Boxing Day—December 26th—has evolved into one of the year's best opportunities for golfers to hit the links. Whether you're in the UK where Boxing Day is an official holiday, escaping the post-Christmas chaos, or simply continuing your holiday golf adventures, courses worldwide welcome players eager to extend their festive celebrations on the fairways.
Unlike Christmas Day when many facilities operate with reduced staff and limited services, Boxing Day golf often features full operations, special tournaments, and better availability. From the historic links of Scotland to the summer sunshine of Australia, December 26th offers exceptional golf experiences across continents and climates.
This comprehensive guide explores the best golf courses open on Boxing Day 2025, spanning six continents and featuring everything from championship links to tropical resort layouts. We'll cover booking strategies, regional traditions, and how to make the most of your post-Christmas round.
Plus, we'll show you how the Hole19 Golf App enhances your Boxing Day experience with accurate GPS yardages, comprehensive shot tracking, and performance analytics that help you start the new year with clear improvement goals.
Whether you're a UK golfer enjoying a traditional public holiday round or an international traveler exploring new golf destinations during the holiday season, this guide will help you find the perfect Boxing Day golf experience.
What is Boxing Day and Why Golf?
Understanding Boxing Day's significance and why it's become such a popular golf day helps explain the wealth of opportunities available to players worldwide.
Boxing Day originated in the United Kingdom as a holiday when servants and tradespeople received gifts—"Christmas boxes"—from their employers. Today, it's a public holiday throughout the British Commonwealth, including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many Caribbean nations.
The day traditionally involves sporting events—particularly football matches, horse racing, and cricket. Golf fits naturally into this sporting tradition, with many UK clubs hosting special Boxing Day competitions that members anticipate all year.
In countries where December 26th isn't a public holiday (like the United States), it's still a popular golf day because many people take the week between Christmas and New Year's off work, creating extended holiday leisure time.
After the intensity of Christmas Day celebrations—cooking elaborate meals, hosting family gatherings, and managing gift exchanges—Boxing Day offers a welcome respite. Golf provides the perfect blend of activity and relaxation, getting you outdoors and active without demanding intense physical exertion.
Many golfers describe their Boxing Day round as a "palate cleanser" between Christmas festivities and New Year's celebrations. It's a chance to clear your head, enjoy fresh air, and spend quality time with friends or family in a peaceful setting.
The mental health benefits of golf are well-documented, and after the sometimes-stressful holiday season, a few hours walking a beautiful golf course can be genuinely therapeutic.
While Christmas Day golf requires advance planning and often involves limited services, Boxing Day typically features better availability and full operations. More courses open, more staff work normal shifts, and clubhouse facilities operate at standard capacity.
This means better tee time selection, full food and beverage service, and the complete golf experience you'd expect on any regular day. For many golfers, this makes Boxing Day a superior choice to Christmas Day for holiday golf.
Best Boxing Day Golf Courses in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom, where Boxing Day originated, offers exceptional golf opportunities with many courses hosting traditional competitions and special events.
The "Home of Golf" remains a pilgrimage site for golfers worldwide, and Boxing Day offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of champions. While the Old Course requires ballot entry or hotel booking packages, St. Andrews' other courses—including the New Course, Jubilee, Castle Course, and Eden—typically have better availability.
Boxing Day at St. Andrews brings winter conditions—shorter days, cooler temperatures, and the possibility of wind and rain. But true golf purists embrace these elements as part of the authentic links experience. The town of St. Andrews takes on a peaceful, festive atmosphere during the holidays, with fewer crowds than summer high season.
Green fees on the Old Course approach £270, while the other courses range from £95-£180. The links format demands creativity and adaptability, with firm fairways, pot bunkers, and unpredictable bounces challenging every shot.
Use Hole19's Plays Like Distances feature to adjust for the wind that inevitably affects links golf. Understanding how a 150-yard shot plays like 165 into the wind or 135 downwind transforms your club selection strategy.
