Golf Season Vs. Off-Season: Everything You Need To Know

What are the differences between golf season and off-season? Here’s everything you need to know. 

It’s true that there are fewer tournaments during the off-season, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice. In fact, it’s a great opportunity to hone your skills. There are also a number of things you can do to prepare for the upcoming season. 

This is a general breakdown of how a year is broken down: 

• In-Season: April to October
• Off-Season: November to March

Periodization, on the other hand, is more complicated than just dividing the year into seasons.

Instead, there are four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. 

• In-Season: May to October
• Recovery: Start of November
• Strength Building: mid to late November to early February
• Speed: mid-February to April

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at how each phase is affected by periodization.

Restoration (first week of November)

This phase is not the time to engage in any workouts that demand a lot of rotating motion.

Instead, focus on low-impact activities such as stretching, mobility exercises, foam rolling, bodyweight motions, resistance band work, and even yoga. Prior to moving on to the next stage, you need to rest and allow your body to recuperate. 

In this phase, a typical training day would include squats, lunges, push-ups, and pull-ups, as well as some light deadlifts with an emphasis on form, as well as plyometrics (planks, hip thrusts, and bridges) and cardio (treadmill or rowing machine).

Strengthening (December to mid-February) 

After you’ve recovered, it’s time to start bulking up again. It doesn’t matter how you choose to train; the most important thing is that you stick with it. Taking a week off here and there or changing your workout routine on a whim will sabotage your fitness progress.

Get some cardio in there as you’re working on shear strength. Choose a high-intensity workout such as treadmill/rowing machine sprints or jump rope with short repetitions (ex. 10 rounds of 30 seconds on/30 seconds off) to maximize results (and avoid spending 45 minutes on a treadmill)

Speed (mid-February to April) 

Now that you’ve spent the last few months grunting and picking things up and putting them down, it’s time to rejoin society and begin preparing for golf. 

As you gain strength, the idea is to translate it into explosive strength and speed.

It’s time to introduce some rotating activities (resistance band twists, woodchops/single arm rows, medicine ball toss, etc.) to establish disassociation motor patterns and equilibrium in your practice. 

Aim for four training days early in the term so that you don’t feel terrible about trading out that fourth training day for some time on the course once the season starts. Also, when doing rotating workouts, always use lesser weights. It’s more critical to boosting speed while minimizing the risk of injury.

In-Season (May to October) 

Finally, the fruits of your labor are beginning to bear fruit. In order to avoid bogeys in the first round, you should feel stronger, faster, more mobile, and generate a considerably higher ball speed with all of your clubs by the end of the first week. 

It’s important to remember, though, that you don’t want to lose all of your newfound power, speed, and agility. 

As a result, a mix of the Strength and Speed Building phases is a good recommendation.

Select 3 sets of 6 reps of a different Strength Exercise each week, followed by 2 sets of 10-15 reps of a variety of assistance exercises. 

It’s equally crucial to maintain your strength by engaging in excellent rehabilitation, recovery, mobility, and strength training such as stretching, mobility exercises, foam rolling, bodyweight movements, and resistance band work as well as yoga and pilates.

Regardless of what phase of the Periodization cycle you’re currently in, you should still be picking up your clubs and doing some practice work at least once or twice a week. 

At the beginning of the Recovery phase, for example, you might take a week or two off, but after that, you might start with an entry-level SuperSpeed Protocol (if necessary, swing an alignment stick or driver shaft without a head), take a lesson, or hit the range or simulator a few times a month, and gradually work on building up your swing speed and technique. 

This is especially true throughout the recovery and strength-building periods. Isometric and resistance band holds, on the other hand, don’t put as much strain on the body as swinging at maximum speed.

Check To See If You Achieved Your Objectives

Reflect on the past 12 months. What’s the latest on your golf status and achievements? How fast can you swing your club? Did you set your putting stroke rate? Reflect into whether or not you achieved your objectives, and if not, explain why. 

The key to achieving success lies in being able to reflect upon what you’ve done and determine whether it was successful or not. For example, if you’re playing golf and you don’t want to lose any strokes, then you should focus on improving your short game by practicing different shots and putting techniques.

Set New Objectives 

When it comes to golf, there’s no end to the amount of luck you can have. There’s always room for improvement even if it’s as basic as pledging to play more regularly. 

A golf season means setting goals to improve your game. Whether they’re short-term (like playing better during the next round) or long-term (like becoming a regular golfer), this is the perfect time to set yourself some targets.

