Golf's Return: When To Expect The Sport Back

when does golf return

The return of golf depends on the season and location. In the US, 18 states have year-round play due to warmer climates, while other regions play from April/May to October/November. Globally, golf seasons also vary with countries like Spain offering year-round play, while others have shorter periods due to climate, such as Norway and Finland. The PGA Tour and professional golf seasons are year-round, with the 2024 schedule featuring a transition to a calendar-year system and increased FedEx Cup champion prize money.

Characteristics Values
Golf season in the Northern US States April to October or November
Golf season in New York April 15th to October 31st
Golf season in the Southern US States February to November
Golf season in Canada Mid-April to October
Golf season in Vancouver or British Columbia Larger window than the rest of Canada
Year-round golf in the US Florida, California, Arizona, South Carolina
Year-round golf outside the US Spain
Shorter golf seasons outside the US Norway, Finland
PGA Tour and professional golf seasons Year-round

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Golf in the Northern US States

Golf seasons differ drastically across the US, with 18 states having year-round play due to warmer climates, while other regions play from April/May to October/November. The length of the golf season in the United States varies significantly across states, with the colder months often limiting play.

In the Northern US states, the golf season usually stretches from April to October, with some states allowing golf until November. The spring season, particularly for golf in the Northern US, is relatively brief, encompassing only April and May. The fall season, from mid-September to the end of November, offers cooler weather conditions that favour golfing in the northern states. This period is termed the 'shoulder season', presenting golfers with the chance to indulge in the sport at reduced rates. It is typical for local golf courses in the northern states to shut down during the winter months, known as the inactive season, due to snow.

Taking New York as an example, the golf season runs from 15 April to 31 October. The Northern part of the United States has a limited golf season, with most rounds of golf played between April and October. Similar to the Northern US States, most of Canada fits into the mid-April to October golf season. However, areas like Vancouver or British Columbia may offer a slightly longer window for golfing.

In contrast to the Northern states, the Southern part of the United States offers a longer golf season, typically lasting from February or March to November. Warmer climates in states like Florida, California, Arizona, and South Carolina enable year-round golfing.

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Golf in Southern US States

Golf seasons differ across the US, with 18 states offering year-round play due to warmer climates. These include southern states like Florida, California, Arizona, and South Carolina. In the Southern US, the golf season typically runs from February or March to November, with golfers having to deal with rain and humidity at times.

For those looking for solo golf destinations in the Southern US, there are many options to choose from. One suggestion is the Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) Trail sites in Alabama, which offer multiple 18-hole courses that have hosted LPGA and KFT tournaments. Another option is Streamsong in Florida, which has three courses, although it is a 2-hour drive from the nearest airport in Orlando.

If you're looking for a unique golf experience, consider 'desert golf' in Southern California. PGA West in Palm Springs offers the opportunity to play on the same course as the American Express PGA Tour, and the weather is perfect for golf in March. Pinehurst in North Carolina, a three-time U.S. Open site, is also worth considering. It has been voted the "Best Golf Resort in America" three times and offers guests access to nine championship golf courses, including the famed No. 2 course.

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Year-round golf locations

Golf seasons differ across the world, with some countries offering year-round play, while others have shorter periods due to their climate. For instance, 18 US states have year-round play due to their warmer climates, while other regions play from April/May to October/November.

The United States

The US offers a variety of year-round golf destinations, especially in the southern states, where the climate is milder. Here are some of the top year-round golf locations in the US:

  • Arizona is a popular choice for year-round golfing, with high demand peaking from January to March and off-peak months offering warm temperatures and lower costs from April to June and November to December. The We-Ko-Pa Golf Club in Fort McDowell, which spans 1,000 acres, features two 18-hole layouts, the Cholla and the Saguaro, offering challenging elevation changes and a traditional-style course with wild greens and forgiving fairways.
  • Florida is another sought-after destination for year-round golf, especially during the winter months.
  • California is ideal for golfing enthusiasts, with its favourable climate.
  • Texas offers year-round golfing opportunities, with resorts such as the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines in Austin combining challenging natural terrain with a fun layout suitable for all levels.
  • Oregon is home to the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, which offers a Scottish-style golfing experience with five courses suitable for all skill levels and gorgeous views of the Pacific.
  • South Carolina is mentioned as a year-round golf option.

