Golf daylight calculator
Can you finish 9 or 18 holes before dark? Find your latest golf tee time from estimated sunset, round duration, course location, and a daylight buffer.
Is there time for one more?
Choose the course location, not your home timezone.
Sunset is estimated with NOAA solar equations. Weather, hills, trees, and course closing times can shorten usable light.
How to use the golf daylight calculator
- Choose the course area and date. For a closer estimate, enter course coordinates and its timezone.
- Choose 9 or 18 holes and enter a realistic round duration, including likely waits.
- Leave a buffer before sunset, then compare your tee time with the latest suggested start.
A worked example
If sunset is at 7:30 p.m., a four-hour round with a 30-minute daylight buffer needs a tee time by 3:00 p.m. A two-hour nine with the same buffer needs a start by 5:00 p.m. These are examples; use the date and course location above for your round.
Questions, answered.
How is the latest golf tee time calculated?
Latest suggested tee time = estimated sunset − expected round duration − your daylight buffer. The estimate uses NOAA solar equations with the location and date you enter.
Can I play golf after sunset?
Some light can remain, but trees, terrain, weather, and course rules can make the course unplayable earlier. This tool plans a finish before sunset rather than treating twilight as guaranteed playing time. Confirm cart-return and closing times with the course.
How long should I allow for 9 or 18 holes?
Enter the pace you expect at that course. The initial 18-hole example uses 270 minutes, or four hours and 30 minutes; it is an editable assumption, not a promise about pace. Ask the course about busy periods.
Does this use weather or live course conditions?
No. It calculates an astronomical sunset estimate in your browser. It does not use weather forecasts, live tee sheets, or terrain models. Increase your buffer when conditions call for it.
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