One of the questions we get asked the most is ‘When is the best time to go on my golf trip’? The honest answer is that the golf season never really ends, it just moves. Whether you are looking for the firm, fast fairways of a Scottish summer or want to escape the winter for a week in the sun, there is always a world class course waiting somewhere. To help you narrow down the best time for your next adventure, here is our guide to where to play and what to expect throughout the year.
This is the quintessential time for a trip to the UK and Ireland. The long daylight hours are almost extravagant; in late June, you can still be finishing a round well after 10pm. This is when the links courses are at their absolute best: firm, fast, and rewarding imagination over raw power.
There is no quiet time over this period, but while July and August are the busiest months, they bring a great energy to the coastal towns and clubhouses. You might get the occasional summer downpour, but the coastal breeze usually clears things quickly, leaving the fairways shining. If you want the classic experience of the Home of Golf, this is your window.
Among seasoned travellers, September is often the favourite. The summer warmth lingers, but the crowds begin to thin a little. Just bear in mind if you are looking for a Scotland trip and hoping to get onto the Old Course via the ballot, the courses is closed to visitors for most of the month.
April and October are good for the golfers who prefer things a little quieter. The courses emerge from winter hibernation in April, and while it is still a layering month, the tee sheets tend to have plenty of gaps. October is the calm after the season, and again, things are a little quieter than the summer months. You will need to be prepared for a bit more rain, but many days surprise you with perfectly clear, crisp skies.
Spain and Portugal offer good value and are playable pretty much all year round. Shoulder season is particularly good in southern Europe. In April and May, the courses are in immaculate condition and the weather is beautifully warm. It is the perfect way to get an early start on your season while it is still a bit chilly elsewhere. September and October sees those fantastic conditions return for anyone looking to find some late summer sun. The south of Spain works well for winter golf too so it really is a year-round venue.
When the frost starts to bite in the UK, we look to the Southern Hemisphere. This is the ideal time to head south to places like Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina. While the Northern Hemisphere is largely tucked away for winter, the courses in Melbourne’s Sandbelt or the dramatic cliffs of New Zealand are in their prime. It is the ultimate way to keep your game sharp while everyone else is waiting for spring.
If there is a trick to picking the right time for your trip, it is realising that the weather does not deal in guarantees. A day that starts grey can be glorious by the turn, and a forecast that looks like trouble often becomes the best story of the trip.
Instead of trying to outguess the weather, pick the “vibe” that suits your group. If you want the buzz and the long nights, aim for the summer. If you want quiet fairways and a less hurried place, the shoulder months are for you. Wherever you choose to go, the experience changes a little with the season, just let us know if you would like us to arrange the perfect trip for you!
