Trevor Ng
Golfing is a great way to burn some extra calories and improve your health. The number of calories burned depends on various factors, such as weight, course length, use of a cart or carrying clubs, and elevation change. Walking the course burns significantly more calories than riding in a cart, with an average of about five miles walked compared to one mile when using a cart. Estimates for calories burned per hour of golfing range from 350 to 475, with some estimates going as high as 800-1500 calories for 18 holes. Using a driving range, golfers can burn around 136-182 calories per hour, depending on their weight. Golf is not just a strategic sport but also a physical one, and it can be an excellent way to improve physical and mental health while enjoying the outdoors.
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What You'll Learn
Calories burned per hour: 350-475
Golfing is a great way to burn some extra calories and improve your overall health. The number of calories burned depends on a variety of factors, such as the weight of the golfer, the length of the course, whether they walk or use a cart, if they carry or push their clubs, and the elevation change.
On average, a golfer can burn between 350 and 475 calories per hour of playing golf. This estimate considers the various factors that can influence calorie burning, such as walking the course instead of using a golf cart, carrying clubs, swinging the club, and bending over to place the ball.
For example, a 150-pound man using a golf cart will burn about 251 calories per hour, while a 200-pound person walking and pulling their clubs will burn approximately 515 calories per hour. The number of calories burned also depends on the intensity of the activity, with more vigorous activities burning more calories.
Golf courses typically range from 1500 to 8000+ yards for 18 holes, and the number of steps taken can vary from 1800 steps on a 1500-yard course to 9600 steps on an 8000-yard course. The distance walked during a round of golf is impacted by whether the golfer walks or uses a cart, with an average of five miles walked if walking and one mile if using a cart.
In addition to the health benefits of calorie burning, golfing is associated with reduced risk of heart disease, increased life expectancy, improved mental and social health, and reduced anxiety.
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Calories burned at the driving range: 200-300 per hour
Golf is a great way to burn some extra calories and improve your overall health. The number of calories burned depends on various factors, including the weight of the golfer, the length of the course, whether they walk or use a cart, and the intensity of their activity.
At the driving range, golfers can burn a significant number of calories, ranging from 200 to 300 calories per hour. This calorie expenditure is influenced by the physical demands of swinging the club, as well as the energy required to walk and carry clubs between shots. The metabolic equivalent (METs) of this activity is estimated to be around three METs per minute, indicating a moderate intensity level.
While the driving range offers a good opportunity for calorie burning, playing a full round of golf can result in even higher calorie expenditure. The number of calories burned during a round of golf varies depending on the specific circumstances. For instance, a 150-pound person using a golf cart can expect to burn approximately 251 calories per hour, while a 200-pound person walking and pulling their clubs may burn about 515 calories per hour.
The length of the course and the choice between walking and using a cart also play a role in calorie burning. On average, walking an 18-hole course can cover a distance of about five miles, whereas using a cart reduces this to approximately one mile. As a result, walking the course can significantly increase the number of calories burned.
In addition to the physical benefits, golf is also associated with improved mental and social health. The strategic nature of the game provides cognitive stimulation, and the social aspect of playing with others can enhance overall well-being.
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Calories burned walking vs. riding
Walking while golfing is a surprisingly high-impact way to burn calories. The number of calories burned depends on several factors, including the golfer's weight, the course elevation, the distance walked, and their metabolic rate.
According to an experiment reported by the New York Times, walking 18 holes while carrying your golf bag can burn around 1,400 calories, and sometimes up to 2,000. Walking with a push cart burns a similar number of calories, albeit slightly fewer. Harvard estimates that walking and swinging while employing a caddie to carry your golf bag burns between 800 and 900 calories.
A 150-pound man walking at 3 mph can burn approximately 1,215 calories on 18 holes, while a 180-pound man walking at 4 mph can burn around 2,015 calories. The number of calories burned also depends on the number of steps taken, with a general rule of thumb being that walking one mile burns around 100 calories for most people.
When comparing walking to riding in a golf cart, walking generally burns more calories. A study by the Lose It! app found that walking with a push cart or a remote-control cart burned about 20 to 30 more calories per hour than riding in a cart. Over the course of a year, this difference can add up to thousands of extra calories burned by walking.
However, it is important to note that riding in a cart can still burn a significant number of calories. Golfing with a cart can burn anywhere from 800 to 1,300 calories, depending on various factors. Additionally, for older golfers or those with physical limitations, riding in a cart may be the only option for enjoying the game.
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Calories burned carrying clubs
The number of calories burned while carrying golf clubs depends on several factors, including the individual's weight, the length of the course, whether they walk or use a cart, and the elevation change encountered.
Walking an 18-hole golf course while carrying a golf bag can burn up to 2,400 calories for a 233-pound individual, with an average-sized man burning around 1,442 calories. This is because walking the course covers 8-10 miles with 12,000-15,000 steps, while using a cart reduces the distance by half. Additionally, hilly terrain can increase calorie expenditure by 10-20% compared to flat courses.
Using a push cart is a popular alternative, taking strain off the back while burning a similar number of calories as carrying clubs. An average-sized man burns about 1,436 calories walking 18 holes with a push cart, only six calories fewer than carrying clubs.
For those who prefer to ride in a cart, the calorie burn is significantly lower, with an average-sized man burning about 822 calories playing 18 holes.
While the exact number of calories burned carrying clubs can vary, it is clear that golfing, especially while carrying clubs, is a great way to burn a significant number of calories and improve overall health.
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Calorie-burning calculations
The number of calories burned while golfing depends on various factors, including the player's weight, the length of the course, the use of a cart or walking, carrying or pushing clubs, and elevation changes.
Walking the course, golfers can expect to cover a distance of about five miles on average, burning around 500 to 600 calories. This can increase to 800-900 calories for individuals carrying their clubs, with some estimates reaching 1442 calories for an average-sized man. However, using a cart reduces the distance travelled to approximately one mile, and the calorie burn is estimated to be around 160 to 176 calories, with some estimates as high as 700 or 822 calories for an average-sized male.
The use of a push cart, which has gained popularity, offers a middle ground in terms of calorie burn. It reduces the strain on the back and burns a similar number of calories as carrying clubs. An average-sized man burns around 1436 calories when walking 18 holes with a push cart.
Golfers can also utilise the driving range to burn calories, with estimates ranging from 136 to 182 calories per hour for a 150-pound individual and 200-pound individual, respectively.
It's worth noting that these estimates may vary based on individual factors, and fitness trackers can provide personalised data on calorie burn during a round of golf.
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Frequently asked questions
An average-sized male burns about 822 calories playing 18 holes of golf with a cart.
It is estimated that golfers burn between 350 and 475 calories per hour.
Using a push cart, an average-sized man burns 1,436 calories walking 18 holes.
Walking 18 holes while carrying your golf bag will make you burn about 1,442 calories.
There is conflicting information about the number of calories burned while riding in a cart, with some sources claiming it to be around 500, while others state it to be in the range of 1600-1760.
