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What is the Best Time to Play Golf in Florida?

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The best time to play golf in Florida is between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. If you have to play in the afternoon, it’s recommended you play after 4 p.m.

By Go Ocala Golf | July 14, 2021

When is the best time to play golf in Florida? It’s one of the most popular questions asked among visitors to the Sunshine State and even residents. Choosing the right tee times is critical for your performance and your golf handicap!

The best time to play golf in Florida is between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. If you have to play in the afternoon, it’s recommended you play after 4 p.m. to avoid the hottest time of the day between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. A golf pro says the Golden Hour right before sunset is a great time to play in the afternoon. 

Read on to discover tips for how to play at your best based on the time of the day on the golf course. 

Is It Better to Play Golf in the Morning or Afternoon?

In Florida, it’s always a great time to play golf. During the summer months, we recommend setting an earlier tee time if possible. You will avoid the hottest time of the day if you get your 18 holes in before lunch time. 

Is It Better to Play Golf in the Morning or Afternoon?

Why Do People Play Golf So Early?

Humidity levels are also lower and you avoid higher chances for afternoon thunderstorms that pop out like clockwork during the summer months. Playing golf early allows you to play 18 holes in the best possible weather during Florida summers. 

A Florida Club Director of Golf Ryan Gray, also a PGA Class A Member and golf pro, says the best time to play golf is 9 a.m. in Florida. 

Many golfers choose early morning tee times to: 

  • Play before work
  • Beat the heat and humidity
  • Avoid the crowds
  • Enjoy better course conditions

Playing Golf in the Afternoon

Playing golf in the afternoon shouldn’t be scratched off your list altogether, even in Florida. Gray says the hour or two right before sunset in Florida is a great time to play golf. 

“Typically there’s a nice cool breeze and when you catch that Golden Hour right before sunset, the views of the sky and the golf course are just incredible,” Gray said. “Afternoon golf can be incredible in Florida, even in the summer.”

Booking a Tee Time

This is the most critical decision you will make other than clinching the game winning putt on the 18th hole of course. Here are some tips for booking tee times to start your day at the golf course off right. 

Booking a Tee Time

How Do You Schedule a Tee Time?

TO schedule a tee time, call the golf pro or golf attendant and ask for a date and time you are seeking. Be prepared to answer questions like:

  • How many people are in your playing party?
  • WHat is your preferred start time?
  • Do you want to play 9 holes or 18 holes?
  • Are you a course member?

Getting an Early Morning Tee Time

The worst thing you can do is grab your clubs and head to the golf course at a moment’s notice. The key is to call ahead and ask for an early morning tee time. This guarantees a date and time that you will tee off on the first hole. 

How Early Should You Get to a Tee Time? 

It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before a scheduled tee time. When you arrive, check-in with the starter, who is usually in the golf shop or near the first tee to let him or her know you are ready to play. This routine also allows you to check and see if the tee time schedule is on time or if you need to wait awhile longer. 

What Happens if You Don’t Show Up to a Tee Time?

The answer to this question depends on if you’re playing in a tournament or with friends in a casual setting. MIssing a tee time by a few minutes or so shouldn’t affect you as long as you keep in touch with the starter. You can always reschedule or play a bit later if you must. 

However, if you are playing in a tournament, Rule 5.3A states that golfers must tee off at their exact tee time. If a golfer tees off earlier or later under the PGA rules and regulations, the player can receive a two-stroke penalty. 

Is Golf a Winter Sport?

Many wonder: Is golf played in the winter? While it’s cold and chilly, avid golfers like to play in any kind of weather. After all, golf got its start in the rainy and chilly weather of the United Kingdom region. 

The best part about playing golf in the winter in Florida is it’s always sunny and the weather is typically always warm enough to need nothing but a light jacket during the morning hours. 

What Months Can You Play Golf?

What Months Can You Play Golf?

In the United States, there’s always a great time to play golf. The best seasons for each region are as follows: 

  • In the North, the best golf season is from April through October
  • In the Central and Midwest, the golf season can stretch from March through November. 
  • In the South, the golfing season can last all year round if conditions are right. 

Even better? In North Central Florida, you can play golf anytime of the year. The weather is always warm enough to play golf, even in the winter months. The months of December through March will require a jacket that you will typically be able to shed before lunch time!

How to Get in 18 Holes

It’s easy to get 18 holes in when you are playing golf in Florida. Here’s some advice about 18 holes to help you: 

How Many Hours Does It Take to Play Golf?

How long does it take to play 18 holes? Playing a normal course with a group of golfers should take around 10 to 15 minutes per hole, which means it takes approximately 3 hours to 4.5 hours to play 18 holes of golf. 

How long does it take to play 18 holes of golf alone? It can take a single player as little as 2 hours to play a single round of golf. 

How Important is Pace of Play in Golf? 

Pace of play is crucial to all golfers getting able to play 18 holes in a fair amount of time and being able to keep tee times on schedule. Keeping a consistent pace of play is also important when trying to keep golfers from having to wait long to hit their next shot and play the next hole. 

How Many Miles Does a Golfer Walk in 18 Holes? 

A golfer that plays 18 holes of golf typically walks approximately 5 miles and can burn up to 2,000 calories per round of golf. 

How Often Should I Play Golf? 

You can play golf as little or as much as you want, especially in Florida, which has more courses and better weather than every state in the United States! Typically, we would recommend you play a practice round of 18 holes at least 1-2 times per week if you are looking to enhance your play.

How to Play Your Best Golf All the Time

The best way to play your best golf all the time is by joining a golf club that cares about you, your swing, your game and the experience you have on a golf course. 

A golf course that cares about its members and has access to an 18-hole championship course with five tribute holes. The course has hosted the Coates Golf Championship and LPGA Tour events. What are you waiting for? Come join the premier golf course in North Central Florida today!

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