Keep Track Of Your Stats 

Feel and reality are often two different things. Your swing is an example of this. In addition, the way you get where you’re going is important. 

Putting with your eyes closed? How deserving is your 8-iron of the title? That which you believe to know is not the same as the truth.

Thank goodness for modern technology. Stat-tracking apps and sensors are popular in today’s market, and they can tell you with confidence exactly what you’re doing.

When it comes to collecting performance statistics, there’s no better time than the present. What other way is there to tell how much progress you’ve made? 

Establish A Handicap 

Do this for yourself, if you haven’t done so already, you must and even more for your competitors. 

Golf handicaps allow players of varying abilities to compete on a level playing field. The USGA’s guidelines govern how your golf handicap is calculated and maintained. To compete in tournaments open to players with your handicap level, as well as in friendly competitions, you must first establish a handicap.

If you want to establish a handicap, then you should consider having a look at our guide to golf handicapping. This will give you some insight into how handicaps work and what they mean. It will also teach you how to calculate yours and show you how to improve it.

Budgeting 

How much money did you spend on golf in the last 12 months? Regarding the price of a round of golf. Equipment. Lessons. Trips.

There is a chance that you overspent. How could that be the case? 

Or, maybe, just maybe, there’s money in the bank account for anything additional, no matter how small or large it may be, such as a membership to a club you never thought you could afford. 

If your budget is tight, you might want to consider cutting back on some of your other hobbies or spending less money on unnecessary things.  

Plan A Golfing Vacation 

Any round of golf. Anywhere from a week-long golf extravaganza at a course, you’ve always wanted to visit a weekend vacation at a course you’ve been to 20 times in a row.

Put the date on your phone. Make sure your friends are on board as well. Then begin counting down the days till it happens.

The key here is to plan ahead. If you’re looking for a nice long weekend away, book your tee times early so you don’t miss out on any prime spots. 

What Golf Season Tournament Are Most Prestigious 

The most prestigious golf season tournaments in professional golf: The Masters Tournament, the US Open Championship, The Open Championship, and the U.S. PGA Championship. Nobody was able to win a Grand Slam in the conventional sense.

Tiger Woods came very close to completing the so-called “Career Grand Slam” in just two years (2001-2002). 

The Masters Tournament 

It is one of the four major Grand Slam tournaments and is also known as The Masters or The U.S Masters. It is held in the first week of April and serves as a kickoff to the major sporting events.

Augusta National Golf Club, a private course in Georgia, is where it is held every year. In order to compete in the United States, you must acquire an invitation.

The green jacket awarded to the game’s winner serves as a memento of the winner’s club membership. Next year, the jacket has to be handed back. After this point, the winner can only wear it in the club’s area, as during the annual Champions Dinner.

Horton Smith won the first U.S. Masters. His prize was a whopping $1,500, which in today’s money is mind-boggling. Jack Nickalus was the most awarded player in the history of the US Masters.

U.S. Open

This competition, often known as The United States Open Championship, is widely regarded as the most challenging in the world. It’s because of the extremely challenging conditions on the golf courses that have been specially created for the competition.

Many impediments surround the holes, making it difficult to reach them, and the path to them is extremely long and narrow. The surface is uneven. The winner is the one who has used the least strokes in their round of golf.

There was a total prize fund of $12 million at this year’s tournament, making it the most lucrative golf tournament. On October 4, 1895, the Newport Country Club in Rhode Island hosted the first U.S. Open Championship.

Played on one day, it was a 36-hole competition. Horace Rawlins, the winner, took home a 150-dollar prize.

The championships are now held in June, and the finals are held on Father’s Day, as they were in the past. U.S. Open is for golfers with a USGA Handicap Index of no more than 1.4 who are both amateurs and professionals in the sport.

The Open Championship 

The oldest Grand Slam tournament is known as The Open or the British Open. For this reason, it is considered to be one of the most prestigious tournaments in golf.

This year’s Open Championship will be decided by British weather and nature. It is held on traditional courses that have a very rough and challenging surface.

They’re right on the coast, so the wind can have a big impact on the outcome of the game. The Champion Golfer of the Year award goes to the victor of the British Open.

The Open Championship at St. Andrews, the oldest golf course in the world, is regarded as the icing on the cake for winning the championship.

