6 Reasons For Golfers to Feel Optimistic in January

By: Kieran Clark | Tue 17 Jan 2023

It's cold, wet, the days are short, and there may even be snow blanketing the ground. It's often paradise for intrepid photographers and those Instagrammers desperate to show off their latest winter garments, but that doesn't offer much comfort to keen golfers, who are frustrated by weather-enforced course closures and are looking forward to better times ahead.

January can be a difficult time for many of us, post-Christmas, and faced with the prospect of riding through the crux of winter, but we are here to offer a little bit of respite from that gloom, a welcome tonic of optimism, as there are several reasons for us golfers to feel uplifted - even if that might not seem obvious at the moment!

Lighter Evenings

You may have noticed - since 21st December - that daylight hours are subtly, but progressively increasing. We're now fixed on the trajectory towards lighter evenings, a beautiful prospect for any golfer. The street lights are turning on later in the afternoon and it won't be long until you can easily sneak in nine-holes after work or play 36 on a Saturday.

Spring Approaching

That leads us onto the arrival of spring, which should bring with it warmer temperatures and signal the departure of winter greens, tees, and fairway mats. Sunday, 26th March, is the magic date when the clocks will jump forward an hour, which aligned with the gradually expanding period of daylight, instantly restores the opportunity for regular twilight golf.

Golf in Spring

The Masters

Just perfectly situated on the calendar, the Masters has always been a televised event that inspires golfers throughout the UK and beyond to take advantage of the new season and get back onto the golf course. Indeed, we're now under 80 days from the first men's major of the year, when those immaculate fairways of Augusta National can't help but stir the senses of anyone who loves this game. It will be here soon.

Golf on TV

Before the world's best take that drive down Magnolia Lane, there is still much to see and enjoy during the early months of the year. Having just completed two events in Hawaii, the PGA Tour will cover California and Florida, including The Players Championship in March, while on the DP World Tour, your early mornings can be spent following the action from the Middle East.

Likewise, those avid followers of the professional game will also relish watching the LPGA and LET, PGA Tour Champions, and the resumption of LIV Golf in February. There is something for everyone to appreciate before spring arrives.

New Golf Equipment

You will have likely seen the new equipment releases from all the leading manufacturers, including the likes of Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist and PING. We have covered them extensively on Golfshake and on YouTube, featuring our resident expert Ryan Rastall.

Now, while some golfers are cynical about new club launches, it's a period of the year that gets us talking about the game, once again highlighting that the season is approaching. So, why not see what's out there, watch the content, and maybe even investigate for opportunities to test some of the new gear at your local club or driving range!

Golf Breaks

Indeed, despite all of the above, sometimes it really can be rather grim for those of us existing within the British climate. Therefore, it could be an opportunity to either plan a future golf break - or go on one right now!

Our travel partners Golfbreaks have all the information and recommendations you need, but don't forget to keep an eye on the Golfshake Travel Section for the latest deals and articles. Western Europe, specifically Portugal and Spain, has a lot to offer golfers at this time of the year, so experiencing that for yourself could be a memorable way for you to start 2023!

So, there you have it, just some reasons to be feeling optimistic ahead of the new golf season. The clock is ticking towards those exciting days of springtime - we can't wait for that, and for you to Play More & Play Better.