Trevor Ng
Golf is a year-round sport in 18 US states, including Florida, California, and Arizona, due to their warmer climates. However, in northern states, golf is typically played from April to October, and courses may be closed during the winter months due to snow. Some states, such as Wisconsin, have experienced golf course closures due to stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the fact that golf is an outdoor activity that can be practiced while social distancing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States with year-round golfing | Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, South Carolina |
| States with seasonal golfing | Wisconsin, Illinois |
| Peak season | Late fall through mid-December, Spring (February-May) |
| Off-peak season | July and August |
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What You'll Learn
Golf in Wisconsin
Golf is a popular sport in Wisconsin, with a history dating back to around 1890. The state boasts a variety of golf courses, ranging from traditional layouts to modern designs, catering to golfers of all skill levels. Wisconsin has been ranked as the number one state for public golf, with 11 of its courses featured in the ranking of America's 100 Greatest Public courses.
The golf season in Wisconsin typically aligns with the northern region's schedule, running from April to October. During the winter months, many local golf courses shut down due to snow and freezing temperatures. However, some indoor golf facilities may remain open year-round.
One of the notable golf courses in Wisconsin is Sand Valley, located in central Wisconsin near the town of Nekoosa. It features two highly acclaimed courses, Mammoth Dunes and Sand Valley, with a third course, Sedge Valley, opening in 2018. These courses offer a unique golfing experience, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings of central Wisconsin.
Another renowned golf destination in Wisconsin is the Blackwolf Run resort, named after the Winnebago Indians' chief, Black Wolf. The state is also home to the Milwaukee Country Club, one of the oldest in Wisconsin, and the Blue Mound Golf & Country Club, where Gene Sarazen won the PGA Championship in 1933.
Other top-ranked golf courses in Wisconsin include the North Shore Golf Club in Menasha, the Green Bay Country Club, West Bend Country Club, Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, and University Ridge, which hosts the annual PGA Tour Champions' American Family Insurance Championship.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, golf courses in Wisconsin faced temporary closures due to state stay-at-home orders. However, with the implementation of safety guidelines and social distancing measures, many courses were allowed to reopen, providing residents with a safe outdoor activity during challenging times.
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Golf in Illinois
The Chicago Golf Club, founded in 1892, is one of America's most exclusive and private clubs. Shoreacres, meanwhile, evokes a sense of the 1920s with its David Alder clubhouse. The Old Elm Club features a classic old course designed by Harry Colt in 1913. The Medinah Country Club, founded in the 1920s, was created with the objective of becoming the finest country club in America.
Outside of Chicago, the Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette is ranked as one of the best golf courses in Illinois. The Glen Club, just north of Chicago, was built on land that was once a Naval Air Base. The Bull Valley Golf Club in Woodstock is known for its difficulty, with several holes that challenge even the biggest hitters.
The golf season in Illinois would typically depend on the climate, with the northern regions usually open from April to October, and the southern regions offering year-round play. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois was one of several states that closed golf courses due to stay-at-home orders.
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Golf in Southern states
Golf seasons differ drastically across the United States, with 18 states offering year-round play due to warmer climates. The remaining states have shorter golf seasons, typically running from April/May to October/November.
Southern states like Florida, Arizona, California, and South Carolina offer year-round golf, with peak season occurring during the cooler fall, winter, and spring months. For instance, South Carolina has its optimal months for golfing during the spring, from March to June, and again in the fall, from October to mid-December. However, July and August are the hottest and most humid months in the Southern states, which can make golfing conditions challenging.
If you're looking for recommendations for golf destinations in the Southern US, consider the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama. Montgomery, Alabama, has three great courses, and Magnolia Grove in Mobile has two 18-hole courses and a Par 3 course. Another option is PGA West in Palm Springs, California, where you can experience 'desert golf' and play on the same course as the American Express PGA Tour. Orlando, Florida, is also a good choice, with its many golf courses and nearby attractions.
