The time it takes to play a round of golf depends on several factors. These include the number of holes (9 or 18), the skill level of the players, whether they are walking or using a golf cart, the difficulty of the course, and the size of the group. Each of these elements affects how long your group will spend playing the game.
To get an idea of how long an 18-hole game might take, you can generally assume it will take about twice as long as a 9-hole game. In this post, we’ll explore all these factors to help you estimate the time needed for your next round of golf. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors to understand them better!
How Long Does It Take to Play 18 Holes of Golf with 4 Players?
According to many sources, a typical round of golf (18 holes) usually takes about 4 hours to complete. If a group of four players is on the course, the time can increase to around 4 to 4.5 hours. This means each hole takes nearly 13 minutes or a bit more to finish. However, this time can vary depending on factors like the players’ skill level, course conditions, and whether they are walking or using a golf cart.
Personally, over the past 30 years, I’ve found this estimate to be accurate in many cases. However, I’d say that an average round of golf usually takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes. Why is that?
One reason is that average players often use carts, which help them move quickly between shots. But these players tend to take longer because they spend time searching for their balls. Their shots are less consistent, so their balls often end up in rough areas, hazards, or far-off spots. This adds to the overall time. Additionally, average players don’t just use the golf course to improve their skills—they also see it as a social opportunity to spend time with friends, family, or others. This makes the game more about socializing than maintaining a fast pace, which often extends the time beyond the estimated 4 hours.
Moreover, average players don’t always strictly follow all the USGA rules. They play golf in a more relaxed, informal way. For example, I’ve played with players who take extra shots without worrying about the rules or ignore the pace of play. I’m not saying every player should strictly follow the rules, but doing so can help speed up the game. An exception might be when a player is taking too many shots. In that case, it’s better to pick up the ball and move to the next hole.
Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Play 18 Holes
Group Size
A single player is usually the fastest at completing holes, while a group of four players (foursome) takes the most time. Here, we’re talking about the small amount of time it takes to finish three, four, or five holes. Typically, 15 to 20 minutes is enough, and smaller groups make the process more efficient. We estimate that a single player takes about 90 minutes less to complete 18 holes compared to a foursome. In other words, the time difference based on group size can usually range from 20 to 30 minutes. The result is that the size of the group has a big impact on the time it takes to finish 18 holes.
Player Skill
The time it takes to play 18 holes of golf is greatly influenced by the skill level of each player in the group. Typically, an average player takes more chances and their shots are not as strong or accurate compared to skilled players. Because of this, an average player often needs more time to finish a hole. Their ball frequently lands in difficult spots, like outside the fairway or green, which can lead to challenges. Additionally, searching for the ball also wastes time, slowing down the pace of the game.
| Length | Average Time Per Hole |
|---|---|
| Hole 3 | 15 Minutes |
| Hole 4 | 18 Minutes |
| Hole 5 | 20 Minutes |
If all players in a group have an average score of 90, it might take them around 4.5 hours to complete the entire game. On the other hand, if all players are skilled (scratch golfers), they could finish in just 3 to 3.5 hours. If the group has players of mixed skill levels, the game could take between 4 to 4.5 hours to complete.
Course Rating
Golfers need to play their best shots on challenging golf courses, especially on the tees, fairways, and greens. Because of this, finishing high-level courses takes more time compared to easier ones. On the other hand, lower-level courses are relatively simpler, particularly for players with a low GHIN (Golf Handicap and Information Network) rating or those who consistently perform below average. These courses take less time to complete. Generally, playing 18 holes on a course that is slightly easier or slightly harder than average (rated within 2-4 strokes) takes about 4.5 hours.
Walking or Riding
I really enjoy playing 18 holes while walking and carrying my lightest golf bag. Other players, however, prefer using push carts during their game, which can slightly increase the time it takes to play each hole. Many people also choose to ride in golf carts, which can significantly reduce the total time needed to complete all 18 holes. That said, it’s important to remember that other factors can also affect the time it takes to play, such as the player’s skill level, the difficulty of the course, and the size of the group. All of these things can influence how long the game takes overall.
Tips to Speed Up Your Golf Game
Play Ready Golf
Ready Golf is a simple idea: when you’re ready, take your shot, even if it’s not technically your turn. This approach keeps the game moving and avoids unnecessary delays. Just make sure to stay safe and avoid hitting the ball when another player is in your line of fire.
