Top Ten Ways to Save Money on Golf
Golf is an enormously fun, but admittedly somewhat expensive sport. Newbie Golfer likes holding onto hard-earned cash just as much as the next person, and so we’re constantly on the lookout for ways to save money on golf. Here are some of the best:
1) Find Discount Tee Times. Use the power of the internet to find reduced green fees, either directly through the course’s website or through sites that specialize in offering discount fees. You can find Discount Golf Tee Times on GolfNow.com.
2) Use Recycled Golf Balls. There are various companies that offer recycled golf balls, in good condition but much cheaper than new. As an example, check out our review of LostGolfBalls.com.
3) Some golf courses are just cheaper than others. Check out our map of Cheap Golf Courses under $50.
4) Practice your Putting. Most public courses have a practice putting green that is free to use. Having the ability to sink putts will have a great impact on your score, by: (a) reducing or eliminating three-putts, and (b) giving you confidence on the green which will help you relax and swing smoothly, improving your long game as well. So learn to love putting, you’ll score better and save money on golf!
5) Practice your Chipping. Just as for putting, many courses have a chipping practice area that is also free. Take advantage of it! Again, the ability to chip into easy putt range (and chipping-in from time-to-time), will directly subtract strokes, as well as give you confidence that will cascade through your game.
6) Play during Twilight Rates. Many courses offer discounts for early morning back nine play, or early evening rounds (which often let you fit in nine holes before sunset). Besides saving money, this is a great option for those of us who don’t always have the time to play eighteen holes, but want to keep our skills sharp.
7) Minimize Purchases of New Clubs. Resist the temptation to get the latest and greatest gear provided by equipment manufacturers. The manufacturers want to keep their revenues up, but there are only so many people entering the game each year, so they need to keep introducing “new technology” targeted at current players. The truth is, for most of us amateurs, last year’s model is just as good. Save money on golf clubs, and spend the money on playing golf instead!
(8) Practice on nine-hole courses. Nine hole (a.k.a Executive, or Pitch-and-Putt) courses, are shorter courses with mostly par 3 and a few par 4 holes (and even those are often under 300 yards). These are great for working on your mid- to short-game, and that will have the greatest impact on your score in the long run. These can be half the price of similar quality eighteen hole courses. Just leave the driver at home and have fun!
9) Take Tax Deductions. Golf can be part of a legitimate business activity, e.g. when real business discussions with customers take place in association with the round, and may be tax deductible. If you are an employee, check to see what rules there are for expensing golf. If you are a business owner, check with your tax advisor.
10) Play “simulated rounds” while on the driving range. It’s a common sight to see people buying several buckets of balls at range, and hitting several shots in a row of one club, especially the driver. While this approach is fine when working out issues with your swing or a particular club, it’s not the way golf is played: driver, six iron, wedge, etc. This partly explains why we can often hit well on the range right before a round but not on the course (different lies is another reason). Next time on the range, after warming up, pretend that you’re playing your favorite course. Always hit to a target. Choose each club depending on how the last was hit, i.e. if your driver slice would have put you in the trees, punch out with a low trajectory six iron. Use your full pre-shot routine before each shot. You’ll end up going through the bucket of balls much slower (saving money), plus your target focus and confidence on the course will increase dramatically.
We hope that you’ll enjoy saving money on golf just as much as playing!
