So, how many miles do you walk on a golf course? Most people walk about 5 to 7 miles playing 18 holes. This is the typical golf course walking distance. This walk usually takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. That’s roughly 10,000 to 15,000 steps or even more, depending on the course and how you play. For just 9 holes, the walking distance 9 holes golf is usually about half that, around 2.5 to 3.5 miles. The exact distance covered walking 18 holes depends on many things, not just how long the course is listed as being. Let’s look closer at how far you walk playing golf.
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The Usual Numbers for a Golf Walk
Walking a golf course means moving from the first tee to the 18th green. But it’s more than just the straight line distance. You walk off the fairways. You walk to find your ball. You walk around trees and water. You walk to the next tee box. All this adds up.
How Far You Play Versus How Far You Walk
A golf course has a yardage number. This is the length of the holes from the tee box to the green. A standard 18-hole course might be 6,000 to 7,000 yards long.
One mile is 1,760 yards.
If you only walked the length of the holes perfectly straight, you would walk about 3.5 to 4 miles.
But golf is not played in a straight line. You walk to your ball wherever it lands. This is rarely right next to the tee path.
You walk to look at your shot. You walk around hazards like bunkers and water.
You walk to the cart path and then back to your ball.
You walk from the green to the next tee box. Sometimes this walk is long.
This extra walking is what adds miles. It takes the total walking distance much higher than the course yardage.
Average Miles for 18 Holes
As we said, the average walking distance golf course for 18 holes is usually between 5 and 7 miles.
Think of a course that is 6,500 yards long.
The base yardage is about 3.7 miles.
But you might walk an extra 1.3 to 3.3 miles on top of that.
This extra distance comes from:
* Walking sideways or backward sometimes.
* Walking into the rough or trees to find your ball.
* Walking from the green to the next tee.
* Walking to restrooms or drink stations.
* Walking around wet areas or closed-off spots.
So, walking 5 to 7 miles is a good number to think about for Miles walked playing 18 holes.
What About 9 Holes?
Playing just 9 holes means you walk about half the distance.
If a full 18 is 5-7 miles, then 9 holes is about 2.5 to 3.5 miles.
The walking distance 9 holes golf still includes the extra steps off the straight line.
It’s a good option if you want a shorter walk.
It’s also good if you are new to walking a course. It lets you build up strength.
Turning Miles Into Steps
Many people track their steps today. They use phones or watches.
Knowing the steps walking a golf round is useful.
One mile is roughly 2,000 steps for an average person.
So:
* 5 miles is about 10,000 steps.
* 6 miles is about 12,000 steps.
* 7 miles is about 14,000 steps.
If you walk off the paths a lot, you might take even more steps for the same distance. Uneven ground means smaller, more frequent steps.
So, hitting 10,000 to 15,000 steps or more is common when you walk 18 holes. This easily helps you reach daily step goals.
Things That Change How Far You Walk
The 5-7 mile range is an average. Your actual distance can be more or less. Many things affect the total miles walked playing 18 holes.
The Course Itself
The design and shape of the course matter a lot.
Hills and Bumps
A flat golf course means less up and down walking. This can feel easier.
A hilly course makes you walk uphill and downhill a lot. Walking uphill takes more effort and can feel like more distance. Walking downhill is also different from walking on flat ground. Hilly courses can sometimes add to the overall steps and perceived distance.
How the Holes Sit
Some courses have the next tee right next to the green you just finished. You only walk a few steps between holes.
Other courses have long walks between the green and the next tee box. You might walk 100 yards or more just to get to the next hole. These long walks between holes add a lot to the total distance.
Course Layout
A course that is spread out will mean more walking between different parts. A more compact course will have less walking between holes.
Layout also includes how direct the paths are. Some paths curve a lot. Some go a long way around.
How You Play
Your golf game itself has a big effect on how far you walk.
Where Your Ball Goes
If you hit the ball straight down the fairway most of the time, you walk a more direct path.
If your ball often goes into the rough, under trees, or toward hazards, you have to walk off the main path to find it and play it. This sideways and back-and-forth walking adds distance.
