Morning Golf vs Twilight Golf?

Article by Alex Picken

As the summer months begin and the weather begins to brighten up, playing in the United Kingdom suddenly becomes possible for much longer. With better weather conditions (British summer dependent) and lighter hours for longer, it raises the important question of which time is the best for golf, morning or twilight? While it essentially comes down to personal preference, there are a variety of pros and cons that come with playing golf at either of these times, each one providing different benefits and negatives.

There has even been scientific research into the subject, as we have discussed before on Golfshake.

Morning Golf

Pros

• Early tee off times means golfers can enjoy the rest of their afternoon doing something else.
• Weather is typically dryer and calmer during the mornings.
• If the weather is very hot during the entire day, the morning will actually be the coolest part of the day and the best time to play.
• Less risk of sunburn or dehydration during the morning.
• Very early morning tee times are usually fairly easy to get.
• Golf courses are typically in their best condition first thing in a morning.
• When it comes to competitions, golfers aren’t having to chase a specific score they can set the target themselves.

Cons

• Doesn’t fit in very well with people working the standard nine-to-five jobs during the week.
• Having to wake up early is never fun, for anyone, ever.
• Tee times from around 9am-11am are typically the most popular with older members and golfers can struggle to get tee times without booking well-in advance.
• Morning tee times create heavy traffic and can usually lead to quite slow play, especially on weekends.
• Traffic to get to the golf course is usually much busier first thing in a morning.
• With morning mist and dew on the ground, very early tee times can sometimes be hampered by visibility issues.

Twilight Golf

Pros

• Great time for golfers who start work early in the mornings and are only available in the afternoon.
• Late of an evening, especially during the week, the majority of golf courses are empty and golfers can pick a time whenever suits their schedule.
• Views of the sun setting over certain holes create unique scenery only available on your home course at specific times of the afternoon/evening.
• Finishing on the 18th green during the evening time is the perfect occasion to head to the bar to grab a pint and watch the sunset over the course.
• Some courses may even lower their prices for twilight rounds in order to attract more business during the week.
• Golf during twilight is typically more peaceful and relaxing as golfers can dictate their own pace of play and enjoy the quietness of a virtually empty golf club.
• Great time for practice on the course due to the fact that there is not as many golfers behind you.

Cons

• Greens are slightly worn out due to the heavy golf traffic that occurs in the mornings.
• The weather is the hottest during the afternoon, which means golfers are more prone to sunburn and dehydration at this time of day.
• Most people prefer being able to enjoy the rest of their day after finishing their round, instead of it being the end of the day.
• Usually courses won’t hand out golf buggies during twilight hours, which means golfers who need a buggy to play 18 holes are limited at this time.
• Sometimes bad weather can limit visibility earlier than anticipated, shortening your hand.

Whether you prefer playing golf in the morning or whether you prefer heading out during twilight hours, one thing is for certain, as the summer nights roll in and the sunrise occurs earlier every day, you’re running out of excuses as to why you’re not playing golf as much as possible this summer.

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