Illuminating the Future of Golf: A Solution to Record High Tee Times

Hey - Golfers

Golf courses are experiencing a surge in demand, with record highs in tee times and packed tee sheets. This means less time for golfers to enjoy the sport they love, leading to frustration and missed opportunities on the green.

The Tee Time Struggle

At busy courses, tee times are not just scarce—they’re being scalped and resold, making it even harder for regular golfers to secure a slot. With my experience working at a busy golf course in Iowa, I've heard countless golfers voice their concerns about the near-impossibility of finding weekend tee times. High demand, events, and increased rates during peak times further complicate the situation.

For the fortunate few who do secure a tee time, the challenge often shifts to dealing with a slow pace of play. As demand increases, many courses shorten the intervals between tee times to accommodate more golfers, typically using 8-12 minute gaps. While this might seem sufficient, it often leads to congestion, especially when encountering less experienced players or larger groups. The pace of play remains one of the biggest frustrations for golfers, and this issue is likely to persist as tee sheets continue to fill up.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

One solution that has been introduced to the golf world is lit-up golf holes, offering more tee times during the night. However, this solution comes with its own set of challenges:

• Cost: Installing light poles can be expensive, with estimates ranging from $1-2 million depending on the number of poles needed.

• Feasibility: Lighting longer holes is complex, so this solution is mostly suited for par 3 courses.

• Demand: There’s a risk that the tee sheet might not fill up for night golf, making the investment risky.

Currently, there are around 60 lighted golf courses in the US, showcasing both the potential and the challenges of this approach. While it’s a major investment, it could revolutionize how and when we play golf, offering a unique experience and alleviating daytime congestion.

Bright Ideas for the Future of Golf

While the idea of lit-up golf courses is still in its early stages, it presents an exciting possibility for addressing the high demand for tee times. It would be a risky investment for many courses as the lighting fixtures are not cheap. Labor could also be another potential issue as workers would have to work later.

Your Thoughts: 

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Would you be interested in night golf if it were available at your local course? Do you think this investment is worth the potential benefits?

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