How fast do pros play 18 holes?

Answered by Tom Adger

When it comes to professional golfers on the PGA tour, the pace of play can vary depending on numerous factors. On average, it takes around 10 minutes for a pro golfer to complete one hole. Now, multiply that by 18 holes, and you get an average time of 180 minutes, or 3 hours, to complete a round. However, it’s important to note that this is just an average and there can be some variations.

The actual time it takes for a professional golfer to play 18 holes can range from 3 to 4.5 hours. This time frame includes factors such as walking time between holes, waiting for other players to take their shots, and the occasional search for lost balls. These factors can add up and affect the overall duration of the round.

Now, let’s delve into the factors that contribute to the time it takes to play an 18-hole round. Firstly, the distance between each hole can play a role. If the holes are situated far apart, it will take longer for the player to walk or ride between them. Additionally, the difficulty level of the course can also impact the time taken, as more challenging holes may require extra time for strategizing and shot selection.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the pace of play set by the tournament organizers. Players are expected to maintain a steady pace and keep up with the group ahead of them. If a group falls behind, they may receive warnings or penalties, which can affect their overall score. Therefore, professional golfers are often conscious of their pace and strive to stay on track.

It’s worth mentioning that the pace of play on the PGA tour has been a topic of discussion in recent years. Efforts have been made to speed up play and reduce the overall time it takes to complete a round. For example, the PGA tour has implemented various initiatives, such as implementing shot clocks and encouraging players to be more efficient with their decision-making process.

From my personal experiences as a golfer, I have witnessed the varying pace of play on different courses. Some rounds can be completed in a relatively speedy manner, while others may feel more drawn out. It often depends on factors like the number of players on the course, the skill level of the golfers, and the overall organization of the round.

Professional golfers on the PGA tour typically take around 10 minutes per hole, resulting in an average time of 3 to 4.5 hours to complete an 18-hole round. However, it’s important to remember that this is just an average, and numerous factors can influence the actual duration of play. The distance between holes, course difficulty, pace of play expectations, and individual player efficiency all contribute to the overall time taken.