Golf Courses Open on Christmas Day 2025

For many golfers, Christmas Day represents the perfect opportunity to escape the holiday hustle and enjoy a peaceful round on the course. Whether you're traveling to a warm-weather destination, lucky enough to live where the sun shines year-round, or simply looking to continue a beloved family tradition, playing golf on Christmas has become increasingly popular worldwide.

The good news? Plenty of world-class golf courses remain open on December 25th, 2025, offering everything from championship layouts to resort courses with stunning ocean views. From the sun-soaked fairways of California and Arizona to the summer links of Australia and New Zealand, golfers have more options than ever to celebrate the holidays with a round of golf.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best golf courses open on Christmas Day 2025 across the globe. We'll cover booking strategies, what to expect, and how to make the most of your holiday round. Plus, we'll show you how the Hole19 Golf App helps you find open courses, track your Christmas round, and share your festive golf memories with friends and family.

Whether you're a dedicated golfer who never misses a day on the course or someone looking to start a new holiday golf tradition, this guide will help you plan the perfect Christmas Day round.

Why Golf on Christmas Day?

Playing golf on Christmas might seem unconventional to some, but for millions of golfers worldwide, it's become a cherished holiday tradition. Let's explore why more players are choosing to spend December 25th on the fairways.

Golf on Christmas Day has evolved from a niche activity into a mainstream tradition for many families. Some players use their round as a peaceful break before or after family celebrations. Others make it a family foursome, bringing parents, siblings, and even children together for a unique bonding experience that beats sitting around watching television.

The tradition particularly thrives in regions with favorable winter weather, where Christmas Day often brings beautiful playing conditions. In places like Southern California, Florida, and Australia, golfers can enjoy warm sunshine and perfect temperatures while friends and family in colder climates bundle up indoors.

Let's be honest—Christmas can be overwhelming. Between cooking elaborate meals, entertaining relatives, and managing gift exchanges, the holiday often feels more stressful than relaxing. Golf provides the perfect escape—a few hours of peaceful solitude or quality time with close friends and family in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Many golfers report that their Christmas round helps them stay centered and relaxed during what can otherwise be a hectic season. The mental benefits of walking a golf course, breathing fresh air, and focusing on the simple challenge of hitting good shots provide a welcome counterbalance to holiday stress.

For golfers in tropical and subtropical climates, Christmas Day often brings ideal playing conditions. While northern regions deal with snow and freezing temperatures, destinations like Arizona, Southern Spain, the Caribbean, and Australia offer sunshine, mild temperatures, and pristine course conditions.

Winter golf destinations see peak season during the holidays, and Christmas Day is no exception. Courses that might be uncomfortably hot in summer become perfectly comfortable in late December, making it an ideal time to tackle challenging layouts without battling extreme heat.

Best Christmas Day Golf Courses in the United States

The United States offers numerous options for golfers looking to play on Christmas Day, particularly in states blessed with year-round golf weather.

Torrey Pines Golf Course, California

Home to the 2021 U.S. Open and one of America's premier municipal golf facilities, Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, traditionally remains open on Christmas Day. The facility offers two championship courses—the South Course (host of numerous PGA Tour events) and the North Course—both featuring stunning Pacific Ocean views and challenging layouts.

Christmas Day at Torrey Pines typically brings mild temperatures in the 60s, light ocean breezes, and spectacular coastal scenery. As a municipal course, rates remain relatively affordable compared to private resort courses, though tee times can be competitive. Book well in advance through San Diego's city golf reservation system.

The South Course stretches over 7,800 yards from the championship tees and demands both length and precision. The dramatic finishing holes along the cliffs provide a memorable conclusion to any round. Using the Hole19 GPS Flyover feature helps you navigate the severe elevation changes and strategize around the challenging canyon carries.

Scottsdale Area Courses, Arizona

The Scottsdale region hosts dozens of championship courses, many of which remain open on Christmas Day. Courses like TPC Scottsdale (home of the WM Phoenix Open), Troon North, We-Ko-Pa, and Grayhawk all typically welcome players during the holidays.

Desert golf at Christmas offers picture-perfect conditions—clear skies, temperatures in the low 70s, and immaculate course conditions. The dramatic desert landscapes, framed by saguaro cacti and rugged mountains, create an unforgettable golf experience.