Looking for Lost Balls
Sometimes you hit a shot and can’t find the ball. You spend time and steps looking for it. You might walk back to where you thought it went out. You walk into the trees or thick grass. Searching for one ball can easily add 50-100 yards (or more!) to your walk on just one hole. Do this a few times, and it significantly increases your total distance covered walking 18 holes.
Your Score and Practice Swings
Someone who plays quickly and hits fairways will likely walk less total distance than someone who takes many practice swings, hits wild shots, and takes more shots per hole. More shots often mean more walking to different spots on the hole.
How You Walk
Even how you move around the course matters.
Staying on Paths or Walking on Grass
Most golfers who walk stay mostly on the cart paths between shots. Paths are usually direct.
Some golfers walk on the grass more often. This could be the shortest way sometimes, or it might mean walking around obstacles.
Walking on grass is softer and better for your joints than hard paths. But if the grass is wet or uneven, it might make you walk slower or less directly.
Walking Directly to Your Ball
Do you walk straight to your ball? Or do you follow someone else and then walk back to yours? Walking directly saves steps.
Walking to Amenities
Stopping at the clubhouse between nines, going to the restroom, or getting a drink from a stand adds extra steps to your round.
Breaking Down the Walk
Where exactly do you walk those 5-7 miles? It’s not just 18 straight lines.
Walking Between Holes
This is a big part of the total distance.
After you finish putting on a green, you walk to the next tee box.
The distance between greens and the next tees varies a lot.
On some courses, the walk is very short, maybe just 20-30 yards.
On others, it can be 100 yards or more, especially if the course goes under a road or circles back.
You do this 17 times (after holes 1 through 17). These walks add up quickly.
Walking On Holes
This is the walking you do from the tee box down the fairway to the green, and sometimes off the path.
From the tee, you walk to where your drive landed. This might be 200-300 yards away.
Then you walk to your second shot, maybe another 100-200 yards.
Then you walk closer to the green, maybe 50-100 yards.
Then you are on the green, where you walk around to line up puts. This is short distance but happens many times.
If you hit into the rough or a bunker, you walk there. This is often not on the direct line down the hole.
If your ball goes way off line, you might walk 50-100 yards sideways to find it. Then you might walk back toward the fairway. This adds a lot of steps to that one hole.
Walking to and From Other Places
Your walk starts before the first tee and ends after the 18th green.
You walk from your car to the pro shop.
You walk from the pro shop to the first tee.
You might walk to the practice putting green or driving range first.
After the 18th hole, you walk back to the clubhouse or your car.
During the round, you might walk to a halfway house or snack bar.
All these extra steps outside of the 18 holes add to your total walking distance for the day.
Interpreting Your Own Distance
You can get a good idea of the distance covered walking 18 holes on your own rounds. There are tools to help. This is like having a golf course walking distance calculator.
Using a GPS Watch or Phone App
Many golf GPS watches and phone apps track your total walking distance.
These devices use satellites to know where you are on the course.
They record your path as you walk.
At the end of your round, they show you the total miles and sometimes steps you walked.
This is the most accurate way to know your specific walking distance on a course.
Popular apps and watches include:
* Garmin golf watches
* Apple Watch (with a golf app)
* Golfshot app
* The Grint app
* Arccos Caddie (mostly for shots, but tracks movement)
Using Rangefinders with Tracking
Some newer golf rangefinders have a feature that tracks your total walking distance during the round.
You turn it on at the start, and it measures how far you move.
This is another good way to get a personal measurement.
Estimating from Course Info
You can get a rough idea without special tools.
Look at the course map. Notice how far it is between the green and the next tee box for each hole.
Add up the official yardage of the course.
Add an estimate for the extra walking. A simple rule of thumb is to add 1.5 to 2 miles to the course yardage (converted to miles).
For a 6,500-yard course (3.7 miles), add 2 miles. This gives you about 5.7 miles total. This is just an estimate, as your personal play matters a lot.
Health Benefits Walking Golf Course
Walking a golf course is great exercise. It offers many health benefits compared to riding in a cart.
This is a key reason why many golfers choose to walk.
Good for Your Heart
Walking is a type of cardio exercise. It gets your heart rate up.
