Golf-Specific AQI Thresholds
AQI 0-50: Excellent Golf Conditions
Perfect for 18 holes. Walking and riding both safe.
AQI 51-100: Good for Golf
Normal play. Consider cart over walking if sensitive to air quality.
AQI 101-150: Use Cart, Play 9 Holes
Riding strongly recommended. Consider shortening round. Seniors take extra caution.
AQI 151-200: Consider Canceling
Health risk for most. Brief range practice only. Senior golfers should not play.
AQI 201+: Do Not Golf
Cancel tee time. Use indoor simulator instead.
Walking vs. Riding
Walking 18 Holes
- Distance: 4-5 miles, 4-5 hours
- Exertion: Moderate activity with intermittent rest
- Safe up to: AQI 100 for healthy golfers
- AQI 101-150: Switch to cart or play 9 holes
Using Golf Cart
- Exertion: Light activity, short walks to ball
- Safe up to: AQI 150
- Reduces exposure: Less time breathing heavily
- Best choice: For seniors and sensitive individuals
Best Tee Times by Season
Summer Golf
Early Morning (Dawn - 9 AM): Best choice. Lowest AQI, coolest temps.
Afternoon (1 PM - 4 PM): Worst air quality. Peak ozone. Avoid if possible.
Twilight (5 PM - Dark): Second best. Air improving, still hot.
Winter Golf
Late Morning (10 AM - 1 PM): Best air quality after inversions lift.
Early Morning: May have trapped pollution in valleys. Check AQI first.
Course Selection
Better Air Quality Courses
- Coastal courses: Ocean breezes provide cleaner air
- Mountain courses: Higher elevation, less pollution
- Resort courses: Away from urban pollution
- Tree-lined courses: Natural air filtration
Courses to Monitor Closely
- Urban courses: Near city centers and traffic
- Valley courses: Pollution can be trapped
- Near highways: Traffic pollution exposure
Health Considerations
Why Golfers Are at Risk
- 4-5 hour exposure duration
- Cumulative pollutant intake over round
- Heat stress combined with air pollution in summer
- Older demographic more vulnerable
Symptoms to Watch For
- Shortness of breath beyond normal exertion
- Unusual fatigue mid-round
- Coughing or wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Headache
- Eye or throat irritation
Best Golf Destinations for Air Quality
Premier Golf + Clean Air
- Bandon Dunes, OR: Coastal Oregon air
- Pebble Beach, CA: Monterey Peninsula clean air
- Pinehurst, NC: Sandhills region, good air
- Kiawah Island, SC: Barrier island air quality
- Maui, HI: Pristine Pacific air
Great Golf, Monitor Air Quality
- Scottsdale, AZ: Excellent winter, summer dust concerns
- Palm Springs, CA: Desert air, summer heat + pollution
- Las Vegas, NV: Check AQI, can have elevated levels
Tournament and Competition
- Tournament directors should monitor AQI
- Consider postponing when AQI exceeds 150
- Provide carts option when AQI is 101-150
- Allow withdrawals without penalty for health reasons
Alternative Options
Poor Air Quality Days
- Golf simulators: Indoor golf experience
- Driving range: Indoor bays when available
- Practice facilities: Putting greens, chipping areas (brief exposure)
- Golf instruction: Indoor lessons
Special Considerations
Senior Golfers (65+)
- Most vulnerable golf demographic
- Use cart when AQI exceeds 75
- Avoid golf when AQI exceeds 125
- Play 9 holes instead of 18 on moderate air days
Golfers with Heart Disease
- Consult physician about air quality limits
- Use cart always when AQI is 51-100
- Avoid golf above AQI 100
- Play during coolest, cleanest air times