Royal Birkdale on England's northwest coast has hosted numerous Open Championships and stands as one of Britain's premier links courses. While primarily private, the club occasionally allows visitor play on Boxing Day, particularly through local golf societies or hotel packages.
The course features towering sand dunes, deep bunkers, and narrow fairways that demand accurate driving. Winter conditions make Royal Birkdale even more challenging, with wind whipping across the exposed landscape and firm turf providing little margin for error.
Boxing Day at Royal Birkdale often includes special competitions for members, but the club's reputation for hospitality means visiting golfers who secure access will enjoy a warm welcome and impeccable service.
The championship pedigree of the course—Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, and Pádraig Harrington all won Opens here—adds historical significance to every shot.
Celtic Manor in Newport, Wales, gained international fame hosting the 2010 Ryder Cup and offers three championship courses that remain open throughout winter. The resort welcomes visitors on Boxing Day with full services, making it an ideal destination for a post-Christmas golf getaway.
The Twenty Ten Course, purpose-built for the Ryder Cup, challenges players with water hazards, strategic bunkering, and dramatic elevation changes. The Roman Road and Montgomerie Course provide equally excellent alternatives with distinct characteristics.
Celtic Manor's comprehensive resort facilities—luxury hotel, multiple restaurants, spa services, and indoor activities—make it perfect for families where some members golf while others prefer alternative pursuits.
December weather in Wales can be unpredictable, but the resort maintains excellent course conditions year-round. Heated golf carts are available for those who prefer riding in winter conditions.
Consistently ranked among the world's top golf courses, Royal County Down in Newcastle offers spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains and presents one of golf's ultimate challenges. The course welcomes visitors on Boxing Day, weather permitting.
The blind drives, intimidating bunkers, and thick gorse make Royal County Down demanding for players at any skill level. Winter conditions add complexity, but the course's inherent beauty—purple heather, golden gorse, and mountain backdrops—creates an unforgettable experience.
Visitor green fees approach £250-300, but playing one of the world's finest courses justifies the investment. The course demands strategic thinking over raw power, with narrow landing areas and heavily contoured greens rewarding careful planning.
Track your statistics with Hole19's Advanced Performance Stats to understand how championship courses test different aspects of your game compared to your home course.
The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire offers three championship courses—the King's, Queen's, and PGA Centenary—all open during the holiday season. The resort's five-star facilities and Michelin-starred dining make it a luxury Boxing Day destination.
The PGA Centenary Course, which hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup, presents modern championship golf with strategic design and immaculate conditioning. The classic King's and Queen's courses offer traditional parkland golf designed by James Braid.
Gleneagles provides heated golf carts, premium rental clubs, and full caddie services even in winter. The resort's comprehensive activities—shooting, fishing, falconry, spa treatments—ensure entertainment for the entire family during a Boxing Day visit.
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Top Boxing Day Golf Destinations in Europe
Continental Europe offers outstanding Boxing Day golf, particularly in Mediterranean regions where mild winter weather guarantees pleasant playing conditions.
Spain's Costa del Sol shines during winter, offering sunshine, mild temperatures, and over 70 golf courses. Boxing Day finds most courses operating normally, with many hosting special tournaments or offering holiday packages.
Valderrama Golf Club, home of the 1997 Ryder Cup, represents the pinnacle of Spanish golf. The cork tree-lined fairways, strategic water hazards, and lightning-fast greens challenge players to think strategically rather than rely on power.
Other outstanding options include Finca Cortesin (host of multiple Solheim Cups), Real Club de Golf Sotogrande (the oldest course on the coast), and San Roque Club. Most courses charge reduced winter rates compared to spring/summer peak season.
The Costa del Sol combines excellent golf with rich culture, outstanding restaurants, and charming Andalusian villages. December temperatures typically range from 15-20°C (59-68°F)—perfect for comfortable golf.
Portugal's Algarve region rivals Spain as Europe's premier winter golf destination. The region features over 40 courses, most remaining open on Boxing Day with full services.
San Lorenzo Golf Course, consistently ranked among Europe's best, winds through the Ria Formosa nature reserve with stunning water views and challenging strategic design. Quinta do Lago offers three championship courses on one estate, while Monte Rei provides a modern Jack Nicklaus design with dramatic elevation changes.
