Table of Contents
- Top Golf Courses Around the World Open on Christmas Day
- In Summary:
- How to Choose and Confirm a Golf Course for Christmas Day
- The Benefits of Playing Golf on Christmas Day
- FAQs
Top Golf Courses Around the World Open on Christmas Day
While many clubs close for the festive season, a select group of outstanding golf clubs across the globe keep their doors open even on Christmas Day. Whether you want to spend the entire day on the green or sneak in a quick game before lunch, use the list below to find the perfect venue for your holiday rounds.
#1: Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas: Gran Canaria, Spain
Located on the breathtaking island of Gran Canaria, Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas is Spain's oldest golf course. It opened in 1891 and has been operating continuously ever since. With over 130 years of history, this is your chance to play at a course steeped in rich golfing tradition.
The weather around the festive season is considerably warmer than the rest of Europe, with December temperatures consistently sitting in the low 20s °C.
The island's volcanic terrain and dramatic ocean views create a spectacular backdrop for your festive rounds. You'll find 18 holes playing to par 71, a pitching green, a driving range, and two putting greens.
When visiting Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, have a meal and a drink at their elegant clubhouse and explore some of the other amenities, like the tennis courts and an equestrian section.
#2: Durban Country Club: Durban, South Africa
Does your idea of Christmas involve sunshine instead of snow? If so, Durban is the warmest place to be in December. Home to 18 South African Open Championships over the past 100 years, Durban Country Club is a course worthy of your attention.
Just a short walk from the ocean, the course combines rolling dunes and lush fairways, with sea breezes keeping everything fresh. Anyone used to British winter golf will find the change of scenery rather refreshing.
The facilities on offer include a driving range, putting green, chipping green, and practice bunker. Visitors are welcome every day of the year, and you can look forward to reasonable rates, with discounts for seniors and students.
Locals often describe Durban Country Club on Christmas morning as calm, friendly, and family-oriented. This makes it perfect if you prefer your holiday round to be relaxed rather than competitive.
#3: Wailea Golf Club: Maui, Hawaii
If you're celebrating Christmas in Hawaii, Wailea Golf Club in Maui delivers a scenic course known for its palm-fringed fairways, distant whale sightings, and bright ocean views. Your photographs from your time on the course are sure to look just like postcards!
The club offers three incredible courses, including:
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Emerald course: Surrounded by tropical flowers, this resort-style course offers 4-6 tee boxes per hole.
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Blue course: This strategic course has a more traditional layout and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
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Gold course: With its demanding layout, this championship-level course is ideal for golfers looking for a bit of a challenge.
Some of the other facilities on offer include a driving range, rental clubs and shoes, pro shops, and locker rooms. You can also book sessions at the Wailea Golf Academy if you want to work on specific parts of your game in a stress-free learning environment.
No matter your skill level, Wailea Golf Club has a course to suit your preferences. Enjoy an early morning round here and still make it back to your resort or hotel in time for Christmas lunch.

#4: The Vines Resort & Country Club: Perth, Western Australia
The Vines is a wonderful choice for golfers seeking blue skies, warm weather, and a relaxed day on the course. Set in the Swan Valley wine region of Western Australia, the resort's championship layout weaves between eucalyptus trees and swampy wetlands. If you're lucky, you may even spot a kangaroo or two!
In addition to two award-winning golf courses (Championship 18 holes and Lakes 9 holes), the resort is home to a mini golf course, perfect for kids and adults alike. The sprawling resort is also home to multiple restaurants, a salon, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and an outdoor spa.
Although the golf courses are linked to the resort, they are open to the public and are continually ranked as the top options in the area. In 2025, the Vines was selected as a finalist in the Golf Australia National Awards of Excellence!
The resort also boasts a busy Christmas programme, filled with events like corporate parties and tribute shows. If you decide to spend the holiday season at The Vines, you'll be spoilt for choice of how to spend each day.
#5: Azalea Sands Golf Club: North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you're spending Christmas in South Carolina and looking for a course that reliably offers festive-morning tee times, Azalea Sands is a strong contender.
Situated along the Grand Strand, the club has become known for opening its doors on 25 December every year with limited tee-time slots. This gives local and visiting golfers the chance to squeeze in a breezy round before the festivities begin.
Thanks to its open layout with forgiving landing areas and straightforward greens, the course is a great choice for those seeking a relaxed holiday game. Winter weather in South Carolina is a lot milder than in other parts of the country, so golfers often enjoy crisp yet playable conditions.
Christmas Day operations run on a reduced scale, which means shorter opening hours, limited pro shop assistance, and restricted rental availability. Bring your own equipment if possible, and phone ahead to reserve your spot.
