How Many Calories Do You Burn Playing 18 Holes of Golf?
Ever wondered if a round of golf counts as real exercise? Good news — it absolutely does. The number of calories burned playing golf over 18 holes can be surprisingly high, depending on how you move through the course and what you carry with you.
This article explores how golf becomes a workout, compares playing methods (walking vs. cart), and builds on insights from our previous post on walking 18 holes. Now let’s dig deeper into how various golfing styles influence your calorie output.
Calories Burned Playing Golf: Walking vs. Riding
Walking the full 18 holes without a cart is the gold standard for calorie burn. But what about other methods?
Estimated Calories Burned for a 150-lb Golfer:
- Walking with a caddy – ~800-1,000 calories
- Walking and carrying your own bag – ~1,200-1,400 calories
- Using a push trolley (manual) – ~1,000-1,200 calories
- Using a remote or follow-me electric trolley – ~850-950 calories
- Riding in a cart – ~400-600 calories
These numbers are general estimates. Factors like course terrain, weather, walking pace, and club weight also affect outcomes.
Electric Trolleys and Their Role in Calories Burned Playing Golf
Electric golf trolleys (especially smart “Follow Me” models like our Icango G5) reduce the strain of carrying clubs while still encouraging walking. While you may burn fewer calories than carrying your bag, you’re still keeping your heart active without excessive strain.
If you prefer walking the course, check out our article on Walking 18 Holes of Golf: How Many Calories You Burned for a more in-depth breakdown.
Calories burned walking golf course compared to using a cart
Other Factors That Affect Calories Burned Playing Golf
- Course difficulty & slope – Hilly terrain boosts energy output
- Temperature & weather – Wind or heat increases energy demands
- Club weight & carry method – The heavier your bag, the more you burn
- Pace of play – Faster walking = more calories
Digital Fitness Devices and Accuracy
Many golfers now use smartwatches or golf GPS apps to track distance, steps, and calories. While they give good estimates, don’t rely on them 100%. Heart rate-based tracking gives the most accurate calorie burn for golf.
According to the Harvard Health Publishing, calorie burn can vary significantly based on your weight and pace.
Why Golf Is a Great Low-Impact Workout
Golf provides moderate-intensity cardio over a long period (4–5 hours). Unlike high-impact sports, it’s joint-friendly, making it perfect for all age groups. When combined with walking and light club carrying or using a push trolley, golf becomes a highly effective way to maintain cardiovascular health.
Calories burned playing golf – walking 18 holes
Conclusion: Golf Really Does Burn Calories!
Playing 18 holes isn’t just relaxing — it’s a solid calorie-burning, low-impact workout. Whether you walk, push a trolley, or ride a cart, the physical benefits of golf are real. And with innovations like smart golf caddies, you can balance comfort and exercise effectively.
For more tips on choosing the right equipment for your game and fitness goals, visit our golf shop.
