I feel incredibly blessed to have been introduced to golf in my early teens thanks to my dad. Sometimes I wish I’d started even earlier—but back then I was too busy with Taekwondo, and argyle vests and plaid pants weren’t exactly my thing.

Of course, now I know better. Golf is the greatest game invented by man, and I love everything about it. So meeting people who share that same passion always feels like encountering a kindred spirit. So when a fellow golfer reached out to me from the other side of the world with a heartfelt request, I had to take action.

The email that granted a bucket list wish in Korea.

It all started with an email I received toward the end of August asking for advice on playing golf in Korea. An avid GolfWRX reader for many years, Dylan was fascinated to see more global perspectives on the game and was especially interested in experiencing night golf in Korea, which I had written about earlier.

“I’m a 30-year-old guy who grew up in Georgia with a club in my hand and have played a good bit overseas, but never in Asia. I’m getting married soon and really have no idea when I’ll ever get back to Korea, so if you’re somehow able to help me cross [night golf] off my bucket list, I’d be incredibly grateful.”

Now, how could anyone turn down such a heartfelt request? And he even played the marriage card, for gosh sakes (I hope your wife doesn’t take it the wrong way).

He further explained that he was scheduled for a sudden business trip to Manila, and would be stopping over in Korea for just two days on the way home. Despite his best efforts to find a tee time here, he repeatedly ran into walls at every turn. He was at wit’s end when even his concierge eventually threw in the towel.

“Given my predicament, what would you recommend I do if I’m Hell-bent on experiencing Korean golf at night? Do you know of any clubs that are sympathetic to tourists? Do you know of any chats I could join where I can meet other players looking to link up? Hell, do you or any of your buddies need a fourth that weekend?!”

Over the past six years, I’ve received numerous emails from readers asking how to play golf in Korea. It always broke my heart to tell them that playing here is a labor of love—full of logistical hurdles. (A typical day of Korean golf, Gangnam style).

With no walk-ons and foursomes being a must, it is almost impossible for a visitor to get onto a golf course unless invited to play by locals. This is further complicated by the fact that most golf courses are usually fully booked well in advance, cost hundreds of dollars, and take up to ten hours door-to-door as the courses are located in rural areas far outside the city.

In short, Dylan was asking for a small miracle.

To protect the identity of the golfer, his teeth have been slightly altered in color

Truthfully, I initially dismissed the idea, knowing full well the work and scheduling involved. But the urgency behind Dylan’s email lingered in my mind all day. After some hard contemplation and mental navigation of the processes involved, I replied that I would help make his wish come true. He was overjoyed and we connected on WhatsApp to ensure that the plans for D-day is communicated effectively.

With August 24th evening set as D-day, the real work began: finding available a tee-time between 5-7pm, securing a golf course that offers night golf within 100km, and recruiting two others to complete our foursome.

After searching through three golf apps and enlisting a friend’s help, I finally booked a Sunday 6:07 p.m. tee time at Yong-in Country Club, located about an hour drive from my place. The harder part was finding two guys free during the weekend evening at such short notice. Fortunately, I lucked out as I only had to call six people before I filled our foursome. Even better, they were both fluent English speakers, which would make the round more enjoyable for us.

Blue One Yong-in CC is a local favorite for its 27-hole course playable night and day

After a full day exploring Seoul and various golf shops, Dylan was excited to finally meet up. His hotel was in downtown Seoul, and it took about an hour to Uber to my apartment. I loaded his golf bag into my minivan, and began the hour-long drive to the course.

A brief conversation revealed that Dylan was a golfer through and through with an impressive 2.0 handicap. He’d played some of the best courses in the world with his dad, and was also friends with several tour pros he grew up with. I told him that Korean courses tend to be hilly and narrow, but did my best to choose one that was relatively forgiving; for courses here can break a long-bomber’s soul.

A scenic drive through the city and countryside / Bag drop at the front / Self check-in kiosk / Beef curry, yum

We pulled up to the front entrance of the club where attendants waited to unload our golf bags. They are sent down to the starting area and loaded onto a golf cart by our caddie for the day. After checking in at the automatic kiosk, we changed in the locker room and went to have an early dinner in the club restaurant with my two friends. Then onto the starting area buzzing with teams of golfers and caddies.

