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1. Skill Level and Experience of Players
The level of golfing experience affects how long it takes to play 18 holes of golf. Junior players need more shots and spend more time searching for lost balls, which stretches out the game. Experts play quicker because they hit the ball precisely and understand the course effectively. They lose fewer balls, helping to keep the game length close to the average. If you want to get better at golf, check out our guide on how to play golf.
2. Course Size
Golf courses occupy vast areas of land. The course design affects how long it takes you to walk to your ball or the next hole. The stroke play in PGA Tour events lasts about 45 minutes. Yet, a full round of golf can take over four hours to finish. One thing that consumes time is the walk to your ball after each shot, plus the distance to reach the next hole. You might want to check how many miles your golf course covers and if the holes lie next to each other.
3. Group Size
To figure out how long a round of golf will take, you need to think about your group's size. Generally solo player takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, a twosome 3.5 to 4 hours, a threesome 4 to 4.5 hours, and a foursome 4 to 5 hours. Larger groups take longer as more players means more shots, more putting, and more time spent strategising. Take a foursome, for instance. You must wait for each player to tee off before walking to the ball. This pattern continues for every shot on the hole. So, you can't move on right after the shot; you need to wait for three people to finish their shots each time.
4. Walking vs. Using a Golf Cart
The type of transportation on the golf course has a big impact on the game. Golf carts can minimise the round time by up to an hour compared to walking. They let you zip between holes faster, which helps on courses where the greens and tees are far apart. However, some players prefer walking to inhale fresh air and view the scenery. Plus, some courses don't allow carts, which means players who need their clubs will take longer. You might want to think about renting clubs to make your golf round easier.
5. Course Difficulty
Tricky or difficult courses can take longer to play. Every time the ball goes into the woods, grass, or near the lake, it will take more time to look for it. Some courses cater to junior or occasional players, while others are built with professional golfers in mind. A beginner golfer might take more time on the type of course made for pros. Always check the challenges and conditions of your golf course before starting the round.
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6. Scheduling & Course Management
The timing of teeing off also affects how long does 18 holes take. 8-minute gaps increase revenue but can create bottlenecks while 10-12 minute spacing allows a smoother flow and helps foursomes hit a 4-hour target. The first groups of the day usually finish in 3.75 hours as the course is empty. Late afternoon times can be quick if the front nine has cleared, even with dusk. Booking off-peak workday mornings or late afternoons gives the perfect shot at a quick round.
7. Weather Conditions
Make sure to look at the forecast before heading out. Don’t forget to bring the right golf clothing and equipment to deal with the conditions. The weather can affect the duration of your golf round. Rain will make rounds take longer. Most golfers struggle to manage their umbrella, play, and keep their golf gear dry. Expect to wait more in the group in front of you if the weather turns bad.
Read More: How long does it take to complete nine holes of golf?
How to Improve Golfing Speed?
If you enjoy golfing but don’t like spending five hours out on the course, follow these steps to complete your game quickly.
1. Play Ready Golf
A ready golf is a simple concept. Don’t waste time watching others instead of getting set yourself. Don’t wait to check your putt, measure the distance, or pick a club until the last minute. Be ready when it’s time to swing and discuss playing ready golf with the people in your group to cut down on time. This approach can reduce how long does it take to golf 18 holes.
2. Play During Downtimes
Think about golfing when the course is less busy. Finishing a full round in 3 hours on weekday mornings might be possible. If weekdays don’t work, aim to grab one of the earliest tee times on weekends. The earlier you start, the quicker you’ll be done.
3. Make A Productive Routine
Ineffective playing may not be the only reason for a slow game. Two possible issues can be: players don’t play ready golf, or they spend too much time during their pre-shot routine. Build a steady routine for each shot and check the time spent on reading putts or practising swings. One good practice swing is sufficient, and worrying too much about your next move won’t improve your game. Make precise and confident choices about swinging and putting, and stick to them.
4. Handle Distractions
Golf includes some socialising, but too many distractions can drag out the game. Leave the long talks until you’re back at the clubhouse.
Conclusion
It takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes to finish 18 holes when a group of four uses a golf cart. Several factors can influence the length of a round. Extra time is also added when players stop to grab food, take a bathroom break, or get a drink for the back nine. The amount of play scheduled on the course that day also has an impact on how long it takes to play 18 holes. Consider the factors discussed above when figuring out how long your next golf game might last, and enjoy spending time on the course!