Wanting to hit your daily step goal? Take up golf!
The average golfer playing 18 holes will take around 12,000 steps, according to a 2006 study by the Mayo Clinic.
Almost all golfers will take at least 10,000 steps when playing a full round, so it’s a fun and easy way to stay active and healthy. That’s a lot of steps, so make sure you get the best golf shoes for walking!
A Brief Overview Of The World Of Golf
Golf has a history in America dating back to before the constitution! The game has grown and evolved over the years.
Recently, golf has hit a surge in popularity, and many new players are finding the sport a relaxing way to get active, get fresh air, and be social.
Nearly 25 million people hit the greens in 2020; up two percent since 2019.
Golf once had a reputation for having a particular demographic of players: Wealthy, older, white men.
However, the trend has been more diversity on the greens in recent years, with a particular upswing in new female golfers and a switch toward younger players– particularly millennials.
Why Walk?
The PGA listed four main reasons to walk the course:
- The obvious physical benefits of exercise.
- Walkers score better than those riding in carts.
- Walkers will have a better experience socializing with their partners as they walk the course.
- The experience of walking the green and taking in the beauty between the holes is irreplaceable!
Many golfers have decided in recent years to forgo the carts and exclusively walk the course instead.
Benefits Of Walking
Walking the course will help golfers to burn twice as many calories as those riding in a cart. Some people can burn up to 2,000 calories while playing golf!
This helps to maintain healthy weight levels, lower blood pressure, prevent diabetes and improve heart health.
Walking is also attributed to:
- Improved range of motion
- Better blood flow
- Increased flexibility
- Enhanced muscle strength
- Better balance
- Reduced joint stiffness
- Easier breathing
- Improved mood, and
- Sounder sleep.
It is a fantastic low-impact activity, great for people of all ages. However, it’s particularly beneficial for those who are getting older!
It can even help with diseases that primarily affect the elderly, such as memory loss and osteoporosis. You might even want to try playing golf barefoot!
How Many Holes Of An Average Golf Round Are There?
A full round of golf contains 18 holes, though some people will choose to do a quarter or half the course if they are short on time.
How Many Steps Do You Need To Do For 18 Holes Of Golf?
It would not be easy to walk the full 18 holes and get less than 10,000 steps.
It may be possible for taller individuals with longer strides, who walk as direct as possible between holes and take fewer shots.
However, for the average golfer, getting 10,000 steps in will happen naturally without a second thought.
How Many Steps Is The Average Golf Round? Our Verdict
You can expect to get around 12,000 steps in an average golf round.
Even if this is the only activity you do in a day, you’ll be getting above the daily recommended amount for physical health, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you want to get even fitter, you’ll enjoy added benefits such as improved strength and higher calorie burn if you carry your clubs!
FAQs
How Many Miles Of Walking Is 18 Holes Of Golf?
18 holes of golf will equate to an average of five miles, depending on the course.
Is Golf Good For Losing Weight?
Absolutely. Burning 2,000 calories and walking over 10,000 steps sure will help with any weight loss goals! However, it all comes down to burning more calories than you consume.
Don’t just take our word for it. Check out this YouTube video for insight from a health professional on the benefits of playing golf!
Does Golf Count As Cardio?
Golf can be considered low-intensity cardio, as it is mostly walking (and swinging a club, intermittently).
Why Do I Play Better Golf When I Walk?
There’s a theory that this might be due to walking being able to loosen up the muscles and making you more limber for your shot.
Do Professional Golfers Walk The Course?
Absolutely. The PGA considers it part of the game to walk the course in its entirety!