Seasonal Golfing: The Best Destinations for Each Season of the Year
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Golf is one of the best sports for nature lovers. You’re surrounded by beauty from your first tee-off to your final putt—it’s the perfect way to get some physical exercise, clear your mind, and get some much-needed vitamin D all at the same time!
The truth is, if you love the game, any golf course will be appealing during any season. But there are just a few that look even more beautiful and play even better during specific seasons.
Hit the driving range, pull out that old golf mat of yours, and get those training aids ready because here are our seasonal golfing recommendations.
Spring: Awakening Greens and Mild Weather
Spring is a lovely time to hit the golf course. It’s beautifully colorful, fresh, and just the right temperature to spend hours outdoors without dehydrating or getting sunburned! Here are our favorite golf courses to visit during the freshest season of the year.
Scotland
Spring is the ideal playing time because the weather is the driest and sunniest, without being summer-busy. Expect to see gorgeous new flowers popping up all around you, with still-snow-capped mountains in the background.
Recommended course: St. Andrews Old Course, Fife
Western United States
Between the wildflowers, the bursts of color, and the general lack of tourists, spring is a great time to golf in the Western USA. Tee times are easy to come by, and the weather is fairly mild (although you should be aware of tornado warnings). You might even be lucky enough to spot some baby animals frolicking around as you walk the course!
Recommended course: Pebble Beach Links, California
New Zealand
Spring in New Zealand runs from September to November. You can enjoy the stunning scenery in cool-ish temperatures, with mostly sunny days, although the occasional afternoon shower might interrupt your round. The North Island is a touch warmer than the South, so pick your spot based on your preference. No matter where you go, it’s beautiful.
Recommended course: Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay
Summer: Sun-Drenched Fairways and Long Days
Nobody wants to golf in raging heat, so if you’re planning on a summer golfing holiday, we recommend heading to a cooler spot. Even if you are playing somewhere that’s not sweltering, stay hydrated, get sunblocked up, and wear a hat!
Northern Ireland
Summer in Northern Ireland (June till August) is super mild. Temperatures average out at around 65°F, so it’s just right for a day of walking 18 holes. And for nature lovers, there’s more green than you’re probably used to… But a little under half the days of each month are rainy, so have a backup stash of activities to do when golf isn’t going to happen.
Recommended course: Royal County Down, Newcastle
Japan
Japan has the same summer months as Ireland, but it’s a LOT warmer. Temperatures range between 60 and 86°F, and June is the rainy season so July/August is your better bet. If you love a bit of sultry heat and interesting culture, we highly recommend heading over here. Between rounds of golf, spend some time on the beaches or lakes.
Recommended course: Kawana Hotel Golf Course, Itō, Shizuoka
Fall: Crisp Air and Tranquil Greens
Fall is a stunning season for golfing for a few reasons. One, the harsh heat of summer has mostly gone, which means spending a few hours outdoors is quite pleasant. Two, the fall foliage is in full display, which means you’ll not only have a comfortable round but you’ll also be surrounded by photo-worthy nature.
Southwestern United States
Summer can be a killer in the Southwest, so if you’ve got your heart set on playing golf in the region, wait for the fall weather to set in. If you’ve got an eye for beauty and want to see the colors changing, late September to mid-October is the right time. You might want to pack your camera as well as your golf clubs because you’re going to want to look back at the scenery again and again.
Recommended course: Troon North Golf Club, Arizona
Spain
Fall in Spain is practically perfect for a round (or many) of golf. It’s lovely and mild, from 62 to 75°F and with virtually zero chance of rain. There tend to be fewer tourists once summer fades, so you’ll have the run of the place and can enjoy all the attractions in comfort.
Recommended course: Finca Cortesin, Málaga
Winter: Sun and Warmth in the Southern Hemisphere
Winter weather isn’t necessarily “cold” everywhere. If you’d love to spend time golfing in a winter location that’s actually quite warm and appealing, choose one of these.
United Arab Emirates
December to March is the best time to visit the UAE, and let’s be honest, you can’t experience desert golf anywhere else quite like you can here. Days peak at around 75°F with basically no rain. Keep in mind, though, that it’s prime tourist season, so book your tee times early.
Recommended course: Emirates Golf Club, Dubai
Australia
If you want to golf between June and August, Australia is a good choice. Be aware, though, that the weather can vary wildly depending on where exactly you are—you might see snow in the south (yes, snow in Aus!), but the north is steamy even during the day. Golf, swim, and lounge on the beach while it’s fairly devoid of tourists.
Recommended course: Barnbougle Dunes, Tasmania
South Africa
South Africa has the same winter months as Australia. Days are clear and mild, getting up to about 64°F. Coastal areas tend to have rainy winters, while inland areas are dry. In between rounds of golf, you shouldn’t miss the chance for some wildlife viewing—you won’t find anything else quite like it anywhere else in the world.
Recommended course: The Links at Fancourt, George
Conclusion
Golf can be beautiful at any time of year. Nature lovers will appreciate the fresh newness of spring, the heat and greenery of summer, the crisp air and radiant colors of fall, and the still-warm weather of winter in the southern hemisphere.
But seasonal golfing isn’t just about chasing good weather. It’s an opportunity to check off some of those golf courses on your bucket list, see new places, and turn your favorite sport into an exciting and varied experience both on and off the course.
About the Author Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.
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