Is It OK to Play Golf Every Day? (The Truth)

I’m cautious when asked, “is it OK to play golf every day,” because although playing golf is part of the fun, practicing consistently is more important to a golfer’s ability to play better golf and ultimately enjoy the game long term. Still, even an avid golfer who enjoys the game can and will become tired of being at the golf course if they do not take an adequate amount of time away from the game when needed. I know from experience that whenever I practice or play too often, I tend to no longer enjoy golf.

If you want to improve your golf score, you need to practice regularly. However, how much practice is enough? What’s the best way to practice, so you see results?

Argument for Playing Golf Every Day

There are several reasons to play golf daily. Many are related to the benefits of practicing and keeping a consistent routine for improving your game.

When we practice and play golf every day, we have the advantage of improving at a much quicker pace than those who only practice once or twice a week; however, it’s not all about quantity—quality practice makes a difference.

Does Playing Golf Everyday Make You Better?

When I was playing my best golf, I practiced almost every day, and my ability to consistently shoot good rounds improved dramatically. However, I realize not everyone can practice daily, so keep in mind, regardless of your time available to work on your game, make sure your practice focuses on your strengths and weaknesses for the golf swing and short game areas.

Playing golf was part of my practice routine when I had the opportunity to practice full-time when trying to play the game for a living. I never had to choose between practicing and teeing off on the golf course; the opportunity for both was always available. It was great because there is no better way to work on course management than on the golf course—a golf shot is different on the driving range.

For practicing purposes, playing all 18 holes in a golf round is not necessary. Instead, nine holes will be fine if your time is limited. Although I will add, whenever possible, play an 18-hole round, especially if you aspire to play in tournaments, because playing 18 holes can be much different than playing just the front or back nine.

If your time is limited, it might be more beneficial to focus on practicing your golf swing and short game one day, then playing a round of golf the next. This way, you’re practicing your weaknesses while also getting in some rounds of golf.

Golf is a lifelong game. Golfers should want to improve but never be so much in a rush to do so that they fail to enjoy the process.

Argument Against Playing Golf Every Day

Take it from someone who has been playing golf for over twenty years, worked in the industry for years, and tried to play the game for a living. Regardless if you’re a golf enthusiast or not, if you’re not playing the game for a living—playing to pay the bills and keep a roof over your head—eventually, you will burn out, and enjoyment will turn to resentment.

For some, it takes longer to reach a point when the game is no longer fun; however, there seems to be a reoccurring theme: those who do not take breaks from the game generally no longer enjoy playing golf as much. It’s unfortunate yet true.

For every weekend warrior out there, you’ll find a golfer who is tired of the sport. There are many club and touring professionals who no longer enjoy the game. I know this to be true because not only was I a playing professional for a short period of time (now I’m a club professional); I’ve also had the pleasure of speaking and making friends with many others who were like me.

Often, those who are around the game daily and dedicate their lives to it tend to lose the enjoyment that once drew them to golf in the first place, and I was no different in this regard.

The Sweet Spot to Get Better at Golf

Although controversial in some circles, it is easy to make a case that playing and practicing golf too much can hinder improvement. I’ve always found that when I practice too little or too much, I tend not to play my best golf. However, when I find the sweet spot in between, not only do I play great golf, but I also enjoy the game more as well.

Practicing and Enjoying the Game

How much you practice depends significantly on the time you have available. If you’re available to practice and play a few days a week and it’s not interfering with other aspects of your life, then practicing three days a week is perfectly fine. If you practice and play three days a week only because you feel like you have to, then three days is too much; it’s crucial to keep golf enjoyable because, as I previously stated, there’s nothing worse than a player getting frustrated with the game due to burnout and later quit.

Switch it Up

It’s also important to vary your practice routine, so you’re not doing the same things repeatedly. Try different drills, play different courses, and take lessons from a pro to mix things up and continue to improve.

Conclusion

From my years of playing golf and working in the industry, I’ve found that practicing and playing on 75 to 80 percent of your available days is a great place to start for improvement and to prevent burnout.

Everyone is different, so you should figure out what works best for you and stick to a routine. Whether you’re Tiger Woods, an elite amateur, or a beginner golfer, finding and adhering to a good practice routine is a must, especially for those looking to improve their game.

Whenever we pick up a golf club, we’re making a decision, so make the right decision and utilize your practice time as a golfer working on your game and enjoying the process while improving your golf score.