Introduction: Calories Burned Playing 18 Holes of Golf
Golf isn’t just a relaxing pastime—it’s also a great form of exercise. If you’re wondering about the calories burned playing 18 holes of golf, you’re not alone. Many golfers are now embracing the sport as part of their fitness routine.
Whether you’re walking the course, using a trolley, or carrying your own clubs, each option has a different effect on how many calories you burn. In this article, we’ll explore just how energy-intensive 18 holes can be, and why your golf game might be doing more for your health than you thought.
Calories burned playing 18 holes of golf
Calories Burned by Walking vs. Riding the Golf Course
One of the most significant factors affecting calories burned on the golf course is whether you walk or ride.
- Walking 18 holes with a bag can burn between 1,200 to 1,500 calories, depending on your weight and pace.
- Walking with a push trolley reduces strain and burns approximately 1,000 to 1,300 calories.
- Riding in a cart, on the other hand, burns significantly less—roughly 600 to 800 calories per 18-hole round.
So, if you’re aiming to boost your fitness, leaving the cart behind is a great start.
How Your Weight Affects Calories Burned Playing Golf
The number of calories burned playing 18 holes of golf also depends on your body weight and fitness level. For instance:
- A 150-pound person walking the course with a bag can burn about 1,200 calories.
- A 200-pound person may burn 1,500 calories or more.
- Someone walking briskly or playing on a hilly course will naturally burn more energy.
This makes golf an ideal low-impact cardio workout, especially when played regularly.
Terrain’s Role in Golf Calorie Burn
Hilly golf courses demand more from your body, increasing your overall calorie expenditure. Navigating inclines, uneven ground, and long fairways not only challenges your muscles but can raise your heart rate to moderate aerobic levels. Courses like these can add 10–20% more calorie burn compared to flat courses.
Push Cart or Carrying Clubs: Which Burns More Calories?
Carrying your clubs increases intensity. The extra weight on your shoulders means more calories burned but may lead to fatigue or strain. Using a push trolley like the Icango G5 smart follow trolley reduces this strain and allows you to maintain a consistent pace, keeping calorie burn steady without overexertion. It’s a perfect blend of convenience and fitness.
Read more about the weight a golf trolley can pull.
How to Track Your Golf Calorie Burn
To track calories more accurately, consider using a fitness tracker or smartwatch. Devices like Fitbit, Garmin, or Apple Watch provide real-time metrics for calories burned, distance walked, and heart rate throughout your round.
Golf as Part of a Healthy Lifestyle
If you play 18 holes twice a week and walk the course, you could be burning an additional 2,500 to 3,000 calories weekly. Combined with a balanced diet, this could support healthy weight loss and cardiovascular fitness over time. Many health-conscious golfers have started combining golf with walking routines to meet their weekly exercise goals.
Harvard Health Publishing – Calories burned in 30 minutes for people of three different weights
Final Thoughts
So, how many calories does 18 holes of golf burn? The answer depends on how you play. If you walk the course and carry or push your clubs, you’re looking at burning 1,000+ calories per round. That’s more than many gym workouts—and far more enjoyable for many people.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just trying to get more activity into your routine, golf offers a low-impact, full-body workout with lasting benefits.
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