Why we love Twilight golf now more than ever
By Eric Flowers for River’s Edge Golf Course
It’s true: the days are growing shorter. But that’s no reason to start thinking toward winter. There is great golf yet to be played this summer and into the fall. While the expectation of late spring has worn thin and the dog days have settled in, many golfer know that now is the time to start packing in rounds. The weather will only get better and more predictable as the heat abates and summer thundershowers recede.
This the time of year when I typically play some of my most memorable rounds – often after work or on a Sunday evening when crowds are thin and greens fees are typically lower than your average nine hole score. It’s the time of year when the ubiquitous twilight round is savored over a slow sinking sunset. Here’s a quick list of four reasons why August is the month to play more twilight golf.
1. The Price is Right
With most local courses offering steeply discount rates in the early afternoon to bargain basement rates in the early evening for all you can play rounds, (it’s $25 for all you can play after 5 pm at Rivers Edge) you just can’t find a better deal on golf unless your dad happens to be named Nicklaus.
2. Band of Brothers
I typically set out with the intent of playing nine holes in splendid solitude. More often than not I’m paired up with another golfer who loves the game as much as I do. These random pairings are a reminder that I love to play as much for the comaraderie as I do for the challenge.
3. The Golden Hour
Playing during the hours when the sun sinks toward the horizon offers some of the most beautiful scenery that you could ever hope to witness on a golf course. Referred to by photographers as the “golden hour” these magical minutes are dappled in golden sunlight and bathed in long shadows.
4. Pace of Play
The only thing worse than scrambling around all afternoon in search of your wayward golf ball, is playing behind the group searching all day for its wayward shots. Twilight rounds and super twilight rounds are the exception. You can play as fast as you want or as slow as you need. Chances are no one is waiting or watching.
Eric Flowers is a Bend-based freelance journalist and the former editor of Bend’s Source Weekly. His work appeared in 1859 Magazine, Oregon Business, Central Oregon Visitors Association and the Drake. He spends his free time with his wife and two daughters, chasing trout, fresh snow, firm trails and an even-par round of golf.
Source: River’s Edge Golf Blog