For a golf trip in the Southeast US, Myrtle Beach is a popular choice, although it can be expensive. Other options include Hilton Head, Pinehurst, Streamsong, and golf courses near Raleigh, such as Tobacco Road. Pinehurst is a perfect resort-style golfing destination, offering stay-and-play packages that include caddies.
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Golf in Northern states
Golf seasons differ across the United States, with 18 states offering year-round play due to their warmer climates. However, golf seasons in the northern states vary significantly, with the colder months often limiting play. Typically, the golf season in the northern regions runs from April to October, with the snow melt in March signalling the start of the season, and the arrival of snow in late October or early November marking its end. This period of intense play during the warmer months is cherished by golfers in the northern states.
The months of mid-September to November constitute the ''shoulder season' in the northern states, where golfers can take advantage of reduced rates. However, local golf courses in these regions typically shut down during the winter months, unable to withstand the snow. Northern states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont offer scenic golf experiences amidst mountain peaks and shoreline views.
In the northeastern United States, New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania offer a variety of golf experiences, from escaping the summer heat to enjoying autumn foliage. The region boasts a mix of municipal, daily-fee, resort, and private golf courses. Notable destinations include the Granite Links in Boston, Massachusetts, with 27 holes overlooking the city, and the Bethpage State Park in New York, featuring the bucket-list Black Course.
For golfers seeking a northern golf getaway, destinations north of the 45th Parallel, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Montana, provide terrific options. Boyne, the largest family-owned golf resort in North America, spans three Northern Michigan resorts, offering diverse golf experiences alongside ski mountains for winter getaways. Treetops in northern Michigan features 81 holes of golf, including the state's lone Tom Fazio design and the renowned Threetops course.
While golf is a popular sport in the northern states, the COVID-19 pandemic caused temporary closures of golf courses in states like Wisconsin, Illinois, and Wisconsin, despite the outdoor nature of the activity.
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Golf in the US during COVID-19
Golf is a popular sport in the US, with varying seasons across the country. The length of the golf season in the United States differs significantly between states, with warmer climates in the south allowing for year-round play, while colder northern states often experience a shorter season.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the golf industry in the US was impacted by closures and restrictions. While some states allowed golf courses to remain open, implementing social distancing guidelines and other safety measures, other states ordered the closure of golf courses as part of stay-at-home or safer-at-home orders. For example, Wisconsin issued a safer-at-home order that included the closure of golf courses, while Illinois initially forced golf courses to close but later reversed this decision. These closures and restrictions aimed to control the spread of COVID-19, but they also disrupted the golf industry and affected related businesses.
The COVID-19 pandemic also affected cross-border travel, impacting US golf clubs near the Canadian border. Canadian golfers opted to stay in their home country due to factors such as travel costs, currency exchange rates, and geopolitical tensions. This resulted in sharp revenue losses for US golf clubs that relied on Canadian visitors. For instance, the Malone Golf Club experienced a revenue loss of approximately $400,000 due to the decrease in Canadian visitors.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, there has been a resurgence in golf's popularity in the US. This has led to the development of new golf courses in several states, including Florida, Texas, and South Carolina. Florida, in particular, has experienced a golf boom, attracting golfers with its year-round warm weather, inexpensive land, and favourable business environment. However, the pandemic has also caused annual closures of golf courses across the country, indicating a delicate balance between growth and uncertainty in the industry.
Overall, the impact of COVID-19 on golf in the US has been mixed. While closures and restrictions disrupted the industry, the sport's inherent social distancing nature and the dedication of golfers and course owners helped mitigate some of these challenges. Additionally, the post-pandemic period has seen a revival in golf's popularity, leading to new course developments and a positive outlook for the sport's future in the US.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2025, some states that have closed golf courses include Wisconsin, Illinois, and possibly Minnesota.
Golf courses in these states were closed due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yes, 18 states in the US offer year-round golfing due to their warmer climates, including Florida, California, Arizona, and Texas.
The golf season in the northern states typically runs from April to October, with local golf courses shutting down during the winter months due to snow.
Yes, in South Carolina, the best conditions are found in the spring (February-May) and fall (mid-September to November) when the humidity drops and temperatures are pleasant.
