How to Play Night Golf: A Complete Beginner’s Guide (2025)

What Is Night Golf?

Night golf refers to playing golf after sunset, either under artificial floodlights or by using specialized glow-in-the-dark equipment. The experience offers a blend of novelty, fun, and challenge that makes it increasingly popular, especially at golf clubs that host evening events or themed tournaments.

Why Night Golf is More and More Popular

Night golf isn’t just a novelty – it’s a rapidly growing segment of the sport. Key drivers include:

Beat the Heat: One of the most appealing aspects of night golf is the opportunity to escape the intense midday sun. Playing after dark means you can enjoy the game in more comfortable temperatures, especially during the summer months or in warmer climates.

Social Appeal: Night golf events often have a festive vibe. These outings usually feature music, themed lighting, food and drinks, and group formats that encourage camaraderie. It’s a great way to unwind, socialize, and introduce non-golfers to the sport in a less formal setting.

Time Flexibility: Many night golf games are played on 9-hole setups or in team-based formats like scrambles or best-ball. This makes the game less time-consuming and more accessible to those with busy schedules.

Unique Challenges: Limited visibility adds a new layer of difficulty to the game, forcing players to focus more on technique, touch, and consistency rather than just distance or visual cues. It’s a test of skill and adaptability that many find rewarding.

Essential Night Golf Gear: What You Really Need

Before you head out for your first round of night golf, it's crucial to gather the right gear. Unlike daytime golf, night play comes with unique visibility and safety challenges that require specialized equipment. From glow-in-the-dark balls to lighting solutions and precision tools like rangefinders, having the proper setup ensures not only a fun experience but also a safe and efficient one. Below are the must-have items to help you navigate the course after dark with confidence.

To truly enjoy night golf and improve your performance, having the right tools is essential—especially when it comes to judging distance accurately in low-light conditions. While glow balls and LED markers help you see, it's your ability to measure and plan each shot that will make the biggest difference. That’s where a high-quality rangefinder becomes indispensable during nighttime rounds.

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Step-by-Step to Start Your First Night Round

Pre-Game Prep

• Course Recon: Walk the layout at dusk noting slope changes.
• Club Adjustments: Add 10% distance – cooler air increases ball density.
• Eye Adaptation: 20 minutes in darkness pre-round.

During Play

• Swing Cues: Listen for ball click vs. tracking flight.
• Putting Hack: Lay glow sticks along target line.
• Pace Management: Allow 25% extra time vs. daytime rounds.

Post-Game

Clean UV residue from clubs with isopropyl alcohol Recharge all LED gear immediately

Frequently Asked Questions About Night Golf

1. Is night golf safe?

Yes, night golf can be very safe if players take proper precautions, such as using personal lighting, wearing reflective gear, and staying in groups. Courses also typically have staff on hand to assist.

2. Can beginners play night golf?

Definitely. Many night golf events are geared toward fun and socializing, making them ideal for beginners who want to enjoy the game without the pressure of a formal daytime round.

3. How far can you see the ball at night?

Depending on the brightness of your glow-in-the-dark ball and the course lighting, you can often see the ball fly up to 100 yards or more. High-lumen LED balls improve visibility significantly.

4. Do I need a special rangefinder for night golf?

While it’s not required, a rangefinder with night-mode or enhanced low-light visibility—like the one offered by WOSPORTS—can give you an edge by helping you accurately assess distances in dim conditions.