Most Korean golf courses don’t have a practice range to warm up, with only a putting green to roll some putts before starting. Also, most golfers arrive quite close to their tee time and end up rushing to the first tee cold. Our caddie seemed nervous to hear all four of us chatting in English, but relaxed visibly when I told him two of us spoke fluent Korean. And off we went to the 1st tee.

From the front lobby, golfers walk outside to the ‘start plaza’ where the bags are pre-loaded onto a 5-man powercart by the caddie.

There was still ample daylight when we teed off, and the course we chose wasn’t too hard or hilly by Korean standards. Most courses are carved out of the top and sides of mountains, making them narrower and fraught with penalty areas than the ones back home. Dylan gave us a good laugh by declaring, “I didn’t fly 10,000 miles to hit irons off the tee.” He’d soon change his mind.

Note the absence of the driver in this picture.

As the sun dipped below the surrounding mountains around the fourth hole, the lights finally came on and a stillness draped over the course like a quiet blanket. I played night golf often, but I never tire of the tranquil feeling that slowly settles over us darkness descends. My senses become heightened in the eerie calm and the sounds of every step, every shot feel amplified as if on surround sound.

The ambiance of night golf is amazing and it feels like a scene out of Bagger Vance

Throughout the round, Dylan was busy taking in the whole new experience surrounding him; from the excessive OB and hazard areas to the different type of grass and trees, to the specific way the ball rolled on the greens here in Korea. He was truly enjoying the moment, and I was equally happy to see how appreciative he was to be here.

The course at night feels totally different than during the day

But the most touching moment was when I looked across the 5th fairway and saw Dylan with his phone held out in front of him. He was face-timing with his dad and enthusiastically trying to describe the newness of the experience that he was feeling. I was out of hearing distance, but his gestures and expressions of joy at being able to share the moment with his dad required no explanation

I didn’t mention it at the moment, but I felt a pang of envy and sorrow at the same time. When was the last time I had talked with own my dad like that to share a particular joy? Would he be the first person I’d call to boast about a particularly good shot or score? After all, he’s the reason I love this game. He was the one who wrapped my little hands around a golf club for the first time.

Dylan may have thanked me for giving him the chance to play night golf in Korea, but I’d also like to thank him as well for reminding me of the bond my dad and I share over our love of golf. I hope it never fades.

A nice iron tee shot, Mr. ten-thousand miler!

Reading the greens also requires a bit more focus and effort due to the shadows

I had everyone beat on the greens with my crappy putter

Dylan was blown away seeing how we stick the air hose nozzle right into the shoes. The cool sensation isabsolutely amazing, and we couldn’t believe he never tried it before. Live and learn, young fella

On a scale of 1-10, this course rates about a 6.5 in difficulty. Wait till he plays some really tough tracks here!

Our round concluded a little after 10pm, and we pulled up to the clubhouse and dusted off our shoes. Our caddie made sure all of our clubs were present and accounted for, and drove us to the parking lot to put the clubs into our cars. We’d hoped to soak in the hot baths prior to changing but the facilities were closed due to the late hour. It would’ve been a great addition to Dylan’s experience of Korean golf, but hopefully he can make it back to try it later.

All in all, I was glad that I took a chance at lending Dylan a helping hand to experience night golf in Korea. My friends and I had a great time with him, and Dylan extended an open invitation to visit him and play his ultra-exclusive club back home someday. If all encounters between golfers could work out like this, the world would surely be a better place.

Dylan gifted me with a shirt from his own club back in Atlanta. If you recognize the logo, you’re golden

The hour-long drive home flew by as we chatted up a storm about how the course played, the good shots and the putts that should’ve dropped, and the courses we’d each played around the world. If you’d been in the car, you’d never have known that we’d just met earlier that day.

I heard that many back home dread about meeting a less-than-ideal random golfer on the first tee. In Dylan’s case, anyone would be lucky to be paired with such a well-mannered and skilled golfer, genuinely passionate about the game. You’re welcome in our foursome anytime Dylan–schedule permitting with your future wife, of course!

Bucket list wish fulfilled, Dylan headed back to his hotel from my place. Till next time, my young friend!

Lastly, for anyone hoping to play golf in Korea, I must warn you that it will be frustratingly difficult without local help. But like with anything challenging, you’ll find the experience rewarding and memorable. To those I couldn’t help before, again I’m truly sorry. It’s just that difficult. But who knows? If the stars align and the golf gods are kind, maybe one day we‘ll make it work. And that’s something worth looking forward to.

Now, excuse me while I go call my dad again.