Golf is a great game that many people enjoy. However, for some, it can be difficult to find an open course in their area. This blog post will answer the question: When do golf courses close?
The short answer is that most golf courses close during the winter months from November to March or April, but this varies depending on location and weather conditions.
Golf courses close for a variety of reasons, but the rule is that they close when snow covers the ground. If you happen to be in one of those states where golf courses don’t typically get covered with snow, then it’s safe to say they will never close. As many golfers know, there are certain hazards on the course that can make play difficult or even impossible during inclement weather. Golf shoes and clubs are not always enough for playing in wet and icy conditions. When this happens, it’s best to head indoors at your local driving range or go back home until conditions improve outside.
When the snow falls, many golf courses in North America close for a season. If you want to get out on the greens when it’s chilly outside and there’s no frost or dew atop your club of choice then we have some great ideas for where to play through winter!
In this post, I am going to take a look at examples of when different golf courses around North America will close during cold weather months like November-March. One example is that Las Vegas Country Club closes from December until March while another course called Temple Hills Golf Course shuts down operations from October till April each year as well. This can be due either because these places are located within warmer climates with mild winters such as southern California (Temple Hill).
How Long Is The Typical Golf Season?
The golf season in the northern United States starts as early as April and lasts until October, with possible extensions into November. In southern states like Florida or Arizona, it is also possible to play throughout most of the year except for winter months when rain makes too many courses unplayable due to flooding.
When Do Golf Courses Close For The Season?
If you can get away from the cold winters, then head to Seattle for a winter golf season that lasts from November-April. If not and instead want an all-year-round experience; look no further than Florida where their course is open 12 months out of the year!
In Alaska, they have four short seasons but it’s worth remembering that this state has more daylight hours in summer than any other region in America so if your time there is limited, try squeezing as many rounds into those precious few days before heading south again.
– It may be worth checking their site or taking a look at your local calendar as well:
| State | Golf Season Dates |
| Arizona | Year-round (can be too hot for many in the summer, though) |
| Alaska | May-September |
| California | Year-round |
| Florida | Year-round |
| Michigan | April-October |
| New York | Open year-round (except when there’s snow) |
| Montana | May-October |
| Oregon | Most courses are open year-round (very rainy in the winter) |
| Texas | Year-round |
| Washington | Open Spring, Summer, and Fall. Might shut down for a month or two in the winter. |
The Best Places To Golf All Year Round
It’s fair to say that with winter coming, you’re probably wondering where the best place is for year-round golf. The North American continent has many first-rate options, but here are four of our favorites! Florida and Arizona have beautiful weather all year round making them a great destination in both summer and winter alike while Texas can be enjoyed any time of the day during their mild winters on nicely lit courses.
If your heart lies at home though, know that Canada offers some world-class facilities like Whistler Golf Club which also happens to offer ski slopes nearby, or Banff Springs Hotel & Resort just outside Calgary if you want an escape from harsh arctic winds this season. With so much variety available up north it might seem tough deciding.
- Arizona
- Florida
- Texas
- California
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Hawaii
Canada’s climate is not exactly ideal for year-round golf, but there are still a few places you can hit the links. For starters, British Columbia spans the northern border of Canada and Washington state to its south.
The two best locations for year-round golf in BC are Victoria and Vancouver Island. Golfers from around the world come to these areas because of their temperate climates, scenic nature, scenery that changes with each season – something you won’t find outside of Canada!
The twelfth hole at Royal Colwood is one example where this change can be observed: a forested fairway during summer transforms into an open field sprinkled by wildflowers in autumn. Located on Vancouver Island near Sidney (near Nanaimo), there’s no comparison as it features rolling hills reminiscent of Scottish links courses or rugged coastal dunes dotted with towering fir trees like those found along Oregon’s famous coastlines off the Pacific Ocean.
When Do Golf Courses Close For The Season In Canada?
The northern territories have the shortest golf season in Canada. They are usually open from May through October, before closing down for the fall and winter.
It is interesting to note that northern geography allows for plenty of sunlight during the summer. Some cities have 20 hours of sunshine during the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. The sky will not get dark for many weeks.
As you travel south, however, the most populated Canadian provinces (Alberta and Quebec, Ontario, etc … tend to open in April, and close in October.
