Bold claim: Christmas Day can be a surprisingly good time to squeeze in a round of golf—and yes, many players already do it. But here’s where it gets controversial: most clubs are shut on Christmas, staff get a rare day off, and some courses even remove flags to deter any sneaky rounds. So is a Christmas round acceptable or even advisable? If you’re curious, read on.
You may not have considered golfing on Christmas Day, but a notable number of players actually relish the idea. In a social-media poll, 35.9% said they had played a round on Christmas Day, while 46.9% hadn’t. Some of the remaining golfers wished they could join in more often.
The Old Course at St Andrews featured in a Christmas Day scene from 2024, highlighting that even in historic, world-renowned venues, people occasionally take to the links on this holiday.
Of course, you don’t have to celebrate Christmas to enjoy this idea. If you’re someone who loves outdoor activity and a brisk walk, you might align that energy with a few holes before the day fully unfolds.
Practically speaking, most golf clubs are closed on Christmas Day for legitimate reasons: to give staff a holiday, and to avoid traffic or crowding. Some venues go a step further by removing flags, discouraging members and visitors from attempting a late-manta round. That said, if you’re a confirmed member and the course is accessible, a quiet morning session can be a harmless way to stretch your legs and hit a few crisp iron shots before the day’s festivities.
Community quotes on social media reflect a mix of enthusiasm and practicality:
- Chris Barnes shared that he has regularly played Christmas golf for about a decade, enjoying the golf itself, then returning home to cook, drink wine, and relax—“great day.”
- Paul Farrugia described driving into an empty club, playing nine holes before the rest of the day begins, and using the session to set up room for the feast ahead.
- Richie Gavaghen, at a private club, found an opportunity to improve stats by aiming for the middle of every green when flags aren’t displayed, calling it one of his best moves ever.
A few other golfers, like Mark Simmerson, indicated that Christmas Day rounds aren’t as unusual as you might think: some people simply make it part of their annual tradition.
In rural areas or at private venues with honest-box access, Christmas-time play can still be feasible if you’re prepared to respect the rules and the property. If a course is legally accessible and fees can be paid in a responsible way, heading out for a few holes on Christmas morning can be perfectly reasonable for those who want to combine exercise, fresh air, and a bit of sport with the holiday spirit.
In St Andrews—the legendary Home of Golf—the scene is more nuanced: families and dog walkers may stroll the famous grounds, and you’ll often see golfers out on Christmas as well. Facilities may be closed, but the experience of walking great holes in a place steeped in golf history remains appealing for many enthusiasts.
Should you play golf on Christmas Day? It’s ultimately a personal decision with ethical considerations. Renowned golf writer Stephen Proctor joked on social media that he’d rather be married, highlighting the potential strain on familial harmony. Another respondent, Ken Smith, warned that a Christmas round could threaten relationships if it becomes a source of conflict.
If family dynamics are intense, or if the course is literally locked and the only way in is to trespass, this isn’t a good idea. Christmas traditions vary, and many people prefer to holiday differently or to play on a different day altogether—perhaps Christmas Eve or Boxing Day.
Overall, for those who can and choose to, a Christmas Day round can be a rewarding way to spend a few hours outdoors. For everyone else, it’s perfectly fine to wait for Boxing Day or later when the course reopens and the holiday bustle subsides.
About the author: Kieran Clark, Digital Editor of Golfshake, is a lifelong golfer from the Isle of Bute in Scotland who now calls St Andrews home. He has a deep passion for historic courses and contributes opinion pieces and features that celebrate the game and its culture.
Would you consider playing a round on Christmas Day, or do you prefer to keep the holiday sacred for family and traditions? If you’ve done it, what was your day like—and would you do it again?
