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Daylight Saving Time Remains Complicated for Golf Industry

The debate over permanent daylight saving time in the U.S. has sparked division within the golf industry, despite the PGA Tour’s public endorsement of the measure.

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp backed the Sunshine Protection Act in a letter to President Trump, arguing that extended daylight would benefit recreational golfers and improve TV broadcast windows for tournaments. However, the broader golf sector remains split: the American Golf Industry Coalition, which includes the PGA Tour, PGA of America, and USGA, has declined to take a unified stance, with CEO Greg McLaughlin noting that opinions vary widely.

Research from the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) suggests that two-thirds of its members would support permanent daylight saving time, projecting a $1 billion boost in greens fees revenue in the first year. The organization estimates over 500 million rounds were played in the U.S.

in 2025 alone, underscoring the industry’s reliance on seasonal daylight patterns. Meanwhile, some northern courses—typically closed in winter—see little benefit, while others worry about lost evening playtime under permanent standard time, which could shrink tee times and on-course spending.

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