How Long Does It Take to Play 18 Holes of Golf?

Download Article
Factors that make your golf game faster and slower
Download Article

Do you want to hit the golf course with your friends but aren’t sure how much time to carve out of your schedule? While a lot of different factors change how long it takes to play 18 holes, you’ll still be able to play through the course within an afternoon. Whether you’re new to golf or have played a few games before, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn how long you’ll spend on the course and what you can do to keep up a good pace.

Things You Should Know

  • Expect 18 holes of golf to take around 3–4 ½ hours to play.
  • The number of players in your group, your skill level, and the number of other people on the course may slow your playtime.
  • Drive a golf cart, take fewer practice swings, and hit your ball as soon as you’re ready to speed up your golf game.
Section 1 of 3:

Average Play Time for 18 Holes

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you play golf at a standard pace, each hole will take you around 11–17 minutes to play through. Since a full 18 holes can take up a large chunk of your day, keep your schedule clear after your tee time just in case you run into some delays on the course. [1]
    • Some courses have a time limit for how long a game can take so the course can maintain their tee times. Ask an employee at the clubhouse for any specific limits they have.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Factors Affecting Play Time

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re playing alone, you’re usually able to play a little faster since you’re not waiting on anyone and larger groups may let you pass them on the course. When you have a larger group and wait for everyone to take their shot, then your pace will slow down. [2]
    • 1 player: 3 hours
    • 2 players: 3–4 hours
    • 3 players: 4–4 ½ hours
    • 4 players: 4 ½+ hours
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re just learning how to play golf, then it’ll take longer for 18 holes since you’re not as experienced yet. As you continue to improve your game and learn how to navigate the course better, your speed will improve too. [3]
    • Spend some time practicing your skills off the course too. Hit balls at the driving range to improve your swing, try putting on the practice green, and ask the clubhouse if they have coaches to hire.
    Tiger Woods, Golfer

    Greatness in golf comes from time and dedication. "Talent is something you are born with, and a skill is something you develop. 99% of what you need to succeed in golf are skills."

  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you or your group are the first ones on the course, you get to set the pace without any other golfers in front of you. As the course gets busier later in the day, it may take longer to play through holes if all the golfers ahead of you are slowing down the pace. [4]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Walking a golf course is a great way to get a workout along with your golf game, but it may slow down your game getting to your ball after each shot. [5]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If there are a lot of water hazards or sand traps on the holes, your play time may go up if you land in them. Since it’ll take a few extra minutes each time you locate your ball or rake the sand after a bunker shot, expect to spend a longer time on the course. [6]
    • Par-3 holes usually take around 10 minutes, par-4 holes take 13 minutes, and longer par-5 holes can take 16 minutes a piece.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If there are strong winds or rain, it affects how your ball flies through the air after each shot. Since the weather adds some unpredictability to where your ball may land, it may take extra time to line up difficult shots. [7]
    • If there’s lightning nearby, then the course will stop all the golfers until the storm passes.
    7. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Playing a Quicker Round

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Call the course ahead of time and schedule your tee time to ensure you’re able to play right when you get there. Try to get to the course a few minutes early so you have time to check in and take a few practice swings before you actually have to start golfing. [8]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Most courses offer golf cart rentals for a small fee, so talk to the employee at the clubhouse when you check in to see if there are any available to use. Drive the cart on paths and the fairway to quickly search for your ball after each shot. [9]
    • If you’re playing with a group, drop a person off at their ball with a few clubs and drive to your ball. That way, you’re not waiting between shots and you’re ready to shoot after them.
    • If they don’t have any golf carts, ask if there are any push carts for your golf bag. That way, you’re not slowed down by setting down and picking up your bag between shots.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’ve played any past rounds of golf before, calculate your handicap from your old scores to find out which tee box to play from. If you’re newer or less experienced, use the tee boxes closest to the hole. When you have more experience and are able to drive the ball further, then try using the middle or back tee boxes [10]
    • When you’re driving, try to line up the middle of the club’s head behind the ball so you hit straight, consistent shots.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Limit yourself to only 1 or 2 practice swings before you line up your shot and take your swing. Try to spend a maximum of 40 seconds before each shot so you’re able to keep up the pace without slowing down your game. [11]
    • Give yourself enough time to get into the proper stance for hitting your ball. Keep the club straight, your knees slightly bent, and your shoulders square throughout your swing.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After you hit your ball, try to pay attention to where it lands so you know the general area to look for it. If you’re unable to find your ball for any reason, stop searching after 3 minutes and drop a new ball to play from. [12]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Rather than waiting next to a person who’s taking their swing, play “Ready Golf” and start looking for your ball and lining up your shot. That way, as soon as they finish their swing and you see the ball land, you’re able to take your swing and keep the game moving. [13]
    • While someone else is putting, read the golf green to determine how your ball will roll. Stand on the low side of the green and look up toward the high side to check the slope.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Long-to-Play-18-Holes-of-Golf-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Writing down your scores for the hole while you’re still on the green holds up the group behind you and prevents them from taking their shots. As soon as you finish putting, move to the next hole and record your scores to keep the pace of the course moving. [14]
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you want to play a shorter round of golf, only play 9 holes instead. Since it’s half the holes, it will only take half the time, or about 2 ½ hours. [15]
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Read a Golf Scorecard
      How to
      Play Golf
      How to
      Drive a Golf Ball
      How to
      Calculate Your Golf Handicap
      How to
      Hit a Driver for Beginners
      The Ultimate Guide to Good & Bad Scores in Golf
      How to
      Drive a Golf Cart
      How to Troubleshoot and Fix a Golf Cart Charger
      How Long It Takes to Play 9 Holes of Golf & What Affects Times
      How to
      Hit Your Irons Higher
      How to
      Keep Score in Golf
      How to
      Paint a Golf Cart
      How to
      Make a Mini Golf Course
      How to
      Make a Putting Green
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about golf, check out our in-depth interview with Michael Metz .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.pga.org/Document-Library/pat-rules-policies-guidelines-pace-of-play.pdf
      2. ↑ https://golfmonkie.com/how-long-does-a-round-of-golf-take/
      3. ↑ https://www.pargolfpro.com/how-long-does-18-holes-of-golf-take/
      4. ↑ https://golfmonkie.com/how-long-does-a-round-of-golf-take/
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/gZDV9ryRQro?t=505
      6. ↑ https://www.pargolfpro.com/how-long-does-18-holes-of-golf-take/
      7. ↑ https://www.pargolfpro.com/how-long-does-18-holes-of-golf-take/
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/FMlreMGETiA?t=13
      9. ↑ https://www.pargolfpro.com/how-long-does-18-holes-of-golf-take/
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/RWBJ6EPdEV8?t=563
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/Hm70qvUesuc?t=25
      3. ↑ https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules/rules-2019/rules-of-golf/rule-18-interpretations.html
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/1ePqTqOc7ic?t=74
      5. ↑ http://www.allgolfqc.com/etiquette.pdf
      6. ↑ https://sportsmartly.com/how-long-to-play-9-holes-of-golf/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 5,314 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement