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What Golf Courses Can You Play On Christmas Day?

Looking to tee off on Christmas Day? Discover golf courses around the globe that stay open for a festive round, offering stunning views and unforgettable experiences.

17 December 2024 Words by Matthew 4 minute read What Golf Courses Can You Play On Christmas Day?

Table of Contents

  1. Hamilton Golf Club
  2. Sotogrande
  3. Steenberg Country Hotel
  4. Barnham Broom
  5. Kuredu Golf Course
  6. Kiawah Resort
  7. Heritage Golf Club
  8. Where Should I Travel If I Want To Play Golf Over The Christmas Holidays?
  9. FAQs
  10. Conclusion

Picture this...You wake up on Christmas morning to an assortment of gifts from your family and friends. Some of these gifts include golf gear, like gloves, apparel, and maybe even clubs! You can't wait to try them out and decide you want to play a round to celebrate the occasion, but you're not sure what courses are open.

The problem is that the majority of golf clubs close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. So, what do you do?

Our advice is to prepare ahead of time. In this article, we'll provide you with information about several golf clubs around the world that are open on Christmas Day. Whether you're staying in the UK or travelling abroad, you definitely have a few exciting options available to you.

Hamilton Golf Club

Location: Hamilton, Lanarkshire

Designed by James Braid in 1925, the Hamilton Golf Club offers a stunning 18-hole course sprawling over 6452 yards. With its bustling restaurant and bar, this is the perfect location for golfers to play a festive game of golf.

The club is known for its rich history, gorgeous views, friendly staff, and junior golf programme.

Members enjoy a range of exclusive privileges, but the course is also open to visitors throughout the year. While the Hamilton Golf Club's course is open on Christmas Day, buggies aren't allowed. Keep in mind that the Pro Shop won't be open on Christmas Day or on Boxing Day.

Sotogrande

Location: San Roque, Spain

If you find yourself in Spain over the festive period, you cannot miss out on playing a game of golf at the famous Sotogrande. This exquisite course has welcomed a wide variety of professional golfers over the years, including Roberto de Vicenzo, Sergio García, and Padraig Harrington.

Follow in the footsteps of legendary golfers this Christmas as you enjoy everything this picturesque golf course has to offer. Trent Jones designed this course to blend in perfectly with the natural surroundings. It was the first course he ever designed in Europe and he has named it as one of his top five courses.

Just a small word of warning: Sotogrande is far from cheap so you should be prepared to pay higher visitor fees than usual.

Steenberg Country Hotel

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

If you have ever travelled to sunny South Africa, you'll know that this special country offers a diverse range of amazing golf clubs. Steenberg is undoubtedly one of the best in the Western Cape thanks to its hybrid plan, regular maintenance, and strategically placed sandpits.

When visiting Steenberg, you can also look forward to enjoying breathtaking views of Table Mountain, dining at the gourmet restaurant, and making use of the practice facilities. Stroll through the charming vineyards and enjoy a glass of local wine at the bar when evening comes around.

Whether you're a novice or a pro, you'll be delighted with everything Steenberg has to offer its visitors.

Barnham Broom

Location: Norwich, Norfolk

Barnham Broom is home to not one but two pristine 18-hole golf courses. Some of the other facilities on offer include a Pro Shop, a grass driving range, and a lively sports bar. If you're looking for a golfing getaway, why not check into Barnham Broom for a few nights and enjoy their pristine accommodation?

This way, you can make the most of the club's amenities. Visitors have plenty of affordable golf day packages to choose from, making Barnham Broom a popular choice for local golfers. There's even a dedicated 'short game' area available for those who don't want to spend the entire day on the course.

Golfer in the sun by the sea

Kuredu Golf Course

Location: Maldives

If you're looking for a tropical getaway to a chain of breathtaking islands, look no further than Kuredu Resort in the Maldives. You'll be treated to warm weather, turquoise waters, and beaches surrounded by palm trees. What more could you want?

Kuredu Resort is known for its incredible golf course, which has plenty of shaded areas to keep you cool. There is a full-size driving range and a large putting green. The course itself offers six holes, with the average distance between them being 55 yards.

While this may not be the biggest golf course out there, it certainly makes up for it in terms of natural beauty. Another great thing about Kuredu is its activities geared towards children, as well as its luxurious accommodation and dozens of dining opportunities.

Kiawah Resort

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Kiawah Resort is home to five different golf courses, including:

  • The Ocean Course by Pete Dye

  • Osprey Point by Tom Fazio

  • Oak Point by Clyde Johnston

  • Turtle Point by Jack Nicklaus

  • Cougar Point by Gary Player

If you know anything about golf, you will recognise some well-respected names on the above list. This resort truly has something for every player, no matter if you're a novice or a pro. You'll never get bored as each course offers different views, natural elements, and challenges.

Kiawah's festive programme is filled with exciting events, like a grand Christmas lunch, ornament workshops, festivals, entertainment, and so much more. You and your entire family will have so much fun at Kiawah Resort over the festive season.

Heritage Golf Club

Location: Bel Ombre Territory Mauritius

Did you know that Mauritius is one of the top golfing destinations in the world? This is thanks to its moderate weather, incredible courses, and regular tournaments. The Heritage Golf Club in the Bel Ombre Territory offers a well-designed 18-hole golf course surrounded by lush natural beauty.

It has been voted the Indian Ocean's Best Golf Course for many years in a row so you definitely won't be disappointed with the facilities and atmosphere. The course has hosted the Mauritius Open as well as the DP World Tour, so be prepared for tournament quality.

Once your game is over, you can enjoy one of the dining facilities on offer. Tuck into your meal as you take in the views of sandy shores, deep blue water, and rolling hills. The tropical atmosphere is sure to make for a golf holiday worth remembering!

Where Should I Travel If I Want To Play Golf Over The Christmas Holidays?

If you're looking to travel this festive season, you may as well go somewhere where you can play golf throughout December and even January. It would be best to head to the southern hemisphere or a destination near the equator where the weather will be warm and courses will remain open.

Some options for you include South Africa, Mauritius, Hawaii, and Australia. Try to stay at a golf resort so that you never have to travel far to play a game. Resorts will also have loads of other fun activities for your family to participate in, including activities well-suited for children.

FAQs

Is playing golf on Christmas Day appropriate?

This is completely up to you. While some people believe that Christmas Day should be a 'day of rest' spent with your family, others have less traditional beliefs. Assess your specific situation and if it looks like it's appropriate for you to play a round of golf, go for it! If not, there is always Boxing Day.

Can I play golf on New Year's Eve?

Most golf clubs are open on the last day of the year. Playing a round of golf with your friends and/or family on New Year's Eve can be a great way to celebrate the festive season together. Just make sure your local golf club is open and book your tee ahead of time.

Is it hazardous to play golf in the snow?

Yes, it can be hazardous to play golf in the snow due to cold and slippery conditions. While most golf courses stay open over December, they can close if the weather gets too extreme.

When playing golf during the winter months, make sure you dress warmly and wear things like padded gilets, waterproof jackets, beanies, and scarves. Also, make sure you wear the right shoes to avoid injury.

Conclusion

If you're looking to play golf on Christmas Day this year, start with your local golf club. If they are not open, you could visit a different club so long as they are welcoming visitors on that day. Coincide your game of golf with a Christmas lunch at the clubhouse so you can celebrate with family and friends. If that's not possible, there are many courses open on Boxing Day.

Just make sure to contact the golf club ahead of time to book your tee and make sure that you are not left disappointed.

If you have a golfer in your life who wants to play a round on Christmas Day, why don't you consider joining them? You may discover that you have a natural talent for the game. If you're looking to purchase the perfect Christmas gift for the golf lover in your life, have a look at our gifts for men and women. You're sure to come across some amazing gift ideas.

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