Keep DST for sunshine and for the swings

The twice-yearly debate about changing clocks to “spring forward” and “fall back” comes down to three simple words in my dictionary — play more golf!
Everyone seems to have an opinion on Daylight Savings Time (DST). Some argue that tampering with sleep and eating cycles, even by just an hour, is bad for human health. Others insist the extra daylight in the spring and summer months is well worth it. Count me in that camp — I’ll take any opportunity to spend more time on the golf course.
Golf league at Poco Creek is already rushed to squeeze in nine holes after work before dark sets in on Thursday nights. Take away an hour of daylight and we’d either need glow-in-the-dark balls or resign ourselves to playing just six holes before heading to the clubhouse. That alone, in addition to bonus golf the other six days of the week, is reason enough to keep DST as it’s been for years.
Apparently, I’m not alone on that scorecard. The golf industry reports that one month of DST generates between $200 million and $400 million thanks to the extended evening hours golfers can play. I don’t know the economics of fishing, biking, hiking, or other outdoor activities, but the same logic applies. More sunshine in the evening means more time to enjoy the things we love doing outdoors.
My wife and I also like to fire up the barbecue in the warmer months, and nothing pairs better with grilled burgers than a little extra sunshine. The barbecue industry estimates its profits increase by $100 million for each month of DST. That’s further proof that we Americans love — and need — the sun to stay up as long as possible when there’s fun to be had.
As for winter, the days already feel short enough. Without changing the clocks, we’d be heading to work and school in the cold and dark. It’s already hard enough to get the motor running on some mornings, so if shifting the time means a little more light when we need it most, I’m all for it.
And that dreaded one-hour transition? Much ado about nothing in my book. A little effort — cutting back on caffeine and screen time in the evenings, and heading to bed 15 minutes earlier for a few days — flips my internal clock just fine. There are plenty of tough transitions in life, but this just doesn’t have to be one of them.
That said, I seem to be in the minority. A January 2025 Gallup poll found that support for DST has dropped to just 40 percent in the U.S. When asked what they would prefer, 24 percent wanted DST year-round, while 48 percent favored standard time year-round. Only 19 percent supported the current system of changing the clocks twice a year.
I’d love to hear where you all stand on this timely topic. As for me? I’ll gladly trade an hour of sleep for an extra hour on the course. See you on the back nine!
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@ hamilton.net