Jackson Reid
Golf is a sport that can be played all year round in certain places, but for those living in colder climates, golf is a seasonal activity. The golf season in the northern US usually runs from April to October, with some courses remaining open until November. In Europe, the golf season is generally from March to October, with southern Sweden having a longer season than the north of the country. Warmer climates such as Spain, Florida, California, Arizona, and Georgia allow for year-round play, although some golfers in these places avoid the hottest summer months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Furthest north for year-round golf in the US | Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, Southern Missouri, Northern Arkansas, Atlanta, San Antonio, Pacific Northwest |
| Year-round golf in Canada | Victoria, Billy Joss Golf Club in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Yellowknife Golf Club |
| Year-round golf in Europe | Spain |
| Year-round golf in South America | Ushuaia Golf Club, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina |
| Year-round golf in Australia | Queensland |
| Year-round golf in New Zealand | Northern regions |
| Year-round golf in the UK & Ireland | April to October |
| Year-round golf in Sweden | Southern Sweden |
| Year-round golf in the British Isles | Whalsay Golf Club, Shetland Islands |
| Year-round golf in Greenland | Uummannaq |
| Furthest north for year-round golf in the world | Tromsø Golf Park, Norway |
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What You'll Learn
Golf in the northern US
Golfers in the northern US have a lot to be excited about. While it may be true that golf courses in the south remain open all year round, northern golf courses have their own advantages. For one, weekday, after-work golf leagues are more common in the north than in the south. The National Golf Foundation's 2019 participation report showed that the West Central and East Central regions of the US had the highest participation rates, with West-Central golfers averaging the most rounds per year.
The Northeast, in particular, is where golf took root in the country, and it boasts a rich and diverse collection of golf courses. From the parkland courses around New York, to the coastal courses of Long Island, to the pine barrens of New Jersey, to the farm fields of Pennsylvania, the Northeast has something for everyone. Some notable courses in the region include the Ridgewood Country Club, which offers distant views of New York City, and the Creek Club, a quintessential Long Island golf experience.
The northern US also has some excellent golf resorts. One notable example is the Boyne resort in Northern Michigan, which features 10 golf courses across three properties, two of which also offer ski mountains for winter getaways. Another resort located just outside Gaylord in Northern Michigan features 81 holes of golf, including the state's only Tom Fazio design and a par-3 course called Threetops.
While it may be too cold to play golf in the northern US during the winter months, there are still plenty of options for year-round golf in the southern states. North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky are known for having golf courses that remain open all year round. However, it's important to note that even in these states, there may be occasional closures due to snow or cold weather.
So, whether you're a northern golfer braving the cold to get in a few rounds during the short golf season or a southern golfer enjoying the luxury of year-round golf, there's no denying that the US has a lot to offer when it comes to this beloved sport.
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Year-round golf in Canada
Golf is a year-round sport in Canada, with Vancouver Island being the only area in the country offering this. The best time to play is from March through October, as daytime highs average 20°C and the region receives less than 25 mm of rain monthly. The most popular courses on the island include Crown Isle, Highland Pacific Golf Club, and Bear Mountain, which features two 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed courses.
The typical golf season in Canada ranges from mid-April to October, with official dates from April 1st to November 30th. However, some courses in the Niagara region, such as Queenston & St. David's Golf Club, remain open all year round, weather permitting.
Compared to other countries, Canada's golf season is shorter. For example, Spain offers year-round play, while Finland's golf season is limited to May through September.
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Golf in the southern US
Golfers in the southern United States can enjoy the thrill of the game all year round. While there may be a few snow days or chilly temperatures, courses are generally open and playable.
For those in the south, the allure of year-round golf is a reality, and it is easy to feel jealous of those southern-based golfers when you're up north, shovelling snow. Southern states like North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky offer year-round play, although there may be some snow days or chilly temperatures to contend with. In North Carolina, Charlotte, in particular, offers year-round golf, with only a few rainy, 30-degree days to skip.
Further south, in Georgia, Atlanta is a great spot for golfers, with only a few bad weather weekends from November to February. However, it can be expensive and busy. Florida is a popular choice for golfers, with many public courses, but finding an affordable private course can be a challenge. The state also has early closing times, even in the larger cities, and the humidity can be a turn-off for some.
For those looking to avoid the extreme heat and humidity of Florida, North Florida and Arizona offer slightly cooler options. San Antonio, Texas, is another year-round option.
