Thinking about teeing it up on December 25th? The short answer is maybe, but it’s not as simple as booking a normal weekend tee time. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know about finding an open course on Christmas Day, what to expect when you get there, and how you can still get your golf fix even if your local track is closed.
The image of a quiet, pristine golf course on Christmas morning is a dream for many golfers. You, the dew-swept fairways, and maybe a few deer watching from the treeline. It sounds perfect. But for the vast majority of courses, especially in colder climates, it's a dream that will have to wait for the 26th.
Most golf courses close their gates on Christmas Day for a few simple reasons. First and foremost, it’s a day for staff to be with their families. From the pro shop team and restaurant servers to the cart attendants and, most importantly, the greenskeeping crew who work tirelessly year-round, Christmas is often one of the few guaranteed days off. Secondly, in many parts of the country, the weather and lack of daylight make a Christmas round impractical anyway. It just doesn't make financial sense for most facilities to open for a handful of golfers.
Not all courses are created equal when it comes to holiday schedules. Understanding the differences can help you focus your search.
If you're determined to make a festive round a reality, a little bit of planning is necessary. Showing up unannounced is a recipe for disappointment. Follow these steps to maximize your chances.
Your search should start where it’s warm. The odds of finding an open course skyrocket in places that are popular winter vacation destinations. Staffing a course on Christmas in Scottsdale, Arizona, where tourists are flocking to escape the snow, is a very different proposition than opening a course in Minnesota where it might be buried under two feet of snow.
This is the most important step. Don't rely on website hours, which might not be updated for the holiday. Old-fashioned phone calls are a golfer's best friend here. Start calling pro shops in your target area in late November or early December. When you get someone on the line, ask specific questions:
Being polite and direct will get you the information you need quickly.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, check online tee time sites like GolfNow or a course's own booking portal. Try filtering directly to December 25th. If a course is accepting tee times for Christmas Day, they will appear there. This can be a quick way to survey a large area, but always follow up an online booking with a phone call to confirm all the operational details for that day.
If you happen to be traveling internationally, your options might expand. In countries where Christmas isn’t a major public holiday or in golf-centric tourism hotspots like parts of the UAE or Thailand, many courses operate on a normal schedule. This is an extreme solution, but it’s good to know!
So you found an open course and booked a time. Congratulations! Now it’s important to adjust your expectations. This won't be your typical round.
The single greatest reward of playing on Christmas is the quiet. It’s a truly unique feeling. With far fewer golfers out, you'll feel like you have a private course all to yourself. There’s no pressure from the group behind and no waiting on the group in front. It’s golf at its most serene and relaxed.
Expect limited services. The friendly cart attendant who usually loads up your bag might not be there. The beverage cart making the rounds is almost certainly not on duty. This means you need to come prepared. Pack your own water, sports drinks, and snacks. Bring a few extra sleeves of balls and a handful of tees, because the pro shop will likely be closed. You are your own caddie, host, and short-order cook for the day.
Understand that the course might not be in pristine, tournament-ready shape. Just like the pro shop staff, the greenskeepers have likely been given the day off. This means the greens may not have been mown that morning, meaning they’ll be a bit slower and dewier than you’re used to. Bunkers may not be freshly raked from the day before. It's a small price to pay for the solitude. Be extra diligent about raking bunkers and fixing your pitch marks to help out the crew who will have a lot to catch up on the next day.
For the 99% of us whose local tracks are deservedly closed, that golf itch still needs to be scratched. Don't worry, there are plenty of great ways to get your fix without playing 18 holes.
Places like Topgolf, Drive Shack, and other tech-enabled driving ranges often have special holiday hours. They cater to families and groups looking for fun activities, making them a great option. A couple of hours hitting balls with heated bays, music, and food service can be a fantastic and social way to get your swings in.
Indoor golf has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. You can tee it up at Pebble Beach or St Andrews while staying warm and dry. Simulators give you amazing feedback on every shot and are a perfect way to keep your game sharp in the off-season. Book a bay for a couple of hours with a friend for a festive virtual round.
Turn the backyard into your own personal short-game area. Use whiffle balls or soft practice balls to keep the windows safe. Set up a few buckets or laundry baskets as targets and have a chipping competition with family members. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to work on your touch and include everyone in the fun, regardless of their skill level.
Christmas Day can be the perfect, uninterrupted time for some focused practice at home. You don't need to hit a single ball to improve. Grab a mid-iron and work on your setup in front of a mirror. Getting your posture, ball position, and grip right is fundamental. You can take slow, deliberate backswings, focusing on the rotation and sequencing we talk about in lessons. Feeling the proper body movements without the pressure of a result can be one of the most productive practice sessions you have all year.
While playing a round of golf on Christmas Day takes a bit of planning and the right location, it is possible and can be a uniquely peaceful and rewarding experience. For most, the day offers a great opportunity to explore alternative ways to enjoy the game, from high-tech simulators to simple practice at home.
On a day as quiet as Christmas, you're often left to your own devices on the course, navigating each shot without a caddie or pro to ask for advice. On those tricky holes or when you're stuck between clubs, it’s comforting to have an expert opinion in your pocket. I've designed Caddie AI for exactly these moments. It provides instant, smart strategy and club recommendations, so you can feel confident over every shot, even when you're the only one on the course.
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