Golf Course and Driving Range Lighting Requirements
by YAHAM | Nov 09, 2023 | Company news |
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Golf course lighting standards primarily apply to the illumination of golf facilities, particularly for night golf or practice. These standards ensure that golf courses meet safety, performance, and environmental requirements while providing an enjoyable experience for players and spectators. Golf course lighting standards can be influenced by local regulations, golf course design, and technological advancements. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Lux Level Standards
For a driving range, luxes at ground level should be roughly 200-300. This level allows both golfers and spectators to see the ball’s path without obstruction. Lux can be higher, around 800-1200, at professional golf courses that host world-renowned golfing events.
There are also two types of illumination to consider on our golf courses and driving ranges: vertical and horizontal. The vertical light travels to a vertical surface, such as a spectator or golfer. The horizontal light lands on a horizontal surface like a fairway. The light on a fairway (horizontal) must reach 80-100 lux while the vertical light must reach 100 to 150 lux.
2. Uniformity
The lighting design must be uniform to ensure golfers can see the course. High uniformity means consistent brightness. With poor uniformity, golfers won’t see the course adequately. Uniformity ranges from 0 to 1 lux, with 1 reaching every corner of the course with the same brightness level. A minimum of 0.5 uniformity is needed to illuminate each green area, with top-class tournaments requiring an illumination uniformity of 0.7.
3. Flicker-Free
With the maximum speed of golf balls reaching up to 200 mph, flicker-free lighting is required. It will enable high-speed cameras to capture the motion of golf balls and clubs. However, if the lights flicker, the camera would be unable to capture the beauty of the game in all its glory. Thus, any light flickering can cause spectators to miss the action. It can also cause a strobe-light effect that has been linked to mood swings, headaches, strobe epilepsy, and more.
4. Color Rendering Index (CRI)
When selecting lighting for a golf course, especially for putting greens and areas where accurate color perception is critical, it's recommended to choose lighting sources with a high CRI value. For golf course lighting, LED fixtures are often preferred because they can provide good color rendering while also being energy-efficient and versatile.
5. Color Temperature
Typically, a color temperature in the range of 4000K to 5000K is recommended for putting greens and tee boxes. This range closely replicates natural daylight and is ideal for accurate color perception, helping golfers read the green and judge distances effectively.
6. Reduce Light Pollution
Light fixtures should be strategically placed to minimize glare, light spill, and intrusion into adjacent areas or neighborhoods. The fixture design should consider the orientation and shielding to prevent unnecessary light pollution.
It's important to note that specific lighting standards and recommendations may vary by location, and golf course owners and operators should work with lighting experts or consultants to design systems that meet both safety and environmental requirements. Additionally, staying current with advances in lighting technology can help golf courses make informed decisions when updating their lighting systems.
Check out Yaham Lighting's LED Sports Light
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Author:YAHAM Lighting
We specialize in industrial and outdoor lighting solutions, including LED Sports Lighting, Flood Lighting, Street Lighting, and more.