A brisk walk for 4-5 hours is a good workout for your heart and lungs.
Regular walking helps make your heart stronger.
It can help lower your blood pressure.
It reduces the risk of heart disease.
Burns Calories
Walking burns a lot of calories.
The exact number depends on:
* Your weight
* How fast you walk
* If the course is hilly
* If you carry your bag (burns more calories)
* If you use a push cart (burns fewer calories than carrying, but more than riding)
Walking 18 holes can burn anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 calories or even more. This is a significant number and helps with weight management.
Builds Muscle and Bone Strength
Walking uses muscles in your legs, hips, and core.
Walking on uneven ground helps build balance and strength in smaller muscles.
Carrying a golf bag builds upper body and core strength.
Walking is a weight-bearing exercise. It helps keep your bones strong. This can help prevent bone loss as you get older.
Fresh Air and Sunshine (Be Careful)
Being outside in the fresh air is good for you.
Sunshine provides Vitamin D, which is important for bone health and your mood.
However, be careful with the sun. Use sunscreen. Wear a hat. Stay hydrated. Too much sun is bad.
Helps Your Mind
Walking in a natural setting can reduce stress.
Being outside can boost your mood.
Focusing on your golf game can be a break from daily worries.
The physical activity releases feel-good chemicals in your brain.
Walking the course gives you time to think or just enjoy being outside.
Compared to Riding
Riding in a golf cart means you walk much, much less.
When riding, you might only walk about 1 mile during a round. This is mostly from the cart path to your ball and on the green.
So, walking adds 4 to 6 extra miles of exercise compared to riding.
If you play golf once a week and walk, you add many miles of walking exercise over a year.
Making the Walk Enjoyable
Walking 5-7 miles with golf clubs takes some effort. Here’s how to make it better.
Get the Right Shoes
This is maybe the most important thing.
Wear golf shoes that are comfortable for walking long distances.
They should fit well and not rub.
Walking golf shoes have good support and often are waterproof.
Breaking in new shoes before a long walk is a good idea.
Choose How to Carry Your Clubs
You have options for getting your clubs around the course when walking:
Carrying Your Bag
This gives the most exercise. It burns the most calories.
But it can be hard on your back and shoulders, especially on hilly courses or in hot weather.
Make sure your bag is not too heavy and has good straps.
Using a Push Cart (or Pull Cart)
This is very popular. You put your bag on a cart and push (or pull) it.
This takes the weight off your body. It’s much easier than carrying.
You still get all the benefits of walking the distance.
Modern push carts are light and fold up easily.
Using an Electric Cart
Some carts move on their own, you just walk beside them.
This is the easiest way to walk the course with your clubs. It’s almost like having a caddie.
Stay Hydrated and Eat
Bring water! Drink often, even if you don’t feel very thirsty.
Especially in warm weather, you lose a lot of water sweating.
Consider bringing a small snack like a granola bar or fruit. This helps keep your energy up during a long walk.
Protect Yourself
Use sunscreen to protect your skin.
Wear a hat to protect your face and head.
sunglasses help protect your eyes.
Dress for the weather. Wear layers if it’s cool. Wear light, breathable clothes if it’s hot.
Pace Yourself
Don’t start too fast. Walk at a comfortable speed.
Take short rests if you need to, maybe while waiting on the tee box.
Walking 18 holes is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the walk.
What About Different Course Types?
Not all golf courses are the same length. This changes the walking distance too.
Standard (Regulation) Courses
These are the courses we’ve mostly talked about. They are typically 6,000 to 7,000+ yards for 18 holes. Walking distance is usually 5-7 miles.
Executive Courses
These courses are shorter than regulation courses. They often have more par 3s and shorter par 4s.
A 9-hole executive course might be only 1,500-2,000 yards. Walking 9 holes might be 1.5 to 2.5 miles.
An 18-hole executive course might be 3,000-4,000 yards. Walking 18 holes might be 3 to 4.5 miles.
They offer a quicker and often less demanding walk.
Par 3 Courses
These courses only have par 3 holes. They are the shortest type of course.
