Old cemeteries and brutal murders make some golf courses haunted all year round—not just on Halloween.October brings Halloween, a time of spooky pranks and creepy costumes. Originating in Ireland, Halloween is rooted in the belief that the dead return to Earth on October 31st. But on some golf courses, ghostly encounters aren’t limited to one night a year. These haunted fairways offer eerie experiences that can chill even the bravest golfer.
Ghosts Awaken from Cemetery Grounds
Many golf courses were built on or near old cemeteries, disturbing the peace of the dead. At Garrison Golf Club in the U.S., the 14th hole is surrounded by a cemetery where 19th-century slaves are buried—an area golfers approach with caution. Similarly, Willbrook Plantation Golf Course in the U.S. sits atop a former slave cemetery, marked by a memorial plaque at the eighth hole. Players are advised to remain respectful to avoid stirring the wrath of lingering spirits.
Memorial plaque at the slave cemetery on Willbrook Plantation Golf Course (Photo: charliebomber/Flickr)
When Ghosts Interfere with the Game
Some spirits don’t just haunt—they play tricks. At Lincoln Park Golf Course in San Francisco, the 18th hole lies atop an abandoned cemetery. Golfers report balls mysteriously vanishing or reappearing in odd places. Across the Atlantic, the Church Stretton Golf Club in England