Southern California is another golfer's paradise, with an endless amount of great courses and other attractions. PGA West in Palm Springs is a standout choice, offering "desert golf," which is a unique experience.
For those looking to stay on the East Coast, Alabama is a good choice, with the RTJ Trail sites and Streamsong, which has three courses, offering a great golf experience.
So, for golfers looking to escape the snow and ice of the north, the southern US offers a plethora of choices, with year-round golf and mild winters.
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Golf in Europe
Golf is a popular sport in Europe, with courses scattered across the continent. The size of Europe makes it a challenge to find the best courses, but there are some that stand out.
One of the most notable courses in Europe is Hoge Kleij, which has undergone a rigorous renovation by Frank Pont and the club's investment. The course now boasts a fine variety of holes, with most set between tall pines and a few deciduous trees, all of which are being thinned and drawn back from playing corridors. The course also features a handful of cool greens and plenty of heather, adding to the aesthetic appeal and challenge.
Another notable course is Linna, designed by Tim Lobb. This course offers a beautiful experience with undulating fairways and classic Finnish pines. The short holes at 10 and 16 are particularly memorable, with lush presentation adding to their idiosyncratic nature.
The Ile de France region in France also offers a plethora of golf courses, with Golf de Chantilly and Golf de Fontainebleau being standout options. Chantilly is known for its glorious setting, while Fontainebleau offers a delightful golfing experience.
When it comes to the British Isles, St. Andrews Links in Fife, Scotland, is a well-known golf destination, with its Old Course being a notable attraction. In Ireland and Northern Ireland, there are also numerous top public golf courses and hidden gems, such as the St. Mellion Golf Club in Saltash.
Lastly, some unique courses in Continental Europe include the Utrecht de Pan Golf Club in the Netherlands, which has hosted the Dutch Open multiple times, and the remote Lofoten Links course in Norway, situated along its rugged northern coast.
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The world's northernmost courses
Golf enthusiasts seeking to play at the world's northernmost courses will find themselves in breathtaking surroundings, with the chance to play under the midnight sun or even the Northern Lights. Here are some of the world's northernmost golf courses:
Tromsø Golf Club, Norway
Located 217 miles (350 kilometres) north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø Golf Club is the world's northernmost 18-hole golf course. It offers stunning views of the Lyngen Alps and adjacent fjords. The course is set in an area of great natural beauty, featuring salmon rivers, lush birch woods, and an abundance of wildlife. Players can enjoy the unique experience of golfing under the midnight sun, with the course open for play around the clock from June to October.
Lofoten Links, Norway
Lofoten Links in Gimsoya, Norway, is known for being the world's northernmost links course. It offers a challenging 18-hole layout with fairways meandering through fields of stone and pot bunkers. The golfing season typically runs from early May to mid-October, with 24-hour daylight allowing for midnight golfing during the summer months. The nearby Lofoten Isles provide a range of attractions, including whale watching and music festivals.
Ulukhaktok Golf Club, Canada
The Billy Joss Golf Club in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada, is set in a unique tundra landscape off the Amundsen Gulf in the Beaufort Sea. With shale fairways and artificial greens, this 9-hole course is a challenging yet rewarding experience. The club hosts the annual Billy Joss Celebrity Tournament, a four-day event that takes place in broad daylight during the third week of July.
Uummannaq, Greenland
Uummannaq in western Greenland is known for hosting the World Ice Golf Championship. The course is laid out on the fjord ice, with its shape constantly changing due to the movement of icebergs and snowdrifts. It offers a unique and challenging golfing experience, with holes bigger than standard and brightly coloured balls to spot against the snow and ice.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard
For those seeking a disc golf experience, Longyearbyen in Svalbard boasts the world's northernmost disc golf course. Players can enjoy the dramatic landscape of rocks, mountains, snow, and ice, with the possibility of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights during the winter months. The course is located just outside the schoolyard, providing a convenient and accessible golfing option.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several states in the US that offer year-round golfing due to their warmer climates, including Florida, California, and Arizona. Golfers in these states can play at any time throughout the year. Some specific places include:
- North Carolina
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Georgia
- Southern Missouri
- Northern Arkansas
- Seattle
- Tucson
- Victoria, Canada
Some countries that offer the possibility to play golf year-round due to favorable weather conditions include:
- Spain
- Canada
The prime season for golf travel in the northern US is from the end of April to early October.
