Golf Games to Play (or Watch!) During Christmas Week
The holiday season is about family, traditions, and – if you’re a golfer – finding ways to keep the game alive even when the weather cools down. Christmas week and the days leading up to New Year’s are perfect for mixing golf with festive fun, whether you’re watching televised tournaments or playing creative games on the course with friends and family. Here are some ideas for how to make golf part of your holiday celebrations:
Televised Golf During Christmas Week
While Christmas Day itself is usually quiet for professional golf, the week leading up to Christmas often features highlights and special broadcasts. Networks like Golf Channel and NBC often replay the year’s biggest tournaments, including Ryder Cup moments, PGA Tour highlights, and European Tour classics. These broadcasts are perfect for cozy evenings when you want to relive dramatic putts and unforgettable shots.
For fans of international golf, European networks often showcase festive charity matches. These events bring together pros and celebrities in lighthearted formats, making them fun for casual viewers and serious golfers alike. Keep an eye out for the PNC Championship, where legends like Tiger Woods team up with family members – it’s a heartwarming watch during the holidays.
Fun Golf Games to Play on the Course
Even if your local course is chilly, golf doesn’t stop for Christmas. Here are some festive games you can play, no matter your handicap:
- Santa Scramble: A holiday twist on the classic scramble. Teams dress in red or green, and each player must use at least one “Santa shot” (a drive hit while wearing a Santa hat).
- Candy Cane Closest-to-the-Pin: On par-3 holes, place a candy cane near the flag. Whoever lands closest wins a small prize – like a box of holiday golf balls.
- Snowball Putting Challenge: Use white practice balls to mimic snowballs. Each player must sink three in a row to “clear the snowstorm.”
These games are handicap-friendly, meaning beginners and seasoned players can enjoy them together.
Challenges to Try Out
Holiday golf is about fun, but challenges add excitement. Here are a few ideas:
- 12 Holes of Christmas: Instead of 18, play 12 holes, each with a unique rule. For example, hole 1 requires putting with your driver, hole 6 demands a left-handed shot, and hole 12 is played with only irons.
- Gift Exchange Golf: Everyone brings a small wrapped gift. At the end of the round, prizes are awarded based on fun categories like “best holiday outfit” or “longest drive with a reindeer antler headband.”
- Charity Chip-In: Set up a short-game contest where entry fees go to a local charity. It’s a great way to combine golf with giving back.
American & European Traditions
Golf traditions vary across cultures, and Christmas is no exception:
- American Tradition: Many U.S. courses host “Ugly Sweater Golf Days.” Players wear their tackiest holiday sweaters, and the winner gets bragging rights (and maybe hot cocoa at the clubhouse). Links below for some additional ideas from Amazon.
- European Tradition: In the UK, festive “Turkey Trots” are popular. These are fun competitions where winners often take home a turkey or ham for Christmas dinner.
Blending these traditions can make your holiday golf even more memorable. Imagine combining an Ugly Sweater contest with a Turkey Trot – festive chaos guaranteed!
Inventing a New Game: The Holiday Relay
Here’s a brand-new game designed for all handicaps, ages, and genders:
Holiday Relay Golf
- Teams of 4 compete in a relay format.
- Player 1 drives, Player 2 hits the approach, Player 3 chips, and Player 4 putts.
- Each hole rotates roles, so everyone gets a chance to shine.
- To add a festive twist, each player must wear a holiday accessory (Santa hat, elf ears, or reindeer antlers).
This format ensures inclusivity, keeps pace lively, and guarantees laughter. It’s perfect for family outings where kids, parents, and grandparents can all participate.
Gear & Accessories for Holiday Golf
Want to add some festive flair? Here are a few fun products available on Amazon:
- Santa Golf Hat – Perfect for holiday scrambles.
- Novelty Christmas Golf Balls – Add cheer to your short game.
- Ugly Sweater Golf Shirt – Blend tradition with golf style.
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These accessories make great stocking stuffers for golf-loving friends and family.
Celebrate a Great Golfing Year
Golf is more than a sport – it’s a way to connect with people during the holidays. Whether you’re watching televised tournaments, playing festive games, or inventing new traditions, Christmas week is the perfect time to celebrate golf.
Want to start the new year with your best golf yet? Request your Golf Course Intel Strategy Guide today. It’s packed with personalized drills, age-appropriate stretches, and warmups to help you sharpen fundamentals while staying healthy and flexible. Make this holiday season the start of your best golf year yet!
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