Miles Bennett
The best times to play golf vary depending on location and season. In the Northern states, the golf season usually runs from April to October or November, with some places, like New York, starting as early as April 15th and ending on October 31st. The spring season is relatively brief in the Northern US, encompassing only April and May. The fall season, from mid-September to November, is termed the 'shoulder season,' offering golfers reduced rates. Typically, golf courses in these areas shut down during the winter months due to snow. In contrast, the golf season in southern states, such as Florida, California, and Arizona, can span from February to November, benefiting from warmer climates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf season in the Northern states | April to October or November |
| Golf season in New York | April 15th to October 31st |
| Golf season in the Southern states | February to November |
| Golf season in the Carolinas and Georgia | March through June and October through mid-December |
| Golf season in Arizona | January through March for peak season, and April, May, June, late November, and December for good conditions and reasonable rates |
| Golf season in Florida, California, and Arizona | Year-round |
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What You'll Learn
Golf in the Northern US states
Golf is a year-round sport, but the best times to play in the Northern US states vary depending on the location and season. The golf season in the Northern states usually spans from April to October or November. For instance, in New York, the golf season typically starts on April 15th and ends on October 31st. The spring season for golf in the Northern US is relatively brief, covering only April and May.
The fall season, from mid-September to November, offers cooler weather conditions that are favourable for golfing in the Northern states. This period, known as the 'shoulder season', presents golfers with reduced rates to enjoy the sport. Nevertheless, local golf courses in these states typically shut down during the winter months due to snow, marking an inactive season for golf.
Despite the shorter season, the Northern US states offer some terrific golf experiences. The 45th Parallel, which cuts across the northernmost reaches of states like New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, is a notable reference point for golf destinations. One notable resort just outside Gaylord, Michigan, features 81 golf holes, including the state's only Tom Fazio design and a par-3 course called Threetops.
For those seeking golf getaways in the Northeast, Long Island offers a variety of options, including the prestigious Shinnecock Hills and the National Golf Links of America. Bethpage State Park, with its renowned Black Course, and Timber Point Golf Course, designed in the 1920s, are also worth considering.
Additionally, the Northeast boasts destinations like New England, with its scenic Stowe Mountain Club, and New Jersey, where the Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield offers a unique plateau green surrounded by bunkers. Connecticut, with its Mohegan Sun Golf Club and Foxwoods Resort's Lake of Isles Golf Club, provides a wonderful few days of golf fun.
The Northern US states cater to golfers of all levels, offering a mix of mountain, lakeside, and coastal experiences, ensuring that golfers can enjoy their favourite sport while taking in the region's natural beauty.
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Golf in the Southern US states
Golf is a year-round sport in the Southern US states, with warmer climates allowing for a longer golfing period. Generally, the golf season in the Southern US states runs from February to November, compared to April or mid-September to October or November in the Northern states.
The South boasts some of the prettiest golf courses in the country, with lush landscapes, dramatic elevation changes, and immaculate greens. The region is also home to some of the top golf resorts in the nation, offering luxurious accommodations, outdoor adventures, and championship-level golf courses.
Pinehurst, North Carolina, is widely regarded as the epicenter of American golf, having hosted the U.S. Open three times. The resort features nine championship golf courses, including the famed No. 2 course, designed by Donald Ross, and the critically acclaimed No. 4 course, renovated by Gil Hanse.
Georgia is another golfer's paradise, with its Golden Isles offering luxurious resorts and championship courses. Sea Island, in particular, stands out with its Seaside course, consistently ranked among the country's top 100 courses. Surrounded by tidal creeks, dunes, salt marshes, and the Atlantic Ocean, it provides a unique and challenging golfing experience.
Alabama is also a golfer's haven, with the renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail spanning 11 sites and 31 courses across the state. Pursell Farms, located just over an hour from Birmingham, has been named the number one all-access golf course in Alabama for ten consecutive years. The 18-hole course offers dramatic elevation changes and pristine fairways set against bucolic farmland.
Additionally, The Greenbrier in West Virginia has been a household name among Southerners since 1778. This National Historic Landmark, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, has hosted many of golf's most accomplished athletes. With four golf courses, it is a grand and impressive destination for golfers seeking to follow in the footsteps of greatness.
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Year-round golfing locations
Golf is a sport that is played all over the world, but its availability is often seasonal, depending on the climate. However, there are several locations that offer year-round golfing opportunities.
Florida
Florida is a popular choice for year-round golf, with its tropical climate and over 1,300 golf courses. The average temperature rarely falls below 20°C, making it possible to golf every day. Cities such as Naples, with its abundance of golf courses, and Orlando, with its world-class courses like the Bay Hill Club, are top golfing destinations. The Ritz-Carlton Naples and the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach offer luxurious golfing experiences.