The longest Canadian golf season is in BC, which has courses that open in February/early March and close in November.
If you love golf, there are a few reasons why it’s important to know when to do golf courses close for the season. The most obvious is that winter weather will make playing difficult and uncomfortable; but did you also know how much money these facilities lose each year?
In addition to providing an enjoyable sport all summer long, many of our beloved public golf courses in this country save lives by supporting local charities with fundraising efforts throughout their operating seasons (especially during tournaments). But come fall, they need time off just like we do—to regroup from wear-and-tear on greenside and trees plus staff vacations or other needs. So now can better plan your schedule accordingly!
Why Do Golf Courses Close for the Winter?
These are some of the reasons why golf courses close during winter.
- Protect the turf from damage.
- Management should be given time to organize.
- You can save money.
Let’s take a closer glance at each one.
Give Management Time To Get Organized
Maintaining a golf course requires a lot of planning. Management must ensure they have the right equipment in order to maintain the course. They also need to order new stock to supply the pro shop.
Save Money
Golf courses can be expensive to manage. They have to pay staff to maintain the course, run the pro shop and prepare food.
When the temperature drops, golf is less popular.
This will result in less revenue coming in from events and tee times. It is not a good idea to keep the course open if maintenance costs and wages are higher than the incoming revenue.
A golf course is, at its core, a business.
Prevent Turf Damage
Golf courses are closed for winter because it protects the grass against damage from snow, frost, and ice.
For example, you’ve probably heard that it’s bad to walk on a green when there’s frost. The reason is that ice crystalizes on grass and causes it to become brittle. This brittle grass will crack if someone walks on it. Sometimes, frost damage can take up to a month for greens.
What Do Golf Courses Do in Winter?
Golf courses have many important tasks to take care of in winter.
- Give your staff a much-needed break as with any seasonal business there are times when it can be stressful and overwhelming. Golf course workers rarely have the time or energy to take a vacation during summer. Staff can take a winter break to recharge their batteries and refocus.
- Restock and Order SuppliesEvery year, new models of golf clubs, apparel, and accessories are introduced. Pro shops must keep up-to-date with the latest gear in order to remain competitive.
- Winter Activities: Open the CourseSome golf courses offer alternate activities in the winter. Many will also create groomed ski trails. Some others rent out indoor golf simulators to the public.
- Continue to Provide Non-Golf Service –Event hosting is one of the most lucrative revenue streams for golf clubs. Courses will continue to rent their facilities and clubhouse for events, such as weddings, charity dinners, and awards ceremonies.
- Tarps are a great way to cover Tee Boxes and Greens with TarpsIt can be difficult to repair turf damage after it has become cold, as we have already mentioned. Golf courses should take preventative measures like covering greens and tee boxes in tarps.
What Should I Do When Golf Courses Are Closed?
The waiting for the winter to pass can be excruciating, but with a few simple tricks up your sleeve, you will never have to worry about losing that beautiful swing.
If all else fails and it is not warm enough outside where you live yet, there are still plenty of things on this list that should help improve your golf game in no time!
Fitness is your priority
You can also spend time at the gym, or at home, working out when your golf course is closed. There are many options. Strength training is a great option for golfers.
You can improve your golf game by following a structured and specific fitness program.
- Power
- Balance
- Coordinating
- Stability
- Neuromuscular control
All of these elements are crucial to a successful golf swing.
You can visit (or buy) a golf simulator
Consider visiting a local simulator to learn how you can play in winter.
But Can golf simulators really improve your game? What is the best way to get started?
Yes, in short. The technology of golf simulators has advanced exponentially in the last few years.
Golfers now have the opportunity to play around on thousands of indoor courses. This is a great way for you to keep your swing in check and pass the time before the next season opens.
Conclusion
Golf courses close for the winter to help protect against frost damage, allow management time to re-organize, and save money. The date golf courses close for the season varies from state to state.
As a general rule, the farther south you go, the longer courses will be open. Some golf courses in southern states are open year-round! Hopefully, this post has helped you learn more about how long your local golf course stays open each year so that you can plan accordingly for 2023 or 2023! Let me know can you play golf all year round where you live? Do you prefer warmer weather?
