Ahhhh the most asked question in golf…
How long does it take to play 18 holes of golf?
Well, probably not the most asked question in golf, but we are here today to answer it for you.
How Long Does It Take To Play 18 Holes of Golf?
How long to play 18 holes of golf largely depends on how many people are playing, and if everyone is riding or walking. A solo golfer could take anywhere from 1.5 hours to play 18 holes, and a group of 4 golfers could take as long as 5 hours to play 18 holes of golf.
Average Time to Play 18 Holes of Golf
Playing 18 holes of golf can be time-consuming, but the amount of time it takes can vary depending on a few things.
If you are more pressed for time, but still need to get in those swing reps, you can still find time to play 9 holes of golf.
Here is a breakdown of the average time it takes to play 18 holes of golf:
How Long to Play 18 Holes of Golf for Professional Golfers
Professional golfers are known for their speed and efficiency on the course.
We, however, are not 🙂
According to The Golf News Net, a single player or a skilled twosome can play an 18-hole round in as little as 2 hours on an empty golf course.
However, during a tournament, where there are more players, it can take up to 4-5 hours to complete 18 holes.
How Long to Play 18 Holes of Golf for Amateur Golfers
For amateur golfers, the average time to complete 18 holes is around 4 hours. However, this can vary depending on several factors such as the number of players on the course, the pace of play, and the skill level of the players.
According to Lumen Sports, playing an 18-hole course with a cart is going to take around 3 hours and 30 minutes, whereas playing without a cart might take around 4 hours. Slow play can mean rounds taking over 5, and sometimes even up to 6 hours.
It is important to note that the time it takes to play 18 holes can also depend on the day of the week.
According to Sunday Golf, if you are trying to figure out how long it’ll take to play a round of golf, you need to understand how many other players will be on the course. Weekends are usually busier, and rounds may take longer to complete.
What is a Good Golf Score for 18 Holes?
When it comes to golf, score is everything.
Finding what is considered “good” can vary depending on things like course difficulty(course rating/course slope), and also weather conditions.
But, if we just boil it down to an average golf course with standard conditions, we can safely average out what is a good golf score for 18 holes with the following handicap ranges…
| Handicap | Avg. Score |
|---|---|
| Handicap0-5 | Avg. Score77.5 |
| Handicap6-10 | Avg. Score83 |
| Handicap11-15 | Avg. Score88 |
| Handicap16-20 | Avg. Score93 |
If you are unsure where your game is at, use our free handicap calculator.
Factors that Affect the Length of a Round
Course Design
The design of the golf course can have a significant impact on the length of a round. Factors such as the length of the holes, the number of hazards, and the overall difficulty of the course can all affect how long it takes to complete a round.
For obvious reasons, courses with longer holes, more hazards, and faster greens will generally take longer to play.
Number of Players
One of the biggest factors in knowing how long it’s going to take you to play 18 holes of golf is the number of players in your group.
You will notice this mostly on the greens when 4-5 golfers are having to mark his/her ball, and then when a putt rolls 5 feet by the hole the player still has to mark the ball and wait for everyone else in the group to play out their putts.
Skill Level of Players
The skill level of the players in a group can also have an impact on how long it takes to complete a round.
More experienced players may be able to complete each hole more quickly than less experienced players, which can help to speed up the overall pace of play. Golfers that play more golf simply know his/her way around managing pace of play.
Less experienced players take longer to complete each hole, and are not accustomed to knowing exactly what he/she needs to do on a shot-by-shot basis to speed up play.
Pace of Play
Speaking of pace of play, the golf course can also have a significant impact on how long it takes to complete a round.
If the course is crowded, or if other groups are playing slowly, it can cause delays for all players on the course.
Best Time to Play Golf
When it comes to playing golf, the time of day and week can have a significant impact on the pace of play. Here are some things to keep in mind when scheduling your tee time:
What time of day is best for playing golf?
The best time of day to play golf is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. During these times, the course is less crowded, and the temperature is cooler (speaking on behalf of those that play in the south 🙂.
What is the best day of the week to play golf?
The best day of the week to play golf is typically during the weekdays, as the courses are less crowded. More players play on the weekends, which can lead to slower play. If you try to play on the weekends, consider booking a late afternoon tee time to have time for the morning crowds to clear out.
What is the best season to play golf?
The best season to play golf depends on your location. In warmer climates, such as Florida or Arizona, golf can be played year-round. In colder climates, such as the Northeast, the golf season typically runs from April to October. During the summer months, courses can be busier, so consider playing during the spring or fall for a more relaxed pace of play.
Tips to Speed Up Play
Be Ready to Play
One of the best ways to speed up play is to be ready to hit your shot when it’s your turn. This means shooting your yardage, and starting your pre-shot routine while others are playing.
Walk Faster
Walking faster between shots can also help speed up play. Golfers should try to maintain a decent pace and avoid unnecessary delays. This means not looking for lost balls for too long.
Be Mindful of Pace
Golfers should be mindful of their pace and try to keep up with the group in front of them. If the group in front is playing slowly, see if they will let you play through.
Play Ready Golf
Playing ready golf means hitting your shot as soon as you’re ready, regardless of who has honors. This can help speed up play significantly.
Use a Golf Cart
Using a golf cart can also help speed up play, especially for golfers who have difficulty walking long distances.
Alright Let’s Wrap Things Up
Playing 18 holes of golf can be a fun way to burn a few hours, but it’s important to plan for the time commitment.
Note things mentioned earlier and plan accordingly so you can attack your next 18 holes of golf with a fury unknown to mankind.
Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/wolfitgolf and let us if you have implemented any of our tactics mentioned above to improve your golf game. We want to hear your progress.
This article was written by Kyle Broughton. Kyle has been involved in golf for over 35 years, and has learned more than enough about the game of golf to pass along his expertise to amateur golfers across the globe.
