Why Twilight Golf is The Best

The clocks have sprung forward, the temperatures are rising, our courses are in full bloom, it's the most magnificent time of the year to be a golfer, and the responsibility is on us all to grasp the opportunities that come with it.

Having extended hours of daylight means that there is time and possibilities for everyone. Whether you're someone who relishes the chance to sweep away the dew as the sun rises or prefer chasing after those rays as they start to dim in the late evening, all tastes can be satisfied throughout the peak months of the season.

If you were someone who played golf as a child, then you can likely recall summer days spending endless hours at the course, and there are undeniably big kids out there now who still love to make that happen.

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But what is your favourite period of the day to play? That was a question we recently presented to the Golfshake Community on social media, and more than half of you declared that you most enjoyed being out on the course in the morning. The remaining opinion was more or less split evenly between the afternoon and evening.

Naturally, there is no bad time to play golf, but I feel compelled to promote the virtues of twilight rounds this year.

Chance to Play After Work

For those lucky among you who are retired, you've got a feast of leisure time to consume, but for us with commitments during the day, if you want to play several rounds each week, then you are likely to venture onto the course in the evening after work, perhaps having had a quick bite to eat before making your way to the club.

In theory, if you rose early enough in the morning, some people could play BEFORE their workday even begins, but clearly, the later hours of the day are more practical for many of us (especially if you're a bit of a night owl like me) and that means twilight golf is simply a godsend as without it the chance to play regularly would be limited.

Tranquility of Twilight

I don't know about you, but there is something inherently tranquil about the evening as life around you slows down a little, the birds sing away as nightfall approaches, and there is a more relaxed hint to the air. 

This might be difficult to fully describe, you could even (should you be so inclined) call it a vibe, but this soothing atmosphere can often translate into a positive performance on the golf course.

The Beauty of Sunset

Sunsets are simply beautiful and the gloaming twilight illuminates all the undulations and crevices on a course, making the experience of playing golf an even more visually appealing one.

Living in St Andrews as I do, there is nothing better than seeing the shadows form on the Old Course, revealing even more of its character, and the same can be said for any layout that you regularly play. 

Quite simply, your favourite course will look at its best during that golden hour as the sun gradually begins to disappear, and why would you deprive yourself of that visual treat by not playing twilight golf?

Twilight Green Fees

There is another obvious benefit to electing to play later in the day - and that is the prospect of taking advantage of twilight rates. Many courses have them, including some of the finest in the country, meaning that you could book an unforgettable tee time for considerably less money than if you wanted to head out a few hours earlier. 

Most notably, I have played two twilight rounds at the extraordinary Royal Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands, where the hours of daylight in those halcyon days of summer can surpass 19 hours, and that experience was simply magical.

Why not choose a bucket list venue that you've always fancied visiting - see if they offer reduced green fees in the evening - and make that dream become a reality.

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Why You Should Be Playing More Twilight Golf This Year