| Game Type | Walking (Avg. Time) | Using a Cart (Avg. Time) |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Holes (Solo) | 1 – 1.5 hours | 45 min – 1 hour |
| 9 Holes (2 Players) | 1.5 – 2 hours | 1 – 1.5 hours |
| 9 Holes (4 Players) | 2 – 2.5 hours | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| 18 Holes (Solo) | 3.5 – 4.5 hours | 2.5 – 3.5 hours |
| 18 Holes (4 Players) | 4 – 5 hours | 3.5 – 4.5 hours |
Golf is a timeless sport enjoyed for its strategy, skill, and relaxation. Whether you’re a beginner golfer or a seasoned player, you may ask:
👉 How long does it take to play 9 holes of golf?
👉 How long does 18 holes of golf take?
👉 Does walking or using a cart make a big difference?
The answer depends on various factors, including group size, skill level, course difficulty, and whether you’re walking or using a cart.
This comprehensive guide provides exact timing breakdowns, expert tips to speed up play, and must-know factors affecting pace.
📌 How Many Holes Are in a Round of Golf?
A full round of golf consists of 18 holes, divided into:
- Front Nine (holes 1-9)
- Back Nine (holes 10-18)
Some golfers opt for a 9-hole game, which is quicker and suitable for casual or time-constrained players.
💡 Fun Fact: The longest golf course in the world is the Nullarbor Links in Australia, spanning 850 miles and taking several days to complete!
⏳ How Long Does It Take to Play 18 Holes of Golf?
The time to complete 18 holes depends on various pace-of-play factors like skill level, group size, and mode of play.
⛳ Average Time to Play 18 Holes
| Player Type | Walking | Using a Cart |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Player | 3 – 3.5 hours | 2 – 2.5 hours |
| 2 Players | 3.5 – 4 hours | 3 – 3.5 hours |
| 3 Players | 4 – 4.5 hours | 3.5 – 4 hours |
| 4 Players | 4.5 – 5 hours | 3.5 – 4.5 hours |
🏌️ How Long Does It Take to Play 18 Holes With a Cart?
Using a golf cart can reduce playtime by 30-60 minutes compared to walking.
- Solo player: ⏳ 2 – 2.5 hours
- 4 players: ⏳ 3.5 – 4.5 hours
💡 Pro Tip: If your goal is to finish under 3 hours, book an early morning tee time and play with fast-paced golfers.
🚶♂️ How Long Does It Take to Play 18 Holes Walking?
While walking provides exercise benefits, it also adds 30-60 minutes to your total playtime.
- Solo walker: ⏳ 3 – 3.5 hours
- 4 walkers: ⏳ 4.5 – 5 hours
⛳ Want to improve your endurance? Check out this Golf Fitness Training Guide.
⏳ How Long Does It Take to Play 9 Holes of Golf?
A 9-hole game is great for beginners, casual players, and those short on time.
📌 Average Time to Play 9 Holes
| Player Type | Walking | Using a Cart |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Player | 1 – 1.5 hours | 1 hour |
| 2 Players | 1.5 – 2 hours | 1.5 hours |
| 3 Players | 2 – 2.5 hours | 2 hours |
| 4 Players | 2.5 – 3 hours | 2 – 2.5 hours |
🚗 How Long Does 9 Holes Take with a Cart?
- Solo Player: ⏳ ~1 hour
- 4 Players: ⏳ 2 – 2.5 hours
🎯 Want to track your golf pace? Use a GPS-based app like Golfshot to measure round speed and course time efficiency.
⛳ Walking vs. Using a Cart – Which Is Faster?
One of the most common questions golfers ask is: Should I walk or use a cart? The answer depends on your time availability, fitness level, and course layout.
🚶 Walking vs. 🏎️ Golf Cart Time Comparison
| Game Type | Walking Time | Using a Cart |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Holes | ⏳ 1.5 – 2.5 hours | ⏳ 1 – 1.5 hours |
| 18 Holes | ⏳ 4 – 5 hours | ⏳ 3 – 4 hours |
🚀 Should You Walk or Use a Cart?
- Walking Benefits: Great exercise, better course feel, and more strategy time.
- Cart Benefits: Saves time, reduces fatigue, and keeps pace-of-play fast.
📌 Pro Tip: Want a faster game? Use a golf cart and play during off-peak hours (early mornings or weekdays) to avoid slow play!
⚡ Key Factors That Affect Golf Playtime
✅ 1. Player Skill Level
- Beginners take longer due to extra swings and lost balls.
- Experienced players complete rounds 30-45 minutes faster.
✅ 2. Group Size
- Solo players finish fastest.
- 4+ players take longer due to turn-taking.
✅ 3. Walking vs. Golf Cart
- Walking adds 30-60 minutes per round.
✅ 4. Course Traffic
- Weekends & peak hours = longer wait times.
- Early morning & weekdays = faster play.
🚀 Pro Tips to Speed Up Your Golf Game
Want to play faster? Follow these expert hacks:
✔️ Use a Golf Cart – Saves walking time.
✔️ Be Ready to Play – Plan your next shot while others play.
✔️ Limit Practice Swings – Avoid excessive pre-shot routines.
✔️ Play Ready Golf – Don’t wait for strict turn orders.
✔️ Book Early Tee Times – Less traffic = faster rounds.
📝 Learn more: 10 Ways to Play Faster Golf.
🏆 Final Thoughts
Knowing how long it takes to play golf allows you to better plan your game.
⏳ Key Takeaways:
- Solo players & cart users play fastest.
- Larger groups & walkers take longer.
- Course traffic affects pace-of-play.
👉 Ready to hit the course? Grab your clubs, apply these tips, and enjoy faster, smoother rounds! 🎯🏌️♂️
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to play 18 holes of golf? +
- 1 Player: 2.5 to 3 hours
- 2 Players: 3 to 3.5 hours
- 3 Players: 3.5 to 4 hours
- 4 Players: 4 to 4.5 hours
How long does it take to play 9 holes of golf? +
- 1 Player: 1 to 1.5 hours
- 2 Players: 1.5 to 2 hours
- 3 Players: 2 to 2.5 hours
- 4 Players: 2.5 to 3 hours
Is it faster to play 9 holes with a cart or walking? +
- Walking 9 holes: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Using a cart for 9 holes: 1 to 1.5 hours
How long does it take to play 18 holes of golf with 4 players? +
- Walking: 4.5 to 5 hours
- Using a cart: 3.5 to 4 hours
How does the number of players affect golf playtime? +
- 1 Player: 2.5 to 3 hours for 18 holes.
- 2 Players: 3 to 3.5 hours for 18 holes.
- 3 Players: 3.5 to 4 hours for 18 holes.
- 4 Players: 4 to 4.5 hours for 18 holes.