Algarve winter weather mirrors the Costa del Sol—mild temperatures, abundant sunshine, and occasional rain. The region's seafood restaurants, historic towns like Lagos and Tavira, and dramatic coastline add cultural dimensions to golf-focused trips.
Use Hole19's GPS Flyover feature to preview unfamiliar European courses and understand hole layouts before you play, maximizing your experience on limited vacation time.
Boxing Day Golf in Australia and New Zealand
Summer arrives in the Southern Hemisphere at Christmas, making Australia and New Zealand premier destinations for Boxing Day golf.
Melbourne's Sandbelt region hosts some of the world's finest courses, and Boxing Day falls during peak Australian summer golf season. Courses like Kingston Heath, Royal Melbourne, Metropolitan Golf Club, and Huntingdale offer exceptional championship golf.
The firm, fast conditions typical of Australian summer golf reward creativity and shot-making. Strategic bunkering and undulating greens demand precise approach shots and excellent short game skills.
Boxing Day in Melbourne typically brings warm temperatures (25-30°C / 77-86°F) and sunny skies. Many courses host Boxing Day competitions with various formats—stroke play, stableford, or team events.
Visitor access to private Sandbelt clubs requires reciprocal arrangements or member introductions, but several quality public options exist. Book well ahead as Boxing Day represents peak season.
Sydney offers spectacular coastal and harbor golf with courses like New South Wales Golf Club, The Australian Golf Club, and The Lakes Golf Club. Boxing Day golf in Sydney combines championship layouts with stunning scenery.
The NSW Golf Club in La Perouse presents dramatic clifftop holes overlooking the Pacific Ocean—some of golf's most scenic holes anywhere. The firm conditions and coastal winds demand strategic course management.
Sydney's summer weather is typically perfect for golf, though occasional hot days (30°C+ / 86°F+) require sun protection and hydration strategies. Morning tee times offer cooler conditions and spectacular sunrise views.
Queensland's Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast regions offer resort golf combined with beach vacation amenities. Courses like Palmer Coolum Resort, Hope Island Golf Club, and Sanctuary Cove welcome Boxing Day players.
The tropical and subtropical climate guarantees warm weather, and the resort settings provide comprehensive facilities for families. Many courses offer special holiday packages including accommodation and multiple rounds.
Track your summer golf performance with Hole19's Shot Tracker to understand how warm conditions affect your distances compared to cooler weather back home.
New Zealand's summer season brings long days perfect for extended golf sessions. Championship courses like Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs, Jack's Point, and Millbrook Resort remain open on Boxing Day.
The spectacular landscapes—coastal cliffs, mountain backdrops, pristine lakes—create golf experiences that rival anywhere in the world. New Zealand's courses feature dramatic elevation changes and strategic design that rewards thoughtful play.
Summer days stretch from 6am sunrise to 9pm sunset, allowing tee times as late as 6pm with ample daylight to finish. Many golfers play 36 holes on Boxing Day, taking advantage of the extended daylight.
Best United States Courses Open Boxing Day
While Boxing Day isn't a US holiday, December 26th remains popular for golf with most warm-weather courses operating normally.
Florida's Gulf Coast features dozens of outstanding courses open on Boxing Day. Naples, Fort Myers, Tampa, and Sarasota offer championship golf with full services.
Courses like Streamsong Resort (three championship courses in central Florida), TPC Sawgrass (home of THE PLAYERS Championship), and Innisbrook Resort welcome Boxing Day players. December brings ideal Florida weather—mid-70s temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rain.
Florida's golf density means abundant choices at various price points. From affordable public courses to ultra-premium private clubs accepting resort guest play, options suit every budget and skill level.
California offers exceptional Boxing Day golf from San Diego to Monterey. Courses like Torrey Pines, Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill, and dozens of Southern California desert courses operate fully.
The variety of California golf—coastal courses, mountain layouts, and desert championships—provides diverse experiences. December weather varies by region but generally remains pleasant for golf throughout the state.
Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley offer particularly appealing Boxing Day golf with perfect desert weather, numerous championship courses, and comprehensive resort amenities.
Arizona rivals California for winter golf quality. The Phoenix/Scottsdale region hosts over 200 courses, most operating at peak season during December.
Championship venues like TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, We-Ko-Pa, Desert Mountain, and Whisper Rock provide exceptional golf. December brings perfect desert conditions—clear skies, temperatures in the low 70s, and immaculate course conditioning.
Use Hole19's Distance Arcs to strategize around desert courses where water hazards and waste areas punish wayward shots. Understanding exactly how far your clubs carry helps avoid penalty areas.
Hilton Head offers excellent Boxing Day golf with over 20 courses on the island. Harbour Town Golf Links (home of the RBC Heritage) leads the options, but courses like Long Cove Club, Sea Pines Resort, and Palmetto Dunes provide quality alternatives.
December on Hilton Head brings mild temperatures (60s°F) and fewer crowds than spring/summer high season. The Lowcountry scenery—marshes, maritime forests, and coastal views—creates beautiful golf settings.
Caribbean and Latin America Boxing Day Golf
Tropical destinations guarantee warm weather and sunshine for Boxing Day golf, perfect for escaping winter weather.
Barbados Golf Club, the island's only 18-hole course, offers scenic Caribbean golf with ocean views and trade wind challenges. The course remains open throughout the holidays with full services.
The laid-back island atmosphere, combined with excellent beaches and West Indian hospitality, makes Barbados an appealing Boxing Day destination for golfers and their families.
Tobago offers an emerging Caribbean golf destination with Tobago Plantations, a championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course features dramatic coastal holes and lush tropical vegetation.
Boxing Day in Tobago brings perfect weather and a festive Caribbean atmosphere. The smaller crowds compared to more developed destinations add appeal for golfers seeking tranquil settings.
Costa Rica provides unique mountain golf experiences at courses like Valle del Sol near San Jose and Reserva Conchal on the Pacific Coast. Boxing Day golf combines championship layouts with incredible biodiversity—howler monkeys, toucans, and sloths often appear during rounds.
The moderate climate at elevation (San Jose area) or tropical warmth at coastal resorts makes Costa Rica appealing year-round. Adventure activities—zip-lining, volcano tours, rainforest hikes—complement golf perfectly.
Buenos Aires hosts exceptional golf courses like Jockey Club and Los Lagartos Country Club. December marks Argentine summer, providing warm weather perfect for golf.
Argentina's golf culture emphasizes traditional club life, excellent service, and passionate players. The country's wine regions, particularly Mendoza, also feature golf resorts combining championship layouts with world-class viticulture.
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Asia-Pacific Boxing Day Golf Destinations
Asia offers outstanding Boxing Day golf opportunities with diverse courses, luxury resorts, and rich cultural experiences.
Thailand ranks among the world's top golf destinations with over 300 courses. December brings ideal weather—warm temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rain during the dry season.
Bangkok area courses like Alpine Golf Club, Nikanti Golf Club, and Thai Country Club offer championship golf at affordable rates. Phuket and Chiang Mai provide resort golf combined with beach vacations or mountain retreats.
Thai golf culture emphasizes exceptional service, with caddies for all players and meticulous course conditioning. The combination of quality golf, luxury accommodations, and affordable prices makes Thailand extremely popular among international golfers.
Vietnam's golf scene has exploded recently with world-class courses by leading designers. Danang hosts multiple championship courses including Ba Na Hills Golf Club (designed by Luke Donald) and Montgomerie Links.
December weather in coastal Vietnam is pleasant, though occasional rain occurs. The courses feature stunning ocean views, dramatic elevation changes, and strategic design that challenges players while showcasing Vietnam's natural beauty.
Bali offers limited but high-quality golf options with courses like New Kuta Golf featuring stunning clifftop holes above the Indian Ocean. December marks Bali's wet season, but morning golf often avoids afternoon storms.
