Crazy golf, also known as mini-golf or adventure golf, is a beloved pastime that combines the fun of golf with whimsical, themed obstacles. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just in it for the laughs, a key question often arises before stepping onto the course: how long does it take to complete an 18-hole crazy golf course?
The answer isn’t straightforward, as several factors can influence the duration of your game. Let’s explore these elements to give you a better idea of what to expect on your next crazy golf adventure.
1. Group Size
The size of your group plays a significant role in determining how long your game will take. Typically, the more people you have, the longer it will take to complete the course.
- Small Groups (1-2 Players): If you’re playing alone or with just one other person, you can expect to finish an 18-hole course relatively quickly. On average, it may take about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how quickly you play.
- Medium Groups (3-4 Players): With a small group of three or four, the time increases slightly, often ranging between 45 minutes to an hour. Each player needs their turn, and more time is spent waiting for others to complete their shots.
- Large Groups (5+ Players): Larger groups of five or more can expect to spend an hour or more on the course. The more players, the more turns, and consequently, the longer the game.
2. Course Design and Difficulty
The layout and difficulty of the course also affect how long it takes to complete. Crazy golf courses vary widely in design, from simple, straightforward holes to intricate, challenging ones that require more skill and time.
- Simple Courses: On a relatively easy course with fewer obstacles and shorter holes, you might breeze through each hole quickly. For an 18-hole course, this could mean finishing in around 30 to 45 minutes, especially if the group is small.
- Challenging Courses: Conversely, if the course is more complex with elaborate obstacles like windmills, water hazards, or tricky slopes, it will take longer to complete each hole. In such cases, even small groups might take an hour or more to finish 18 holes.
3. Player Skill Level
The experience and skill level of the players can significantly influence the time spent on the course.
- Experienced Players: Those who are familiar with the game and have a good level of skill may complete each hole more quickly. They tend to make fewer strokes per hole, reducing the overall time spent on the course. Experienced players might finish in about 45 minutes to an hour, even on a challenging course.
- Beginners: If you’re new to crazy golf or playing with beginners, expect to spend more time at each hole. Beginners might need more strokes to get the ball into the hole, and there may be more pauses for advice and encouragement. In this case, an 18-hole game could take an hour or even longer.
4. Course Traffic
Another important factor to consider is how busy the course is when you visit.
- Quiet Times: If you visit during off-peak hours, when the course is less crowded, you can move through the holes more swiftly. This means you’re likely to complete the game within the average time of 45 minutes to an hour.
- Peak Times: During weekends, holidays, or popular times of day, the course may be much busier. This often means waiting for the group ahead to finish before you can start your turn, which can significantly extend the time it takes to complete your round. On busy days, you might spend an hour and a half or more completing an 18-hole course.
5. Pace of Play
Lastly, the pace at which your group plays will affect the total duration. Some people prefer to take their time, enjoying each hole, chatting, and taking photos, while others prefer to keep things moving at a brisk pace.
- Leisurely Play: If your group enjoys taking things slow, you might spend extra time at each hole, leading to a longer game. In this scenario, an 18-hole round could easily take up to 90 minutes.
- Quick Play: If you’re focused on getting through the course quickly, perhaps in a friendly competition, you might shave some time off, completing the course in around 45 minutes.
In general, you can expect to spend anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour and a half playing 18 holes of crazy golf. The exact time will depend on factors like the size of your group, the course difficulty, your skill level, how busy the course is, and how quickly you play. No matter how long it takes, crazy golf is all about enjoying the experience, so take your time and have fun!