The festive atmosphere, coastal scenery, and novel experience of a Christmas morning round make Azalea Sands a memorable choice for holiday golfers from around the world.
#6: Heritage Golf Club: Mauritius
Have you been dreaming of a warm, tropical Christmas? Look no further than the Heritage Golf Club in Bel Ombre, Mauritius. Located along the island's idyllic southern coast, this award-winning venue boasts two championship golf courses, including:
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Le Château Golf Course: A classic championship course designed by Peter Matkovich, with generous fairways and manicured greens.
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La Réserve Golf Links: With its seaside links design, you can look forward to rolling hills, native grassland, and a more challenging experience.
December is peak summer in Mauritius, so golfers can expect sunshine, warm temperatures, and pristine fairways. Just be prepared for the odd tropical downpour, and check the weather forecast before booking your tee time.
Many travellers head to this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean specifically for festive-season golf, so if Heritage Club doesn't speak to you, there's probably another local course that will.
In Summary:
|
Course |
December Climate |
Availability |
Course Style |
Best for |
|
Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, Spain |
Mild, dry, and pleasantly warm |
Typically open on Christmas Day with holiday tee sheets |
Historic championship course with volcanic landscapes |
European golfers wanting guaranteed sunshine |
|
Durban Country Club, South Africa |
Hot and humid conditions |
Traditionally open during the entire festive period |
Challenging coastal championship layout |
Golfers wanting warm weather and a world-class round |
|
Wailea Golf Club, Hawaii |
Hot, sunny, and humid |
Open on Christmas Day with limited tee times |
Coastal resort courses with ocean views |
Travellers looking for a beach-and-golf Christmas |
|
The Vines Resort and Country Club, Australia |
Warm and dry |
Generally open on Christmas Day for resort guests |
Tree-lined championship resort-style course |
Players seeking a relaxed festive season in sunny Australia |
|
Azalea Sands Golf Clubs, South Carolina |
Cool but playable |
Known for offering early tee times on Christmas Day |
Relaxed and forgiving layout |
Casual and family golfers looking for a low-pressure round |
|
Heritage Golf Club, Mauritius |
Typical tropical weather |
Open throughout the festive period |
Two championship tropical courses |
Winter sun seekers who want a warm, luxurious holiday |
How to Choose and Confirm a Golf Course for Christmas DayBecause holiday openings vary dramatically from region to region (and course to course), here's how to give yourself the best chance of success:
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The Benefits of Playing Golf on Christmas Day
Many people don't consider golf to be a Christmastime activity. However, there are plenty of reasons why it's worth trying to secure a tee time, even if only a few courses are open. Here's what you can look forward to:
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Serenity and space: Since there will be fewer people on the course, you can expect quieter fairways, less pressure, and a relaxed round.
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Tradition potential: A Christmas-morning round could become a cute and quirky family or friend tradition.
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Travel memories: If you're on holiday somewhere warm or with a resort, golf can add a fun, active element to your trip.
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Flexibility and simplicity: Whether you want a short walk-and-putt or a casual 9 holes, you're sure to have a wonderful day if you spend a portion of it on the course.
Playing golf on Christmas does come with potential downsides. Limited services, logistical issues, and weather concerns can all create problems. Think carefully about these factors based on your specific situation before committing to a Christmas Day round.
TOP CHRISTMAS DAY GOLF OUTFITS
FAQsAre there any UK golf courses open on Christmas Day?Very few. Due to frost risk, winter weather, and tradition, many golf courses in the UK and Europe close over the holiday season. If you're in the UK, your best bet is to try to book a "walking only" round on Christmas morning. Always call the club ahead of time to confirm, and be prepared for limited services. If a course says "closed" online, is there still a chance to play?Yes, sometimes. Private golf clubs and small municipal courses allow golfers to walk the course, so long as the grounds aren't frozen. However, you'll still need to book in advance and respect the club's access rules. Are green fees cheaper on Christmas Day?It depends. Some courses offer festive specials to attract new players during what would otherwise be a quiet period. Others increase their prices to reflect the holiday premium and scarcity of available slots. Location, course quality, and local market conditions all play a role. Is it polite to expect staff to work on Christmas Day?Absolutely, though you should remember that staff numbers will be minimal and many employees will be working reduced hours, so respect and extra courtesy go a long way. If you enjoyed your time on the course, consider tipping or at least thanking people properly for giving up part of their Christmas. What should I wear to play golf on Christmas Day?The right outfit will depend on weather conditions and the dress code of your chosen golf club. If you want to add a bit of festive cheer, consider wearing seasonal colours or a fun Christmas sweater. You can find a wide range of high-quality golf attire available at Glenmuir. |