R&A: Golf too long to play

London - In the fast-paced modern world, a typical round of golf takes too much time away from family or work for many players, a survey commissioned by the sport's governing body showed on Monday.

The R&A, based in St Andrews, Scotland, received responses from 56 000 golfers in 122 countries about their experience of playing a typical 18-hole round of golf which lasts between three and four hours.

Although 70 percent were largely happy with the duration of their rounds, 60 percent said they would like the game better if it took less time to play.