Why Autumn is the Best Time of Year to Play Golf

Temperatures begin to fall, the daylight hours shorten, families typically flock to Halloween parties and Bonfire Night is a civic event, while TV becomes dominated by reality shows. Autumn is that bridge between summer and winter, a period of transition, but one that can provide golfers with an opportunity to extend their seasons for a bit longer.

Some of fairest weather golfers will simply dedicate their summer to playing the game before largely relegating their clubs to the garage for another year, cursing the fact that it all flew by so quickly, but it doesn't have to be this way.

Many keen players realise that the best kept secret in golf is that the autumn is an underrated time of the year. Whether it be the magical colours, those crisp morning conditions, or the more relaxed pace, it could even be the finest segment of the calendar to play regularly.

We asked the Golfshake Ambassadors to share their thoughts on playing golf during autumn, which may support the compelling argument that it's a must for everyone.

The Positives of Autumn Golf

Andy Picken: "Autumn golf can be an absolute delight. I love being out in the great outdoors getting some fresh air and exercise. I love the change in seasons and the colours of the course.

"The colours of a tree lined course change and I love to see how it alters the overall appearance. The wildlife activity changes and there are new birds to see as the migrations occur."

Rob Cross: "My club championships are usually early September, this year at the end. I like playing all year round, minimum of once a week! Luckily the course is sand based, so drains really well and we still all enjoy a round on a weekend. But the course generally remains in top condition with the biggest comp of the year in autumn."

Richard Moore: "You start to get some better deals out there and the weather is not too bad. It's also quieter than summer."

Ed Dimambro: "Love it. My favourite time to play courses is autumn. Tend to find them in great condition and it’s still warm."

Rob Treanor: "I am a four season golfer so transitioning to the autumn isn't a big deal other than the fewer hours of sunlight available to play in. Pulling out the warmer jumpers from the wardrobe has its comforts and is a reminder about how far technical golf clothing has come in the past few years."

The Negatives of Autumn Golf

Kevin Heggie: "Less daylight reducing the playing window, soft conditions making those bouncing drives a thing of the past, and leaves which hide your ball even in the middle of the fairway!"

Matt Holbrook: "The worst thing is purely the lack of sunlight and the nights draw in. I don't even mind it when the temperature drops!"

Mel Davies: "The worst thing has to be when the leaves fall as it can make the course look untidy and also you can lose more balls under trees where leaves have fallen."

Andy Picken: "My biggest issue is when playing a parkland course, you are reliant on the greenkeeping staff to ensure that leaves falling off the trees do not obscure golf balls. Most courses will trim around the base of trees but it is very difficult to the blow leaves away from high traffic areas. This issue can be avoided by keeping to the fairways unfortunately my game does not always allow for this strategy! 

"I find that I have to adapt to the autumn light. The skies become greyer and more cloud filled. I do sometimes struggle to see the flight of a white ball so I do have some yellow and green golf balls that I tend to use during the autumn months. These are easier to see against the sky."

Richard Moore: "The goddamn leaves for losing your ball in the middle of the fairway – there is no justice in this world!"

How Does the Change of Season Impact the Amount of Golf You Play?

Matt Holbrook: "I will naturally play less when the clocks change due to not being able to play during the week and will go back to playing every other weekend." 

Rob Cross: "Fading light is a killer! During summer, we're playing as much as three or four times a week, especially in July when it's light until past 9pm. We still play every Sunday, but also start going to the the range once a week as well, so more practice less playing!"

Andy Picken: "I will try and play during the autumn as much as I would during the summer months. I've got the kit and can wrap up warmly and it doesn't really make any adverse impact. Love a hot bowl of soup and crusty bread after a crisp, cold round of golf."

Rob Treanor: "I will play the same amount of rounds through autumn as I would at any other time of year. The only slight annoyance is losing a ball following a perfectly good shot under a pile of leaves which does happen from time to time. The colours of the surroundings and the joy of playing on an unseasonably fine day make up for this though!"

Ed Dimambro: "Only to put a halt to evening golf at the course, will substitute that for a range session but will still play at the weekends." 

Will You Play More This Year?

Matt Holbrook: "My intention is to always try and play as much golf as possible, remember - Play More, Play Better!" 

Andy Picken: "If I have the opportunity, I will be playing more during the autumn of this year than last year. I missed out on a lot of golf during the spring and want to make up for lost time. It's all about the fitness, the well-being and mental health benefits I feel when golfing and being able to maximise the opportunities to play."

Mel Davies: "I love the challenge of a bit more breeze than you would possibly get in summer and I also love the changing of colours on the trees. I would hope and expect to play the same as I have the last two years since my change of club. The thing I really like is we have qualifiers all year round so I like the challenge of getting my handicap down and will be aiming to get in as many competitions as I can."

Rob Cross: "Same as always, once a week, twice if possible!"

Richard Moore: "I play the same amount all year round – only snow or driving rain keeps me from playing. So, I hope to play around twice a week."

So, do you agree with what the guys have said? Let us know where you stand on autumnal golf!

And if you are looking for places to visit, discover our new feature, 50 of the Best Golf Courses to Play in Autumn!