for your golfing tee time, look to the sky. Volatile weather conditions for golf can mean taking more time to sit out lightning strikes or downpours. In a similar vein, hot or windy conditions can translate to moving at a slower pace and taking more hydration breaks.

Don't Overlook the Course's Level of Difficulty

Different types of golf courses can shorten or extend your game. If you're golfing with a skilled group, you may want to aim for a more challenging course. But if you're a novice, opting for an easier course can shave hours off of your time.

Courses with high grasses, water features, and fairway bunkers can add time to your game. You may spend large chunks of time searching for your ball or trying to hit it back on the fairway. And the larger your group size is, the longer all of this will take.

Consider spending time on the driving range or taking lessons before committing to routine golf games with friends. You'll become more skilled and efficient. And you won't be chasing after lost balls as often!

Are You Using a Cart?

Another critical factor in determining the length of your game is whether you are using a cart or not. Most golf carts can travel at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. While this is far from being lightning-fast, it is speedier than walking.

One of the key benefits of golf carts is that they can help prevent fatigue. You won't be on your feet walking across long, unshaded stretches of fairways on a hot, sunny day. Instead, you'll get to relax beneath a covered seat and keep your legs fresh.

With the help of a cart, you can expect a game to last around three hours. This time also assumes that you're golfing with a smaller group of under five people and you're not spending too much extra time at each hole.

Without a cart, you should anticipate an extra hour of time, at the very least. For groups of five or more players, you may even be looking at six hours or more. And if the weather is hot, you'll probably be walking more slowly, too.

Consider Your Golf Group Size and Dynamic

Finally, don't forget to consider how large your group is, as well as the nature of your outing. A larger group will take longer to cycle through each player. Smaller groups of under four players may take as little as three hours for a golf game.

Additionally, if you're enjoying a leisurely golf game with friends, plan on a long day. Ordering drinks and food can be a fun way to break up play, but you'll be on the course longer. Chatting with good friends between shots also will push your timeframe.

If you're flying solo, you can expect to spend around two hours on the course. While golfing with friends can be fun, a quiet game you play alone can be rewarding, as well. Plus you'll be able to brush up on your skills before your next tee time with a group.

If you are participating in a golf tournament, that can extend the time, too. Expect players to be more exacting with their first shot as they size everything up. Similarly, players may consult with caddies or engage in more conversations between shots.

Some tournaments can move past five hours of playtime. This is particularly true when players start at different holes and cycle through the course. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and sun protection for longer golf outings on summer days!