In 1860, the first British Open was held only for professionals. In the end, it went to Wille Park Sr., who walked away with $25. A year later, amateurs were allowed to participate in the competition. The competition is now open to any player with a handicap Index of less than 1.5.

U.S. PGA Champions 

U.S. PGA or the PGA Championship. Tournament organizers are the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA). At the Siwanoy Country Club, Bronxville, New York, in 1916, the first event was held.

He received $500 and a gold medal with Jim Barnes, the winner. A Rodman Wanamaker trophy, which has become synonymous with the US PGA, was presented to the winners later on.

The competition is only open to professional players who meet extremely stringent requirements. 

Competition at the highest level is on display for fans to enjoy. For the next five years, winning the U.S. PGA means that you’ll be able to compete in the other three Grand Slam tournaments and the U.S. PGA for the rest of your life. Walter Hagen, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods are the most illustrious winners of the tournament with five wins each.

Naples, Florida 

Naples is the best year-round golf destination in Florida, and there are dozens of them. Just over 20,000 people live here, but they have more golf courses than any other city.

You won’t have to cancel a tee time due to inclement weather because the average low temperature never drops below 55 degrees in the winter.

In fact, Naples has more golf courses than any city in the U.S., including Orlando. There are six public courses (including two semi-private ones) and 11 private clubs within 15 miles of downtown. And if you’re looking for something a little different, there are several scenic driving ranges where you can practice putting and chipping.

San Diego, California  

Despite the fact that San Diego has some of the nicest weather in the country, it is also a terrific place to play golf.

You won’t have to bother with other golfers urging you to play quicker because of the laid back and friendly demeanor of San Diego inhabitants. It’s no surprise that Torrey Pines and Balboa Park are two of the city’s most recognizable golf courses.

The climate is perfect for playing golf year round. In fact, many of the best courses in the United States are located here including Rancho Bernardo, La Jolla Shores, Del Mar, Mission Hills, Miramar, North County, and Torrey Pines.

Hilton Head, South Carolina 

The golf courses of Hilton Head Island, a barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean, are among the most beautiful in the world. Hilton Head is home to 24 golf holes despite its small size (69 square miles).

Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye created the area’s best courses. During the winter, it may be a little chilly outside before the sun rises, but that will not stop you from getting in a fast game of golf.

This is one of the top destinations for golfers. It has two 18-hole championship courses designed by legendary architects Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus. The Dye Course was built in 1970 and the Nicklaus Course in 1984. Both courses offer challenging layouts, scenic views and great food.

Scottsdale, Arizona 

In the United States, Scottsdale is usually regarded as one of the best places to play golf. You’ll need several years to play all of the area’s more than 200 courses.

Scottsdale’s climate is also ideal for a round of golf. In the winter, the average high temperature is around 70 degrees, so you won’t even need a jacket before you take your first step onto the tee.

The city is home to many resorts, including the Desert Mountain Golf Club (also known as Desert Mountain Resort). This course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1961. It has hosted numerous PGA Tour events, including the Waste Management Phoenix Open, which takes place every February.

Amateur Golf Season

January Off-Season	February Off-Season	March In-Season	April In-Season
May In-Season	June In-Season	July In-Season	August In-Season
September In-Season	October In-Season	November In-Season	December Off-Season

PGA Tour Golf Season

January In-Season	February In-Season	March In-Season	April In-Season
May In-Season	June In-Season	July In-Season	August In-Season
September Off-Season	October In-Season	November In-Season	December In-Season

Golf Course Closure During The Off-Season

For a lot of  Americans, golf is a beloved hobby. It can be a fairly seasonal sport, depending on where you reside.

Even if you’ve never played before, you’re probably curious in how long the golf season lasts and when the various golf courses are open.

Do Golf Courses Have Seasonal Closing Dates?

It is common for golf courses to shut down for the season in mid-October in the north of the United States. The majority of courses in the southern states close their doors by the end of November, but others are open all year round. In Canada, most golf courses close in October, with the exception of a few in southern British Columbia that remain open year-round.

As part of this piece, we’ll take a look at some of the best spots in North America to play year-round golf as well as some examples of when golf courses close in various states and provinces.

Why Do Golf Courses Shut Down During the Colder Season?

The following are some of the primary causes of golf courses being closed in the winter:

• Keep the turf in tip-top condition.
• Make it easier for management to get things in order.
• To save money,

Keep The Turf In Tip-Top Condition

For the most part, golf courses close in the winter to keep the grass from being damaged by the elements.

