Written by LaVerne McLeod
Published in Monterey County Magazine, Summer 2010
(Reed Silas Cripe, Publisher; Brigga Mosca, Editor)

Among the majestic vistas of the Pacific, rolling mountains and intimate pathways surrounded by giant pines an small lakes, twilight golf groups take place during summer throughout the Monterey Peninsula.

The concept of late afternoon golf originated locally about 17 years ago with former Monterey Peninsula teaching golf pro Diane Murphy. The concept caught on and has been a regular feature at peninsula golf courses ever since. Twilight golf is all about camaraderie, learning and improving one’s golf game, making new friends and-bet of all, having fun.  Different formats are played each week which helps establish a more confident feel for the game of golf in this friendly environment. Beginners as well as more advanced golfers are welcome to participate in twilight golf between 4:30p.m. and dark. There are basic golf etiquette rules that peninsula coordinators ask participants to follow which balances the levels of players for speed of play.

I’ve found that women attend at this time for a variety of reasons. First, there are nine holes of golf to complete and this can fit into a busy week. Also, it is convenient to play at the end of a workday.  Some have found it a more serene time while beginners might find it less intimidating or a way to transition from golf lessons to the golf course, as I did a few years ago. Often, experienced golfers want to add nine holes to their usual one or two rounds they’ll play during that same week.  Regardless of skill level, golfers can be paired with others of similar skills or handicaps, or with a group of friends.

Twilight golf is not to be confused with early daytime ladies golf leagues that have by-laws, board meetings, club meetings an tournaments.  Unique to all golf groups are their formats. Play can start out the same way with a “shot-gun” style.  Additionally, “best ball” and “scramble” are particularly common in twilight golf.

Noteworthy to any female golfer is the chance to socialize at the clubhouse restaurant.  The team leader announces the prize winnings for the evening as ladies jubilantly feast on delectable appetizers, evening dinners, or sip refreshments.

Generally, twilight golf evenings include registration (based on pre sign-ups), range practice, a free golf lesson, 9-hole golfing with carts, no-host food, refreshments and prizes.

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