The island's rich culture, beautiful temples, rice terraces, and beaches make Bali appealing for mixed groups where some members golf while others explore.
Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas offer excellent golf at courses like TPC Kuala Lumpur, Mines Resort, and Sungai Long Golf Club. December brings warm weather and occasional tropical rain.
Malaysian golf provides excellent value with championship courses, caddie service, and luxury clubhouses at moderate rates compared to Western destinations.
Dubai Golf Destinations, UAE
For golfers seeking luxury and sunshine, Dubai's championship courses remain open throughout the holidays. Courses like Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Dubai Creek Golf Club offer pristine conditions and five-star service even on Christmas Day.
December through March represents peak season in Dubai, with comfortable temperatures replacing the brutal summer heat. Christmas week is particularly popular, so book early and expect premium rates.
Dubai golf combines excellent course design with remarkable facilities—immaculate conditions, luxurious clubhouses, and professional service standards that exceed most destinations. The city's world-class hotels, shopping, and attractions make it an appealing destination for non-golfing family members too.
Track your performance across these challenging desert courses with Hole19's Advanced Stats. The firm conditions and strategic design reward smart course management and precise execution.
Securing your ideal Boxing Day tee time requires strategy, though generally easier than Christmas Day bookings.
Most courses now offer online booking systems through their websites or platforms like GolfNow, TeeOff, and Supreme Golf. Boxing Day availability is typically better than Christmas, but popular courses still fill quickly.
Book 2-4 weeks in advance for best selection at resort courses and public facilities. Some courses release times 30-60 days ahead, while others open booking windows closer to the date.
Check multiple booking platforms as inventory sometimes differs between direct bookings and third-party systems.
Boxing Day often produces last-minute availability as players cancel holiday plans or modify schedules. Check booking platforms the evening before or morning of December 26th for cancellations.
Many courses hold back some inventory for walk-up players, so calling the pro shop directly on Boxing Day morning occasionally yields available times.
Booking resort accommodations that include golf provides priority access and guaranteed tee times. Many resorts offer holiday packages bundling lodging, multiple rounds, and dining credits.
Resort packages eliminate booking stress and often provide better overall value than piecing together separate reservations.
Boxing Day Golf Tournament Traditions
Many courses host special events on Boxing Day, creating festive golf experiences beyond standard rounds.
UK and Commonwealth country clubs often host Boxing Day competitions—traditional tournaments that members anticipate all year. Formats vary from individual stroke play to team scrambles to fun novelty events.
These competitions typically welcome guests and visitors, creating social atmospheres and opportunities to meet local golfers. Check course websites or call pro shops to learn about Boxing Day tournament opportunities.
Many courses organize charity events on Boxing Day, raising funds for local causes while providing fun golf experiences. These events typically feature scramble formats, prizes, and social activities.
Participating in charity golf adds meaning to your Boxing Day round while supporting worthy causes.
Some facilities host family-friendly Boxing Day events with shortened formats, fun competitions for juniors, and social activities that welcome all skill levels.
These events make golf accessible for families with varying abilities and introduce younger players to competitive golf in low-pressure settings.
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Track Your Boxing Day Round with Hole19
The Hole19 Golf App enhances your Boxing Day experience whether playing familiar courses or exploring new destinations.
When playing courses you've never seen before, accurate GPS yardages prove invaluable. Hole19 provides distances to greens, hazards, and layup zones on over 43,000 courses worldwide.
The GPS Flyover feature shows hole layouts from multiple angles, helping you visualize shots and plan strategy on unfamiliar terrain.
Use Shot Tracker to record every shot during your Boxing Day round. Building a comprehensive database of your distances and shot patterns provides insights that transform your game.
Understanding your true club distances—not what you think you hit but what GPS data proves—leads to better decision-making and lower scores.
Hole19's social features let you share rounds, achievements, and photos with friends and followers. Post your Boxing Day round to inspire others and document your golf adventures.
The Highlights feature marks special moments—longest drives, closest to the pin, or personal bests—creating lasting memories of your holiday golf.
Max Harvey