Thanksgiving Golf: Why Thanksgiving Tee Times Are Underrated
bill irwin
On a day filled with traditions—family gatherings, turkeys and decorations, parades and football—why not add a new one with a kickoff time?
Golfing on Thanksgiving is probably one of the most underrated fun on the holiday calendar. Before the gravy boats come out and the remote control gets a workout, sliding in for a lap provides the perfect combination of fresh air, family time, and strategic avoidance of kitchen chaos. Think of it as a warm-up lap before the feast, or, depending on how many relatives live under the same roof, a much-needed break from sanity.
There are many benefits to Thanksgiving golf. Many golf courses are open on Thanksgiving Day with special events such as holiday scrambles or turkey shoots to mark the occasion. In fact, we’ve got a whole scorecard on why teeing off on Turkey Day might become your new holiday tradition. So put on your favorite sweater, enjoy the best tee time in the morning, and get ready to win that second piece of pie. That’s why Thanksgiving golf deserves a spot on your holiday table.
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1. The season that ends the book
For many golfers, Thanksgiving is one of the last opportunities to play before winter arrives. This is usually really important for Canadians who celebrate Thanksgiving in mid-October. yes The final round of the season.
2. Go back to where it all began
Thanksgiving usually brings people home, and with that comes the opportunity to play on the course you grew up playing. There’s something special about walking those familiar fairways and reconnecting not only with family, but with the place where your golf story began.
3. Reconnect with old friends
When everyone is back in town, the default hangout is usually a crowded, loud bar. Golf offers a better alternative – spend hours on the course catching up, or, if you prefer, focus on your swing in peace and quiet. You can meet up with old friends in a relaxed, authentic environment.
4. Improve family connections——The fairway at the first shot
For many families, Thanksgiving means a backyard football game. Golf offers a gentler, safer alternative – it still allows for laughter and a bit of competition, but without the bruises or hamstring strains. Walk the fairways with a parent, sibling or adult child and let conversation and connection come naturally.
5. Trade the Turkey Trot for a Turkey Day Shotgun Start
While many people wake up early to run a 5K race, a morning tee time can provide a more relaxed way to exercise. Golf courses that are open during Thanksgiving often start early in the morning so both players and staff can enjoy the rest of the day with their families. Unlike running on cold streets, fairways and greens are much more forgiving on your joints.
6. The best way to recover from the night before
Often referred to as “drinking day,” Thanksgiving Eve is one of the busiest bar nights of the year. If you’re feeling a little groggy the next morning, a round of golf can help refresh your mind. While your brain is still fuzzy, you can even swing more freely—no overthinking, no second-guessing. Just push the button to get out and let the fresh air do the rest.
7. You may win prizes
What could be more American than a friendly game on Thanksgiving? Many courses turn their shotgun contests into “turkey shooting” tournaments—usually a fun scramble for prizes, breakfast burritos, holiday cookies, and, of course, bragging rights.
8. Enjoy a golf vacation
Thanksgiving can also be the perfect excuse to plan a golf vacation. Resorts from Pinehurst to Pebble Beach are especially magical this time of year. Jack Frost may attack you during the game, but after the game, the cozy fireside and festive atmosphere make the journey that much more rewarding.
9. Get ready for the day
For most people, Thanksgiving doesn’t usually start early. While everyone else is sleeping or recovering from the night before, you can sneak in for a guilt-free morning game and still get home before the parade is over and get into the football game. Plus, you’ve completed your workout for the day.
If you’ve never played golf on Thanksgiving, you’ll quickly learn that many courses are open long enough for golfers to enjoy a relaxing morning round before an early dinner.
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10. You play the game so real chefs can cook
There will almost certainly be too many cooks in the kitchen. By playing golf, you can let the real chefs shine and stay away from them. Consider it your contribution to a smooth Thanksgiving dinner.
11. Here’s a better way to enjoy turkey
Many golf courses are home to herds of wild turkeys, who are often content to visit rugged natural areas or strut across the fairways. Discovering them is a guilt-free way to appreciate the holiday’s namesake—and better karma than having to choose one that will be the main course on your holiday table.
12. Dinner conversations will be much less awkward
Let’s face it—conversations at holiday dinners can get awkward. But if you play before a meal, you’ll have a better story to share. Grandpa’s wacky swinging moves, teenager’s monster driving, or your magical birdie offer plenty of options that everyone can really enjoy. Until someone brings up politics again.
13. You are more likely to carve the bird beautifully
Golf has been proven to improve strength, balance and concentration. After a round, when the pressure is on and it’s time to show off your turkey carving skills, you’ll be ready to perform like a pro.
14. You get extra help
Surveys show that from Thanksgiving to the end of the holiday, Americans believe they gain an extra five pounds. While that’s a stretch, playing a round before your Turkey Day feast will burn enough calories to justify every bite of pumpkin or pecan pie.
15. You’ll be wary of big games
Golf offers more than just exercise, competition and a social experience, it also increases energy, endurance and brain function. While everyone else is taking an after-dinner nap and missing the flash of a flea that wins a football game, you’ll be alert and ready to make sure it’s not an illegal forward pass.
16. Escape the hustle and bustle of vacation and find a new perspective
Thanksgiving is a day we love, but it’s a hectic mix of traveling, shopping, decorating, and cooking. Morning tee times allow you to spend a few peaceful hours surrounded by beautiful nature. Even a crazy bounce from the flagpole into the bunker doesn’t seem so unfair.
17. You are adding color to your life
If you’re a regular golfer, don’t let Thanksgiving interrupt your streak—get your tee time. Health experts say playing golf can extend your life by five years. If you’ve been slacking off, a Thanksgiving round might be your cue to get back to work.
18. Golf is about gratitude
Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks. Whether you golf alone, with family, or with new friends, a round of golf on Thanksgiving gives you the opportunity to appreciate the game, companionship, and all the good things in life.
Golf may never replace the turkey or the parade, but once you get ready for Thanksgiving Day, you may find it’s the best new tradition you start. Get the best deals of the season so far by booking your Thanksgiving tournament at Golfnow.com.