A 9-hole par 3 course might be 800-1200 yards. Walking 9 holes might be just 1 to 1.5 miles.
An 18-hole par 3 course might be 1600-2400 yards. Walking 18 holes might be 2 to 3 miles.
Par 3 courses are great for practicing short shots and getting a short, easy walk.
Links vs. Parkland Courses
The style of the course can also play a role.
Links courses (like those in Scotland and Ireland) are often open and built on sandy ground. They might have less walking between holes if greens and tees are close. But they can be very windy, making the walk feel harder. The ground can be uneven.
Parkland courses (more common inland) are often built with trees and sometimes more changes in elevation. The walks between holes can sometimes be longer on these courses.
Deciphering the Environmental Angle
Walking is also better for the environment than riding in a cart.
Golf carts use power. Gas carts burn fuel and create pollution. Electric carts use electricity, which often comes from power plants that pollute.
Carts also cause wear and tear on the course, especially the grass. Paths get worn down. Driving carts on the grass can damage it.
Walking has almost zero negative impact on the environment of the golf course. It’s the greenest way to play.
Getting Started with Walking
If you usually ride a cart, starting to walk can seem like a big change. But you can do it.
Start Small
Don’t feel like you have to walk 18 holes right away.
Start by walking 9 holes. See how you feel.
Try walking an executive or par 3 course first.
Walk a flatter course before trying a very hilly one.
Build Up Stamina
Walk more in your daily life. Take walks in your neighborhood.
As you get more fit, walking the golf course will become easier.
Maybe walk the front 9 holes and ride the back 9 at first. Then switch to walking all 18.
Consider a Push Cart
A push cart makes the walk much easier physically. If carrying feels like too much, a push cart is a great option. It lets you walk the distance without straining your body with the weight of the bag.
Play Ready Golf
Walking can take more time than riding, but playing “ready golf” helps.
Be ready to hit when it’s your turn.
Walk at a steady pace between shots.
Don’t waste time looking for balls that are clearly lost.
Walk to the next tee while others are finishing putting (if it’s safe).
Summing Up the Distance
So, how many miles is it to walk a golf course? The main takeaway is that for a standard 18-hole round, you will likely walk between 5 and 7 miles. This is the average walking distance golf course. This covers the distance covered walking 18 holes, which is much more than just the length of the holes. It includes all the extra steps off the direct line, walking between holes, and moving around the greens. It translates to roughly 10,000 to 15,000 steps or more for steps walking a golf round. For 9 holes, the walking distance 9 holes golf is about half that, around 2.5 to 3.5 miles. Many factors change this number, like the course hills, how straight you hit the ball, and if you search for lost balls. Using a golf course walking distance calculator like a GPS app can tell you your exact distance. Walking the course offers great health benefits walking golf course, giving you hours of good exercise. Choosing to walk is a fantastic way to add physical activity to your golf game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 5 miles a lot to walk?
Yes, 5 miles is a good walk! Walking 5-7 miles over 4-5 hours during a golf round is a solid amount of exercise. It easily meets or exceeds the recommended daily steps for health.
How many steps is walking 18 holes of golf?
Walking 18 holes of golf is typically 10,000 to 15,000 steps. The exact number depends on your stride length and how much extra walking you do off the main path.
Is it hard to walk a golf course?
It can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to walking that distance or if the course is very hilly. Carrying your bag makes it harder than using a push cart. But with practice, most people can comfortably walk 18 holes.
How much longer does it take to walk than ride?
Walking typically adds about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes to an 18-hole round compared to riding in a cart. A walking round is usually 4 to 5 hours, while a riding round might be 3 to 3.5 hours.
Do professional golfers walk or ride?
Professional golfers on tours like the PGA Tour always walk. They have caddies who carry their bags. This is part of the physical test of professional golf.
Is walking better for your golf game?
Some golfers feel walking helps their game. It allows them to see the course better, think more between shots, and stay loose. The rhythm of walking can also help some players focus.
How can I start walking if I usually ride?
Start with 9 holes. Use a push cart to make it easier. Choose a flatter course. Build up your walking fitness away from the course. Bring plenty of water and snacks.