Limit Practice Swings
Although practice swings can help you feel more confident, they can also waste valuable time. Limit yourself to one or two practice swings per shot, and save the longer rehearsals for the driving range.
Use Golf Carts Efficiently
If you’re riding in a cart, plan your route to minimize backtracking. Drop one player off at their ball while the other heads to theirs, and always park the cart in a spot that allows for a quick exit to the next hole.
Be Prepared for Your Shots
Before it’s your turn, take a moment to assess your shot, select your club, and visualize your swing. This preparation ensures you’re ready to go when it’s your time to hit.
Avoid Slow Play Habits
Common slow-play habits include spending too much time looking for lost balls, overanalyzing putts, and chatting excessively between shots. Stay focused, keep moving, and save the socializing for the 19th hole.
How Long Does It Take to Play 18 Holes of Golf with 1 Person?
When thinking about how long it takes for a golfer to finish 18 holes, there are many things that can affect the time. These include environmental conditions, outside factors, and the golfer’s own abilities. Because of this, the time it takes for one player to complete a round of golf can vary a lot. Other things also play a role, like how many practice swings the golfer takes, whether they are walking or riding a cart, how busy the golf course is that day, and how fast they move. All of these factors determine how quickly a golfer can finish a round.
To get an idea of how long it might take, let’s start with the fastest round ever recorded. According to the Guinness World Records, the quickest round of golf was played by James Carroll at the War Point Golf Course on June 18, 1987. He finished 18 holes in just 27 minutes and 9 seconds.
Of course, most of us aren’t trying to break world records for speed. A more realistic estimate is that the average golfer will take about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete a round of golf.
How Long Does It Take 2 Players to Golf 18 Holes?
According to our calculations, if two players play a round of golf, they will take about 14 minutes per hole. This means that playing all 18 holes will take them approximately 252 minutes, or 4 hours and 12 minutes. We also mention that for two players, the time to complete 18 holes can vary by around 25 minutes, either more or less, due to other factors. Therefore, the total time can differ within this range.
How Long Does It Take to Play 9 Holes of Golf with 4 Players?
We believe that, on average, it takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes for an average golfer to complete 18 holes of golf, as various factors can affect the pace of play. That said, for 9 holes, it usually takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes for an average player to finish.
How Many Holes of Golf Can You Play in 3 Hours?
If you’re worry whether you can finish a full round of golf before the last light fades, it’s important to know that a regular player usually takes about 3 hours to complete 18 holes. However, these 3 hours might not be enough for everyone.
In general, most people need more than 3 hours to finish a full round of golf. An average player can only complete about 12 holes in 3 hours. And if we talk about high-level GHIN players, they might only manage to finish 9 holes in the same time. So, if your time for playing golf is limited, it’s better to plan your game carefully and realistically.
FAQs About Playing 18 Holes of Golf with 4 Players
How Long Does It Take to Play 18 Holes of Golf in a Tournament?
Tournament rounds often take longer due to stricter rules and larger fields. Expect a tournament round to last 5 to 6 hours, depending on the event.
What Is the Fastest You Can Play 18 Holes?
The fastest recorded round of 18 holes was completed in just 29 minutes and 33 seconds by professional golfer Rhein Gibson. However, for most players, finishing in under 3 hours is considered fast.
How Long Does It Take to Play 18 Holes of Golf with 3 Players?
A threesome can typically finish 18 holes in 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on pace of play.
How Long Does It Take to Play 18 Holes of Golf with 6 Players?
A group of six players will likely take 5 to 6 hours to complete 18 holes, especially if players aren’t mindful of pace.
How Long Does 18 Holes of Golf Take for Beginners?
Beginners may take 5 to 6 hours to complete 18 holes, as they often need more time to navigate the course and recover from mistakes.
Final Thought
How long does it take to play 18 holes of golf? Well, it depends on a few things, like how many people are in your group, your skill level, the difficulty of the course, and whether you’re walking or using a golf cart. On average, a foursome can expect to spend about 4 to 4.5 hours on the course, while a faster player might finish in under 3 hours. By following the tips in this post, you can speed up your game and make the most of your time on the links.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding what affects your round time can help you plan better and enjoy the game more. So grab your clubs, head out to the course, and remember: it’s not just about the time—it’s about the journey and the joy of playing the game.