Many Scottsdale courses offer special holiday rates or packages that include food and beverage credits. However, Christmas week represents peak season in the Arizona golf market, so expect premium pricing and book several months ahead for the best tee times.

Track your desert golf stats with Hole19's Shot Tracker to see how the firm fairways and fast greens affect your distances. Desert courses often play firmer than players expect, leading to extra roll on drives and approach shots.

Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina

Pinehurst Resort, home of the legendary Pinehurst No. 2 and eight additional championship courses, keeps its facilities open during the holidays. While North Carolina's Sandhills region can be chilly in late December, the courses remain playable, and Christmas week often brings mild weather.

Playing Pinehurst No. 2 on Christmas Day offers a bucket-list experience. The Donald Ross masterpiece, recently restored by Coore & Crenshaw, features the iconic turtleback greens and strategic design that has challenged champions for over a century. The course demands creativity and precision around the greens—perfect skills to work on during a holiday round.

Resort guests receive priority booking, and staying on-site provides access to multiple courses, practice facilities, and amenities even on Christmas Day. The Pinehurst Cradle, a short course perfect for all skill levels, makes an excellent addition to your holiday golf itinerary.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Oregon

For golfers seeking a dramatic links golf experience on Christmas, Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coast delivers. The resort's five championship courses remain open year-round, weather permitting, and Christmas Day is no exception.

Winter golf at Bandon brings challenges—wind, rain, and cooler temperatures are common—but also solitude and raw beauty. The courses play differently in winter conditions, demanding low, running shots and creative scrambling when the wind howls off the Pacific.

The resort offers special winter rates and typically has more availability than peak summer months. Just pack your rain gear and embrace the elements. True golf purists consider a Christmas round at Bandon among the sport's most authentic experiences.

Use Hole19's Plays Like Distances feature to adjust for the wind and elevation changes throughout these dramatic coastal layouts. Knowing whether that approach shot plays 150 yards or 165 with the wind makes all the difference.

Pebble Beach Golf Links, California

The most famous public course in America, Pebble Beach welcomes golfers on Christmas Day, though at premium rates exceeding $600 per round. Playing Pebble on Christmas represents the ultimate splurge for serious golfers.

The Monterey Peninsula offers mild winter weather, and Christmas often brings clear skies and calm conditions—perfect for photographing your round on one of golf's most scenic courses. The iconic holes along Carmel Bay, particularly the par-3 7th and the dramatic finishing stretch, provide memories that last a lifetime.

Book far in advance and consider pairing your Pebble Beach round with play at sister courses Spyglass Hill or The Links at Spanish Bay, which also remain open during the holidays. Resort guests receive booking priority.

Track your once-in-a-lifetime round with Hole19's scoring and statistics features to document every shot on this legendary layout. Share your Christmas round at Pebble with friends through the app's social features.

Top Golf Courses Open Christmas Day in Europe

Europe offers excellent options for Christmas golf, particularly in southern regions where winter brings pleasant playing conditions.

Spain's Costa del Sol region, often called the "Costa del Golf," features over 70 courses and typically enjoys sunshine and temperatures in the 60s during Christmas week. Most courses remain open on December 25th, making it a prime destination for European golfers seeking holiday sunshine.

Courses like Valderrama (home of the 1997 Ryder Cup), Finca Cortesin, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, and dozens of others welcome players during the holidays. The region combines excellent golf with outstanding hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions in cities like Marbella and Málaga.

Many British and Northern European golfers make the short flight south for Christmas golf breaks, enjoying significantly better weather than back home. Book tee times directly through course websites or via golf travel specialists who arrange comprehensive packages.

The varied terrain—from coastal courses with ocean views to mountain layouts with dramatic elevation—keeps golf interesting. Use Hole19's GPS features to navigate unfamiliar courses and ensure accurate yardages on your European golf adventure.

Portugal's Algarve region rivals Spain's Costa del Sol as Europe's top winter golf destination. Courses throughout the region typically remain open on Christmas Day, offering beautiful Atlantic Ocean backdrops and challenging championship layouts.

Notable courses include San Lorenzo, Quinta do Lago, Monte Rei, and Vilamoura Old Course. The region features Mediterranean climate with mild winters, and Christmas week often brings pleasant temperatures perfect for walking the course.

The Algarve has become increasingly popular among golfers from across Europe and beyond. The combination of affordable rates (compared to summer high season), excellent course conditions, and minimal crowds makes Christmas an ideal time to explore Portuguese golf.

