
Golf is a great way to burn some extra calories and improve your overall health. The number of calories burned depends on several factors, including the elevation of the course, the distance walked, and the weight of the golf bag. While it is difficult to calculate the exact number of calories burned, estimates range from 700 to 2000 calories for an 18-hole round of golf. Walking while carrying your golf bag is considered the best form of exercise in golf, with some golfers burning more calories per swing the worse they are at the game. Golf is also a fantastic way to stay socially active and connected with friends, providing a sense of community and belonging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories burned in a round of golf while riding | 700-1760 |
| Calories burned in a round of golf while pushing/carrying | 1400-2000 |
| Calories burned in a round of golf while using a cart | 800-1300 |
| Calories burned per hour at the driving range | 200-300 |
| Calories burned per hour on average | 350-475 |
| Calories burned per hour while walking the course and carrying clubs | 300-400 |
| Calories burned in 100 full golf swings | 210-350 |
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What You'll Learn

Walking vs riding
Walking versus riding is a highly debated topic in the golfing community. While some golfers prefer the convenience and fun of riding in a cart, others argue that walking is a better form of exercise and can even improve their game.
Walking an 18-hole golf course can cover between eight and ten kilometres, depending on the layout of the course. This distance, combined with the swinging and carrying of golf clubs, can burn anywhere from 600 to 2,000 calories, according to various estimates. Some golfers claim that walking helps them play better, as it allows them to focus on their game and get a better feel for the distance. Additionally, walking can provide golfers with the opportunity to truly see and enjoy the course rather than rushing through it in a cart.
On the other hand, riding in a cart has its advantages. Golfers who prefer riding may find it more convenient and enjoyable, especially if they are dealing with physical limitations or injuries. Riding can also help golfers keep up with the pace of play, as it reduces the time spent walking between shots. While riding may not burn as many calories as walking, it still involves some physical activity, such as walking to and from tee boxes and swinging clubs, which can burn anywhere from 700 to 1,760 calories, depending on various factors.
The number of calories burned during a round of golf, whether walking or riding, can be influenced by several factors, including the elevation of the course, the weight of the golf bag, and the individual's physical attributes. Ultimately, the decision to walk or ride depends on personal preferences, physical abilities, and the specific circumstances of each golfer.
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Calories burned per swing
Golf is a great way to burn calories and stay fit. The number of calories burned per swing of a golf club depends on several factors, including the weight of the person, the type of course, and the number of shots taken.
According to a source, 100 full golf swings burn around 210-350 calories, and interestingly, the worse a player is at golf, the more calories they burn per swing. This is likely because less skilled golfers tend to walk farther and take more shots than better players.
The number of calories burned also depends on whether the golfer is walking the course or riding in a cart or buggy. Walking 18 holes while carrying a golf bag can burn around 1200-1500 calories, while using a push trolley or caddie burns around 1000-1300 calories. Riding in a cart still provides some calorie burn, with estimates ranging from 600 to 1000 calories, depending on the weight of the golfer and the elevation changes of the course.
In addition to the physical benefits, golf also provides mental benefits from being outdoors, enjoying fresh air, and socializing with playing partners.
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Weight loss
Golf can be a great way to burn some extra calories and lose weight. The number of calories burned depends on various factors, including the elevation of the course, the distance walked, and whether the golfer is carrying their bag or using a cart. Walking 18 holes can be anywhere from 4 to 10 kilometres, and doing so while carrying your bag can burn around 300 to 400 calories per hour, or 1400 to 2000 calories for the full round. Using a push cart or trolley burns a similar amount of calories, albeit slightly less.
Some golfers have reported weight loss from playing golf, especially when walking and carrying their bag. One golfer reported burning 2700 calories in a round of 18 holes, although this may be higher than average as they were a beginner and walked a lot farther than a more skilled golfer might. Another golfer reported burning 173 calories in the first 4 holes and over 1000 calories after completing 18 holes.
Golf can be a great form of exercise, especially for those who enjoy the social aspect of the game and the opportunity to spend time outdoors. It is a low-impact activity that provides almost constant movement for up to 4 hours, with some spikes in heart rate when navigating hills or taking swings. Golfers can also burn extra calories at the driving range, with an estimated 200-300 calories burned per hour.
While golf can be a great way to burn calories, it is important to remember that weight loss is a complex process that depends on various factors, including diet, genetics, and overall activity levels. Golfers should also be mindful of their snacking habits during and after a round of golf, as it is easy to consume more calories than were burned during the game.
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Golf as exercise
Golf is a great way to burn some extra calories and improve your overall health. It is a good form of exercise, especially if you walk the course while carrying your golf bag and clubs.
Walking 18 holes is approximately four undulating miles, and doing that while swinging and carrying your bag can burn around 1,400 calories, according to an experiment by the Director of the Center for Health and Sport Science. This number can even go up to 2,000 calories. Walking with a pushcart burns a similar number of calories as carrying, just a little less.
Walking to and from elevated tee boxes and swinging your clubs, you can burn anywhere between 800 and 1,300 calories, according to a WGF study. Golfers playing on more spaced-out and hillier courses are likely to burn more calories than those on compact, flatter ones. Additionally, walking and swinging a club can burn around 210-350 calories, and you burn more calories per swing the worse you are at golf.
Golf is also a great way to stay socially active and connected with your friends and community. It is a low-impact sport that provides almost constant movement for up to 4 hours, with some spikes in heart rate due to hills and swings.
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Social health benefits
Golf is a sport that is played by around 55 million people in 206 countries worldwide, representing about 1/127 of the global population. It is a sport that appeals to people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and abilities. This global reach and inclusivity make it an excellent avenue for social interaction and connection.
Golf is a social sport that promotes camaraderie and creates lasting bonds among players. It facilitates opportunities for intergenerational interaction and helps to rebuild social connections. The social aspects of golf are particularly beneficial for individuals with mental illnesses, as studies have shown improvements in stress, anxiety, and mood. Golf provides a sense of "cool control" and a "release of aggression," leading to a reduction in anxiety and improved mental health.
Additionally, golf is a great way to meet and interact with people from diverse backgrounds. It is a sport that is played at a leisurely pace, allowing players to engage in conversation and socialize while playing. This social interaction can positively impact mental health and overall well-being, providing a sense of community and belonging.
The social benefits of golf extend beyond the golf course as well. Golfers often develop friendships with their fellow players, and these social connections can continue beyond the game. Golf can be a catalyst for building a strong social network and support system, which can positively impact various aspects of life, including mental and emotional health.
Furthermore, golf can be a great team-building activity for businesses and organizations. It can foster collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills while providing a fun and engaging experience for participants. Golf tournaments and charity events are also excellent avenues for social interaction and networking, bringing people together for a common cause or interest.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, playing golf burns calories.
The number of calories burned depends on several factors, including the elevation of the course, whether you are riding or walking, and your heart rate. Estimates vary, with some sources claiming 500-700 calories, while others state up to 1400 or even 2000 calories for an 18-hole course.
Yes, even when riding a cart, you can still burn calories. Estimates range from 500 to 1760 calories, depending on the course and other factors.
Walking while playing golf can burn more calories than riding, depending on the distance covered and other factors. Walking 18 holes can be approximately 4 to 5 miles, and can burn around 500 to 1000 calories.
Yes, golf is considered a great form of exercise for both physical and mental health. It can improve cardiovascular health, endurance, muscular fitness, strength, balance, cholesterol, body composition, and metabolism. Golf is also a social activity that can help build a sense of community and improve overall well-being.











































