Why playing golf early improves your performance

The practice of playing golf in the morning is not just a matter of scheduling, but a strategy that can make the difference in your performance and in how much you enjoy the game.

Recent studies by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (2021) show that the body reaches an optimal activation state between 7:00 and 11:00 a.m., improving coordination and accuracy in precision sports such as golf. On a course like Golf Alcanada, where the sun rises over the Mediterranean and each hole blends into Mallorca’s landscape, the early hours of the day offer unique conditions: soft light, a gentle breeze, and a calm atmosphere that enhances both concentration and swing. 

Less wind, more control

One of the great allies for those who choose to play golf in the morning is atmospheric calm. At dawn, the air is more stable and less turbulent, meaning the ball travels closer to the line you imagined. This advantage is even more noticeable on coastal courses like Alcanada, where the Mediterranean provides beauty but also an added technical factor: the wind.

Fewer gusts translate into more predictable trajectories, safer shots, and greater confidence when selecting the club. According to the European Meteorological Society (2020), wind speed in coastal areas increases by up to 40% after midday. In practice, this means that a 7-iron shot in the morning can stay on a straight line, while the same swing in the afternoon may drift several meters.

Greater concentration and fewer distractions

The mind also performs better in the morning. American Psychological Association (2020) points out that the early hours of the day are optimal for sustained concentration and strategic decision-making. In golf, this translates into more capacity to read greens, calculate distances, and maintain mental routines without interference. At Alcanada, the morning silence and peaceful surroundings amplify this concentration, allowing each player to connect with both their game and nature.

Physical benefits of early play

Starting the day with a round of golf is not only a pleasure, but also a physiological advantage. In the morning, the body takes full advantage of energy recovered during sleep, resulting in greater precision, endurance, and enjoyment.

According to the Journal of Sport Sciences (2019), performance in light endurance sports such as golf can improve by up to 15% in morning sessions compared to afternoon rounds.

• Renewed energy: muscles and joints are rested, enabling a smoother swing.
• Better recovery: the body responds better to effort, reducing fatigue or minor injuries.
• Improved coordination: the nervous system is more active, enhancing mind-body synchronization.
• Stable heart rate: lower morning heart rate supports calm and steady tempo.
• Cooler climate: avoiding heat reduces dehydration and energy loss.

Enjoying the course at its best

Early in the morning, the course is at its finest: freshly prepared greens, immaculate fairways, and natural light perfect for reading slopes and contrasts. At Golf Alcanada, with its sea views and the lighthouse in the background, the morning experience becomes an exclusive moment for the senses.

Connection between performance and well-being

Playing golf early not only improves technical performance but also enhances well-being. Contact with nature early in the day reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) by around 20% (Harvard Health, 2021), fostering relaxation and resilience. At Alcanada, where sustainability is part of the philosophy, playing early further deepens the connection with the natural environment and with a responsible practice of the sport.

Common mistakes when playing early

• Skipping warm-up due to lack of time.
• Not hydrating properly at the start of the round.
• Underestimating the effect of morning dew on greens and fairways.
• Not adjusting mental routines to a body still “waking up.”

A unique experience at Golf Alcanada

At Golf Alcanada, playing in the morning is a ritual that combines performance and pleasure. Our course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., lights up with the first rays of the sun over the Mediterranean, offering unique conditions to train precision and enjoy an incomparable natural setting. In addition, our premium facilities and academy led by PGA professionals allow you to turn every morning into an opportunity for improvement and well-being.

Book your next morning tee time at Golf Alcanada and discover why playing golf in the morning can be the best decision for your game and your personal experience.