Many courses offer reduced green fees during December, and the region's hotels and resorts provide attractive winter packages. The Portuguese hospitality and cuisine add to the appeal, making it easy to combine golf with cultural exploration.

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.

Best Christmas Golf in Australia and New Zealand

In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas falls during summer, making Australia and New Zealand prime destinations for holiday golf.

Australia's summer Christmas means perfect golf weather—long days, warm temperatures, and dry conditions. Most public and semi-private courses throughout the country remain open on December 25th, particularly in golf-mad regions like Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth.

Courses such as Kingston Heath, Royal Melbourne (subject to member guest policies), New South Wales Golf Club, and dozens of quality public tracks welcome players. Christmas Day golf is deeply embedded in Australian sporting culture, with many families making it an annual tradition.

Book early, as Christmas morning tee times fill quickly with locals eager to play before or after family celebrations. Afternoon times may be more available as the day progresses.

Australia's championship courses demand strategic thinking and excellent short game skills. The firm, fast conditions typical of summer golf reward precision over power. Use Hole19's Club Recommendation feature to make smarter decisions on approach shots into firm greens.

New Zealand's stunning golf courses offer spectacular mountain and coastal scenery with excellent Christmas Day availability. Courses like Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs, Millbrook Resort, and Queenstown Golf Club typically remain open during the holidays.

The long summer days (sunrise before 6am, sunset after 9pm in late December) allow for extended rounds and post-golf celebration. New Zealand's courses feature dramatic landscapes—from coastal cliffs to alpine settings—that create unforgettable golf experiences.

The combination of world-class golf, outdoor adventure activities, and pristine natural beauty makes New Zealand an increasingly popular destination for international golf tourism during the Christmas season.

Caribbean and Mexico Christmas Golf Destinations

Tropical destinations offer guaranteed warmth and sunshine for Christmas golf, though rates peak during the holiday season.

The Dominican Republic's premier golf destination, Casa de Campo features three championship courses, including the legendary Teeth of the Dog—consistently ranked among the world's best courses. All courses remain open on Christmas Day.

The Pete Dye-designed Teeth of the Dog features seven holes directly on the Caribbean Sea, offering spectacular views and challenging risk-reward decisions. The resort's Dye Fore course provides mountain scenery and dramatic elevation changes, while the Links course offers a more forgiving experience.

Casa de Campo attracts golfers worldwide during Christmas week. Book resort accommodations and tee times months in advance for the best availability. The all-inclusive nature of the resort makes holiday planning simple.

Mayakoba on Mexico's Riviera Maya, designed by Greg Norman, winds through mangroves and features several holes along the Caribbean coast. The course hosts a PGA Tour event and maintains tour-quality conditions year-round.

Christmas at Mayakoba brings warm temperatures, ocean breezes, and the chance to combine golf with Mayan ruins exploration, cenote swimming, and world-class beaches. The nearby resort hotels (including Fairmont, Rosewood, and Andaz) offer comprehensive holiday packages.

The course demands accuracy and strategic thinking as water hazards and jungle vegetation punish wayward shots. The unique environment—tropical birds, iguanas, and lush vegetation—creates a memorable setting for holiday golf.

The Four Seasons Nevis in the West Indies offers a stunning Robert Trent Jones II design with several holes directly on the Caribbean. The intimate resort setting provides personalized service and guarantees a relaxing Christmas golf experience.

The course plays relatively short but demands precision, with ocean winds affecting club selection. The dramatic mountain backdrop of Nevis Peak and turquoise Caribbean waters create one of golf's most picturesque settings.

Limited rooms mean the resort never feels crowded, even during peak holiday weeks. Book well ahead and expect premium rates, but the all-inclusive luxury and attentive service justify the cost for a special Christmas golf getaway.

What to Expect When Playing Golf on Christmas Day

Golf on December 25th differs from typical rounds. Understanding what to expect helps you prepare appropriately and avoid disappointment.

Most courses operate with reduced food and beverage service on Christmas Day. The restaurant may be closed, with only the beverage cart available, or sometimes no food service at all. Plan accordingly by eating before your round or bringing snacks.

Some resort courses offer special holiday menus or buffets, but confirm availability when booking. Others close all dining facilities, focusing solely on golf operations.

