
Golf is a great way to burn calories and lose weight. While it may not be as intense as other sports, walking an 18-hole golf course can burn hundreds of calories, with some sources estimating up to 1600 calories burned per round. Walking the course also helps golfers get their recommended 10,000 steps per day, which is associated with weight loss and weight management. However, riding in a golf cart burns significantly fewer calories, and golfers should be mindful of consuming too many calories during the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories burned | 700-1760 |
| Calories burned (riding in a cart) | 411 |
| Calories burned (walking with a bag) | 721 |
| Calories burned (pushing a cart) | 718 |
| Calories burned (18-hole round) | Hundreds |
| Calories burned (per snack) | 200-300 |
| Health benefits | Heart-healthy, improved fitness, social activity |
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What You'll Learn

Walking vs riding in a golf cart
Playing golf can be a great way to burn calories and lose weight. The number of calories burned depends on several factors, such as the player's weight, the length of the course, whether they walk or ride in a golf cart, if they carry or push their clubs, and the elevation change.
When it comes to walking vs riding in a golf cart, there is a significant difference in the number of calories burned. Walking 18 holes with a golf bag can burn around 1400-2000 calories, according to various sources. This number can vary depending on the distance walked, which is about five miles on average. Using a push cart burns a similar number of calories, although it is slightly less.
On the other hand, riding in a golf cart reduces the distance travelled to about one mile. The number of calories burned while riding in a golf cart is estimated to be around 500-700 calories, which is significantly lower than walking. However, it is important to note that riding in a golf cart still provides some health benefits, as it is considered moderate activity and can be a good option for elderly golfers who may not be able to walk the entire course.
While playing golf, other factors can also contribute to calorie burning, such as swinging the clubs and walking around the greens. The use of caddies or push carts can also affect the number of calories burned, as it reduces the physical strain on the player. Overall, golf is considered a great form of exercise, offering health benefits such as a reduced risk of heart disease, increased life expectancy, and reduced anxiety. Additionally, it is a social activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.
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Calories burnt per nine holes
The number of calories burnt per nine holes of golf depends on several factors, including the type of course, elevation, distance between holes, and whether you are walking, riding a cart, or carrying your clubs.
According to some estimates, a person can burn around 700 calories while playing nine holes of golf, with the range depending on various factors. For instance, if you are riding in a cart, you may burn around 500 calories, while pushing or carrying your clubs can increase the calorie burn to 1400 or more. The number of calories burned also depends on your weight and the intensity of your activity. A 200-pound person walking and pulling their clubs will burn approximately 515 calories per hour, while a 150-pound person using a golf cart will burn about 251 calories per hour.
Additionally, the simple act of walking and swinging, even with a caddie carrying your clubs, can burn between 800 and 900 calories, with some estimates reaching up to 1200 calories.
It is worth noting that these estimates are based on playing a full round of 18 holes, and the actual number of calories burned per nine holes may vary depending on the specific course and individual factors.
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Golf as a low-impact sport
Golf is a low-impact sport that offers several health benefits, especially for seniors. While it may not be as intense as other sports, it can still help you burn a significant number of calories and improve your physical and mental health.
Harvard suggests that golf is an ideal low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by people of all fitness and health levels. It is a great way for seniors to get their recommended 10,000 steps per day, which is associated with weight loss and weight management. Walking the golf course can help you lose weight, increase your daily step count, and burn calories. According to some estimates, walking nine holes with a golf bag can burn around 700 calories or more.
The number of calories burned during a round of golf depends on various factors, including the length of the course, the presence of hills, and whether you walk, ride in a cart, or carry/push your clubs. Walking generally burns more calories than riding in a cart. Additionally, carrying your bag burns slightly more calories than using a push cart.
While golf may not provide the same intense workout as swimming, it can still help improve your upper body strength and core stability due to the rotational movements required in both the upper and lower body. Golf is also a social activity that allows you to spend time with friends and enjoy the mental benefits of being outdoors and engaging in a challenging sport.
However, it is important to note that incorrect form during swings can lead to injuries, particularly back pain. Therefore, it is essential to maintain proper swing form to avoid stressing your lower back. Overall, golf is a great low-impact sport that can provide physical and mental health benefits, improve fitness, and facilitate social interaction.
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Golf as a form of exercise
Golf is a great form of exercise, offering both physical and mental health benefits. While it might not be as intense as some other sports, it can still help you burn a significant number of calories and stay active.
The number of calories burned while playing golf depends on several factors, including the length of the course, whether you walk or ride in a cart, and whether you carry or push your clubs. An 18-hole round of golf can burn hundreds of calories, with some estimates ranging from 700 to 1700 calories depending on the above factors. Walking the course is a great way to increase the number of steps in your daily routine and boost calorie burn. Experts suggest that walking nine holes with a golf bag can burn around 700 calories, while pushing a cart burns slightly fewer calories, and riding in a cart burns the least calories.
Golf is an excellent low-impact sport that can help improve your upper body strength and core. It is a social activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels, providing an opportunity for seniors to stay active and improve their health. However, it's important to note that incorrect form during swings can lead to injuries, especially back pain, so proper form is crucial.
In addition to the physical benefits, golf is also a great mental exercise. Professional golfers compete for hours over multiple days, battling not just their competitors but also the course and their minds. Golf requires focus, strategy, and mental endurance, making it an excellent workout for the brain as well.
Overall, golf is a fantastic way to stay active, burn calories, and improve your physical and mental well-being. It can be a fun and social way to incorporate exercise into your routine, especially when combined with a healthy diet and other forms of physical activity.
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Steps and calories burnt
Golf can be a great way to burn calories and lose weight. The number of calories burnt depends on several factors, including the type of course, whether you walk or ride, and whether you carry or push your clubs.
Walking an 18-hole course can burn anywhere from 600 to 1400 calories, with some estimates going up to 2000. This is because walking an 18-hole course is equivalent to walking about four undulating miles, and the constant swinging and carrying of your bag add to the calorie burn. According to a study by the Director of the Center for Health and Sport Science, walking an 18-hole course burns around 1400 calories, and sometimes even up to 2000. Additionally, walking with a pushcart burns a similar number of calories as carrying your clubs, although it may be slightly less.
Riding in a cart burns significantly fewer calories than walking, but you can still expect to burn some. Estimates for riding range from 300 to 700 calories, depending on the course and the number of shots taken.
To maximize calorie burn, it is recommended to walk the course, avoid consuming alcohol, and be mindful of your calorie intake before and after the game.
In addition to burning calories, golf can also help you achieve your daily step goals. On average, golfers take around 11,948 steps during an 18-hole round, with most subjects in a study exceeding 10,000 steps. This makes golf a great way for seniors especially to easily achieve their daily step goals and stay active.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, playing golf burns fat. Walking the golf course can help you lose weight and get more steps into your daily routine. Walking 10,000 steps per day is associated with weight loss and weight management.
The number of calories burned depends on whether you are walking or riding in a golf cart. Walking burns significantly more calories than riding in a cart. According to one source, walking nine holes with a golf bag burned 721 calories, while pushing a cart burned 718 calories, and using a cart burned 411 calories on average.
Golf is a great form of exercise, especially for seniors, as it is a low-impact sport that can improve fitness and provide social activity. Golf can help improve upper body strength and core stability, as it requires a lot of rotation in both the upper and lower body.











