Arizona
Arizona is another leading state for year-round golfing in the US. Scottsdale, with over 200 courses, is considered the premier golf city in the state. The average high temperatures in winter hover around 70°F, providing perfect golfing weather. Other notable golf spots in Arizona include the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club in Fort McDowell, which offers two 18-hole layouts, and the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines resort, which combines challenging terrain with a fun layout suitable for all levels.
California
California's mild climate makes it an ideal year-round golfing destination. San Diego, in particular, stands out for its favourable weather and top-notch golf courses.
Oregon
Oregon's Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, spanning 1,000 acres with five courses suitable for all skill levels, offers an authentic Scottish-style golfing experience with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Texas
Texas is another state with excellent year-round golfing spots. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines resort in Austin combines challenging natural terrain with a fun layout for golfers of all skill levels.
Outside of the US, New Zealand, especially its northern regions, offers year-round golfing opportunities with a milder climate. Victoria, Canada, is also mentioned as a place where it is possible to play golf throughout the year.
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Maximising the golf season
Know the Seasonal Variations: The golf season varies across different regions. In the Northern states, it typically spans from April to October or November. For instance, in New York, the season runs from April 15th to October 31st. The spring season is relatively brief in the Northern US, encompassing only April and May. In contrast, the fall season, from mid-September to November, offers cooler weather favourable for golfing. This "shoulder season" presents reduced rates for golfers. The local courses in these northern regions usually shut down during the winter due to snow. Conversely, in the Southern states, the golf season extends from February to November, benefiting from warmer climates.
Optimal Timing for Different Regions: The best times to play golf vary depending on the location. For the Carolinas and Georgia, March through June and October through mid-December offer ideal golfing conditions. In Arizona, the peak season is from January to March, while April to June, late November, and December provide good weather and more reasonable rates.
Maintain Physical Conditioning: Maximising the golf season extends beyond just knowing the right times and places to play. It's crucial to maintain your strength, power, and physical conditioning throughout the year. Strategically schedule in-season workouts and keep track of your workout metrics and club head speeds. This will help you stay in top form and prevent performance slumps.
Utilise Off-Season Practices: Golf has an off-season, providing professional golfers with a chance to rest and recover from the physical demands of the game. However, this downtime doesn't mean you need to stop practising entirely. Take advantage of off-season practices to hone your skills and maintain your edge. This way, you'll be ready to hit the ground running when the next golf season arrives.
Year-Round Golfing Options: If you're eager to play year-round, there are locations that offer golf throughout all four seasons. Consider states like Florida, California, and Arizona for year-round golfing within the United States. These destinations provide the opportunity to pursue your passion for golf without the constraints of seasonal limitations.
By combining knowledge of the best golfing seasons and locations with dedicated physical conditioning and strategic off-season practices, you can maximise your enjoyment and success on the golf course. Happy golfing!
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PGA Tour season
The PGA Tour is an annual series of golf tournaments predominantly played in the United States, with some tournaments held around the world. The tour features the top golfers in the Official World Golf Ranking, including the world number one.
The 2013 season was the last to be conducted entirely within a calendar year. Since the 2014 season, the PGA Tour has spanned two calendar years, starting in October of the previous year, shortly after the Tour Championship. The season ends with the Tour Championship, held in mid-September, followed by an international team event (either the Ryder Cup or the Presidents Cup).
From January through mid-August, players compete in regular season events and earn FedEx Cup points, in addition to prize money. At the end of the regular season, the top 125 FedEx Cup points winners are eligible to compete in the "playoffs", consisting of four events from mid-August to mid-September. The field sizes for these events are reduced from 125 to 100 to 70, and finally, the traditional 30 for the Tour Championship. Additional FedEx Cup points are earned in these events, and the player with the most points at the end of the championship is the season champion.
In 2019, the PGA Tour adopted a 'starting strokes' format at the Tour Championship. Golfers at the tournament begin with a head start based on their FedEx Cup standing. The 2025 Tour Championship at East Lake will adopt a 72-hole stroke-play format, with all 30 competitors starting at even par.
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Frequently asked questions
The golf season in the Northern US usually ends in October or November.
The golf season in the Southern US usually runs from February to November.
Yes, Florida, California, and Arizona are great options for playing golf all year round.
In Arizona, the peak season for golfing is from January to March.
The off-peak season in Arizona is from April to June, late November, and December, but these months still offer good conditions and reasonable rates.