Pack water, energy bars, and light snacks in your bag to avoid getting hungry during your round. The beverage cart may not run on its normal schedule.

Expect skeleton staff at most facilities on Christmas Day. Course rangers may be limited, starters might be absent, and pro shop hours could be abbreviated. Most courses that open Christmas morning close by mid-afternoon to allow staff to celebrate with their families.

Cart services operate normally at most courses, but walking may be required at some facilities. Caddie services are typically unavailable on Christmas Day, even at courses that normally offer them.

Check in early and be self-sufficient—don't expect the same level of service you'd receive on a typical day.

Christmas weather varies dramatically by location. Tropical destinations guarantee warmth and sunshine, but even traditional winter golf locations can surprise you with cold fronts or rain.

Check forecasts in the days leading up to your round and pack appropriate rain gear and layers. Courses in transitional climates (like North Carolina or Northern California) can experience anything from 40-degree fog to 70-degree sunshine.

Winter golf often means earlier sunsets, so book morning tee times to ensure you finish in daylight, particularly if playing a slower-paced course.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Christmas Round

Turn your Christmas Day golf into a memorable experience with these practical tips.

Christmas golf creates lasting memories, especially when shared with family. Make it an annual tradition by returning to the same course each year or exploring new destinations together.

For families with varying skill levels, choose courses with multiple tee options that allow everyone to enjoy the round. Par-3 courses or executive courses work well for mixed-ability groups.

Consider making your Christmas round a scramble format rather than individual stroke play—it keeps the pace brisk and ensures everyone contributes to the team score.

Document your Christmas golf with the Hole19 Golf App. Track every shot, record your score, and capture GPS data from your round. Years later, you'll appreciate having detailed records of these special rounds.

Use Hole19's Highlights feature to mark personal achievements—longest drive, closest to the pin, or best score of the year. Share your Christmas golf experience through the app's social features to inspire friends and followers.

The Shot Tracker function provides valuable data even during casual holiday rounds. Understanding your true distances helps year-round improvement.

Take photos throughout your round—scenic vistas, your foursome on signature holes, or that perfect sunrise on the first tee. These images become cherished memories and make great additions to holiday cards or social media posts.

Many golfers wear festive golf attire on Christmas—Santa hats, holiday sweaters, or red-and-green color schemes. Embrace the fun and create Instagram-worthy moments.

Share your round on social media with hashtags like #ChristmasGolf, #HolidayGolf, or #GolfLife. Fellow golfers worldwide will appreciate seeing how others celebrate the holidays on the course.

Golf Courses Usually Closed on Christmas Day

Not every course opens on December 25th. Understanding which facilities typically close helps set realistic expectations.

Most private country clubs close on Christmas Day to allow staff and members to celebrate with their families. Even clubs in warm climates with year-round golf typically shut down for the holiday.

Some private clubs open for member-only play with no staff present—members use honor system check-in and self-service operations. These arrangements rarely extend to non-member guests.

If you have reciprocal privileges at a private club in your Christmas destination, contact them directly to inquire about holiday access policies.

Courses in northern climates close for winter, including Christmas Day. Facilities in Canada, northern Europe, and the northern United States shut down from November through March or April.

Even courses that remain open during mild winter weather often close for Christmas regardless of conditions. Call ahead to confirm rather than assuming weather alone determines availability.

Final Thoughts: Golf Your Way Through the Holidays

Playing golf on Christmas Day 2025 offers a unique way to celebrate the holidays while pursuing your passion for the game. Whether you're escaping to tropical paradise, enjoying hometown sunshine, or continuing a cherished tradition, Christmas golf creates memories that last forever.

The key to successful Christmas Day golf is planning ahead—research courses early, book tee times as soon as possible, and understand what services will and won't be available. With proper preparation, your holiday round becomes a highlight of the season rather than a source of stress.

Remember that the spirit of Christmas golf isn't about shooting your best score or conquering championship courses. It's about enjoying peaceful time outdoors, sharing the game with people you care about, and finding joy in the simple pleasure of hitting good shots on beautiful courses.

The Hole19 Golf App enhances every round—holiday or otherwise—by providing accurate GPS yardages, comprehensive shot tracking, and detailed performance analysis. Download Hole19 before your Christmas round to ensure you're equipped with the best golf technology available.

From all of us at Hole19, we wish you wonderful golf during the holidays and throughout the coming year. See you on the fairways—even on Christmas Day.