Why & Where You Should Play Golf in the Fall

The New Course at Talamore, Pinehurst NC

Guest post from Matt Hausser, a PGA professional and the General Manager of Talamore Golf Resort. With over 25 years of experience, Matt started his career in Myrtle Beach before making his way to the Pinehurst area. 


Do you put your clubs away once summer ends, only to break them out again in the spring? Rethink your choice this year! Fall is one of the best seasons to play golf. Aside from smaller crowds and better tee times, there are plenty of reasons why you should continue to hit the course after Labor Day. Discover why you should play golf in the fall and where to play.

Playing Golf Throughout the Fall

Golf courses are in good shape

You may think that the greens and fairways are worse for wear after two full seasons of people on the course. But the opposite is true! Groundskeepers spend the warmer months tending to the courses, and they typically reach their full potential come fall. There is more moisture in the air, which means faster and smoother greens. Additionally, the fairways are lush, thick, and vibrant. If you want to see your putts go further while taking in the gorgeous scenery, hit the course in the fall.

Temperatures are more ideal

Early spring temperatures can be pretty frigid depending on where you live, especially for an early tee time. And in the summer, temperatures can reach scorching degrees causing discomfort as you play. If you’re looking for ideal temperatures, try golfing during the fall. Though where you live has a lot to do with the weather, temperatures usually range from 50-70 degrees during the fall months. This weather is ideal because you won’t have to worry about bundling up or overheating while on the course.

Score more deals

Golf courses tend to get less crowded once the summer winds down. Take advantage of this downtime and look for courses that offer discounts and deals during the fall and winter months. Some places may offer cheaper rates for everything from tee times to golf cart rentals. If you’ve ever wanted to take advantage of a golf lesson, fall is a good time to do so. The resident pro may have more availability, and you won’t have to fight for your time.

Where to Play Golf in the Fall

If you live in a climate where golf courses shut down for the fall or winter, consider booking a golf trip! Although the weather in your town may not be ideal for golfing, a quick getaway to a warmer destination can get you on the course and help you see new places. Here are three areas where you can play golf in the fall:

Pinehurst, NC

Any golf fan knows that Pinehurst, NC, is one of the nation’s top destinations for golfers. Book a fall Pinehurst golf trip to experience the hype. With over 40 golf courses in the town, there are plenty of options to choose from, all with varying difficulty levels. Take your shot on The New Course at Talamore and get a glimpse of the llamas that are no longer caddying but still hanging around the course, or the Mid South Club, designed by Arnold Palmer. Aside from golf, there is plenty to see and do in Pinehurst, making it the perfect destination for a girl’s golf trip. 

San Diego, CA

Heading west is inevitable for many East Coast-based golf aficionados. While temperatures are dropping in the Northeastern part of the country, San Diego, CA, has golf-playing weather year-round. Pretend you’re a pro and book a tee time at the legendary Torrey Pines. Or channel your inner Phil Mickelson and play the course where he spent some of his teenage years, Mission Trails Golf Course. While in town, you can check out the city’s many breweries, beaches, and of course, the San Diego Zoo.

Scottsdale, AZ

Beat the Scottsdale crowds with a fall golf trip. Starting in January, things really start picking up in this desert city. When you head to Scottsdale in the fall, you’ll have an easier time booking a round at TPC Scottsdale as things get hectic around the Waste Management Phoenix Open. You can also test your skills at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club or Camelback Golf Club’s Ambiente Course. Make sure you also schedule some time to enjoy the great outdoors and squeeze in a hike, kayak adventure, or jeep tour.

Fall is one of the best seasons to play golf. Even if you don’t think you can hit up your local course during this time, you can book the golf weekend you and your friends have been talking about for ages. Take advantage of the moderate temperatures and colorful views, and make sure you have a tee time scheduled this fall season.