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How Long Does It Take to Play a Par 3 Golf Course?

Short answer: way less time than you think. Long answer: it depends — but it’s still fast.

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Quick answer
9-hole par 3: about 45–75 minutes
18-hole par 3: about 1.5–2.5 hours
Crowds, time of day, and “how many balls you lose” can move those numbers.

Typical par 3 round times

Par 3 courses are designed for speed. Shorter holes, less walking, and simpler layouts all add up to faster rounds.

  • 9-hole par 3 course: about 45–75 minutes
  • 18-hole par 3 course: about 1.5–2.5 hours

Why par 3 courses play so much faster

  • Shorter walks between holes
  • Fewer lost balls (usually)
  • No long par 5s backing up play
  • Less waiting on tee boxes

What affects par 3 pace of play?

Even on a par 3 course, a few things can speed things up — or slow them down:

  • Time of day: mornings are usually fastest
  • Crowds: busy weekends slow everything
  • Skill level: beginners are expected here (and that’s okay)
  • Walking vs carts: walking is often faster on short layouts
  • Course layout: long walks between tees/greens can add time

Can you play par 3 golf after work?

This is where par 3 golf shines. A 9-hole round after work is completely realistic — no rushing, no skipping holes, no “sorry I’m late for dinner” texts.

That’s exactly why searches like “par 3 golf courses near me” spike in the evenings. Use the near-me finder to see what’s close.

Par 3 vs executive vs full-length round time

If you’re deciding what kind of “quick golf” day you want:

  • Par 3 course: 45–150 minutes
  • Executive course: 90–180 minutes
  • Regulation 18-hole course: 4–5+ hours

Not sure what “executive” really means? Here’s the clean explanation: Par 3 vs executive.

How to keep your par 3 round fast

  • Play ready golf
  • Limit practice swings (one is plenty)
  • Bring only the clubs you need
  • Pick up once double-par happens
  • Write scores on the next tee, not by the green

Finding fast par 3 courses near you

Some par 3 courses are built specifically for quick rounds. Use the directory to sort by distance or browse by state:

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FAQ

Most 9-hole par 3 rounds take about 45–75 minutes depending on pace, crowds, and walking time.

Most 18-hole par 3 rounds take about 1.5–2.5 hours. Busy weekend times can push it longer, but it’s still usually far faster than a full-length 18.

Usually, yes. Par 3 courses tend to be the quickest. Executive courses are still fast but often take longer because par 4 holes increase walking and time on tee boxes.

Yes. A 9-hole par 3 round after work is realistic for many players, which is why par 3 golf is popular for weeknights and quick practice.