Other Countries

Outside of the US, there are several countries that offer year-round golfing:

  • Spain is mentioned as a country that offers year-round golfing.
  • New Zealand, especially the northern regions, provides year-round golfing opportunities with milder climates.
  • Golfers have mentioned that there is year-round golf in Victoria, Canada, although this depends on course drainage and how much inclement weather golfers are willing to play through.
  • Virginia is mentioned as a state where it is possible to play golf all year, although there may be some snowy and cold periods.

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The PGA Tour schedule

The PGA Tour and professional golf seasons are year-round, with significant changes coming in 2024, including a transition to a calendar-year system and increased FedEx Cup champion prize money.

In the United States, the golf season varies across states, with 18 states, including Florida, California, Arizona, and South Carolina, offering year-round golfing due to their warmer climates. In the Northern states, the golf season usually runs from April to October or November. For example, the golf season in New York starts on April 15th and ends on October 31st. The spring season in the Northern US is relatively brief, encompassing only April and May, while the fall season, which is termed the 'shoulder season', runs from mid-September to the end of November. During the 'shoulder season', golfers can take advantage of reduced rates, although local golf courses typically shut down during the winter months, known as the inactive season.

In the Southern states, the golf season is generally longer, often lasting from February or March to November, with warmer climates allowing for more extended golfing periods. Similarly, in Canada, the golf season varies by region, with most of the country experiencing a mid-April to October golf season. However, areas like Vancouver and British Columbia may have a slightly longer window for golfing.

Globally, golf seasons also differ. For instance, countries like Spain offer year-round play, while others, such as Norway and Finland, have shorter seasons influenced by their climate.

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Golf in Canada

The golf season in Canada is dependent on the climate and region, with some areas offering year-round play and others having shorter seasons. Generally, the golf season in Canada is similar to that of the Northern United States, with play typically taking place from mid-April to October, and sometimes into November. Areas such as Vancouver and British Columbia may have a slightly longer season due to their milder climates.

Canada is home to some of the world's top golf courses, offering a combination of challenging layouts, breathtaking scenery, and impeccable service. The Cabot Links course in Nova Scotia, for example, is an 80-year-old design by Stanley Thompson that takes golfers on a journey through ocean beaches, deep forests, and rivers. The course was built on a former coastal coal mine staging area and features firm fescue turf, muted dunes, and gentle greens.

Another notable course is Magog in southern Quebec, designed by Tom McBroom. This course offers panoramic tee shots, holes that wind close to streams and ponds, and intricately shaped bunkering set against the lush green backdrop of the region. Tobiano, also in Quebec, is perched on benchland next to Kamloops Lake, offering a labyrinth of dry ravines and rocky arroyos with stunning views.

Cape Breton Island is also a popular golf destination, known for its world-class golf and breathtaking scenery. The course is playable for golfers of varying skill levels and offers incredible holes like the 567-yard par-5, with scenic views from every hole.

With a range of courses, stunning scenery, and a long golf season in many regions, Canada is a great destination for golfers looking to experience new and challenging courses.

Frequently asked questions

The golf season in the US differs across states. In the Northern states, the golf season usually stretches from April to October or November. In the Southern states, the golf season is usually from February or March to November. However, 18 states, including Florida, California, and Arizona, offer year-round golfing due to their warmer climates.

The PGA Tour is year-round. The 2024 calendar was released in August 2023. The 2025 FedExCup Season schedule was released in August 2024.

Similar to the US, the golf season in Canada depends on where you live. Most of Canada has a golf season from mid-April to October. However, places like Vancouver and British Columbia may have a slightly longer window.

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