Because of the dangers of walking on a green covered in frost, you may have heard. Because ice crystals form on the grass, it becomes fragile. This thin, fragile grass will snap in half if stepped on in any way. After a frost, greens might take months to recover from damage.

Make It Easier For Management To Get Things In Order

The upkeep of a golf course requires a great deal of forethought. In addition to ordering fresh goods for the pro shop, management must ensure that they have the right equipment for maintaining the turf.

Golf courses often have a large number of employees who are tasked with keeping everything running smoothly. 

To Save Money 

Maintaining a golf course is an expensive proposition. They must pay employees to maintain the course, staff the pro shop, and prepare meals in the kitchen.

When the temperature begins to drop, fewer individuals are interested in playing golf.

A decrease in revenue from tee times and events will have an impact on the course. Keeping a course open when operating expenses and employee salaries are greater than annual revenue is illogical.

Golf courses are, in the end, is a business.

Do Golf Courses Stay Open All Year Round?

During the winter months, golf courses have a number of important jobs to complete:

• When it’s chilly outside, it’s important to cover the tee boxes and greens with tarps to prevent long-term damage. Preventive measures such as covering the greens and tee boxes with plastic sheeting are essential for golf course facilities.

• Supply procurement and restocking. All of the latest golf clubs, clothing & accessories are released yearly. In order for pro shops to remain competitive, they must keep up with the latest equipment.

• The nature of seasonal businesses requires employees be given a much-needed break. In the height of the golfing season, it’s rare for golf course staff to even think of taking a vacation. Staff might take a much-needed break throughout the winter to regroup and return refreshed for the following season.

• Some golf courses allow alternate winter activities. It is common to see a network of groomed skiing paths on the property. There are others who rent out golf simulators to the general public.

• It is important for golf courses to continue to offer non-golf services, as this is a major source of revenue. Weddings, charity dinners, award ceremonies, and other events will continue to be held in clubhouses throughout the winter.

Final Thoughts 

Golf season and off-season are two different times for any golfer. 

In the off-season, there are fewer tournaments and some golf courses are closed, but that doesn’t mean you should stop practicing. So take advantage of the opportunity to improve your abilities.

This gives you more opportunities to try new shots, swing patterns, putts, etc. 

Frequently Asked Questions

In general, how long does the golfing season last?

The golfing season lasts from the middle of April to the middle of October in Canada and the northern United States. Golf clubs in southern states will be open in March and November as well. It is feasible to play golf year-round in a select states, such as California, Florida, and Arizona.

When do golf courses shut down for the year in the US?

US golf season typically runs from March until the end of October. All year round golfing is common in the southern and coastal areas.

There is a golf season in Alaska that lasts from May through September, the shortest in the United States.

The following are some instances of the opening and closing dates for golf courses in ten different states located throughout the United States:

State	Golf Season Dates
Alaska	May-September
Arizona	Year-round (It can be too hot in the summer, though)
California	Year-round
Florida	Year-round
Michigan	April-October
Montana	May-October
New York	Open year-round (except when there’s snowfall)
Oregon	Most courses are open year-round
Texas	Year-round
Washington	Open Spring, Summer, and Fall. But in Winter, they may shut down for a month or two.

What to do when your favorite golf courses are closed?

When it comes to golf, the winter can be a long time to wait. To ensure you don’t lose your swing even if you reside in an area with a short golf season, there are a few simple things to keep in mind.

Go to a Golf Simulator (Or buy one)

Consider visiting a local golf simulator or purchasing your own if you can’t play golf in your area during the winter. However, is it possible to enhance your golf game with a golf simulator?

Yes, in a nutshell. Technology for golf simulators has advanced tremendously in the last few years. 

A virtual round of golf can now be played on thousands of courses in the comfort of your own home. This can be a fun way to spend the time till the golf course reopens next year while also practicing your swing.

Invest in Your Health

You can also spend time at the gym (or at home) working on your fitness when the golf courses are closed. Strength training has numerous advantages for golfers.

Improve your game by following a golf-specific fitness regimen: 

• Power
• Balance
• Coordination
• Stability
• Neuromuscular control

The golf swing relies heavily on each of these components.

Take a Golfing Holiday

Winter golf vacations can be enjoyed in a variety of locations across the United States. Las Vegas is one of my go-to winter golf locations because of the great weather, variety of courses, and nightlife.