how to play on a budget? how do YOU golf cheap?

[clearwaterms]

Golf isn't a cheap sport, between golf balls ranging between $1 and $3 a ball, greens fees anywhere between $10 and $200, playing this game on a regular basis can put a dent on average Joe America's budget. So my question to everybody is this...

In these tightening financial times, how do you golf cheap? What things do you do to save money so that you can enjoy your sport / hobby more often?

me personally, I play my 9 hole rounds early in the morning before work, taking advantage of the early bird specials. I check out course websites for e-coupons before booking tee times and pick courses that have coupons. I sign up for my top two or three favorite courses email list so that I can get emailed special promotions.

but the question is what does everybody else do?

[JohnP]

Well, unfortunately I work from 8 - 5, M-F sooo it is really hard for me to take advantage of any Round specials at courses. No more twilight because fall is hitting, and it gets early to soon. I would have to say I would cut back on some of the more expensive courses and move to Sub 50 dollar range play, and walk more....also in trying financial times I seem to skip work less to go play haha.

[JohnP]

Also, I would spend more time on the practice greens now its free :). Drive for show put for Dough, and Im broke as He**. haha

[kfowler]

Great question since I've got our first child on the way and we're going to one income. I'll definitely have to be more cost conscious next year.

Here's my plan so far:

1.) Walk instead of ride. I like walking better anyway.
2.) Look for coupons and twilight specials.
3.) Instead of going to the driving range, go to an open soccer field to hit.
4.) Mooch off Dad's club membership as much as I can when in town. Which is not too often unfortunately.
5.) Save during the winter months.

[Smallville]

We play after prime time on weeknds on the regular courses; one we play is after 3:00, one is after 2:00 and one is after 2:00 on Saturdays and noon on Sundays. Greens fees are about one-third off regular weekend rates. Still gotta pay full price for carts. We walk our executive course that we play ($19 prime time, $14 twilight).

I say this but Saturday morning I am leaving my house at 4:00 to get up to the Des Moines area by 7:30 or so and we have a 10:24 tee time at a $55 golf course. So with gas this round is going to cost me about $130.00!

[Jay-Bird]

I play a lot during twilight rates.

[Chief Broom]

Play local muninciple courses, cow pastures, etc. The course conditions are less than ideal, but golf is golf whether you are playing on a PGA tour stop or an open field. I also walk a lot. Walking usually cuts your round cost in half. Ironic but most of your courses that are walker friendly are also the cheaper course to play.

[Dub]

My work schedule allows me to play during the week.


Our groups usually use discount coupons or Heart and Lung Association discount books for rounds.


I walk when I practice. I'll generally game two balls. I'll spend extra time around the green / bunkers / chipping.

I play great balls but not the top notch models. I feel that I'm getting a lot of performance for the money with this E5+ ball. It does well by me and will last a few rounds if I don't loose it sooner.

I buy consumables, like shoes, tees, gloves, etc on clearance sales form TGW.com and other places. Ebay is a great source for stuff, too.

There is a local course with a very nice practice facility that I use about once a week or so. Great putting green, chipping green w/ sand bunker and nice targeted driving range. I can basically get a $5 bucket of balls.....stretch and practice swing for several minutes....hit the balls and work on chipping , bunkers and putting. Great value and a relaxing way to spend a two hours working things out.

[Dent]

i sometimes play twilight golf. cheaper rate, $20 for as many holes as you can play with a cart.

[zeg]

Until this week, both my wife and I were graduate students. Between that and having a kid, I definitely try to golf cheaply. Fortunately there are a couple of decent inexpensive courses near here. Weekday 9-hole rounds are less than $15, down to $8 or so for super-twilight (which is just about to become pointless when daylight savings wears off). But, mostly, I just go spend a couple hours at the driving range + chipping / putting greens. Given my, ahem, prowess on the golf course, that's probably more productive for me anyway. Certainly less frustrating, and I keep it fun by coming up with practice games so it's not just mind-numbing repetition.

Only bummer is that they've moved from having grass range stations to using mats for the winter months. That makes it less of a replacement for getting out and playing on real turf.

[Mr Eagle]

Bunk on. A guy I know has been walking on to his local course and drinking in the bar that often everyone thinks he is a member.He even got me guest rates once!

[glebert]

I haven't bought a new golf ball in at least a year, I get used balls at a thrift store for about $1-2 a dozen. Usually you get a mix of good and bad, but it is still a good deal.

[Dub]

Oh yeah....another thing is that I'll generally stick a few bottles of water in my bag and save on buying them at course prices.....great to refill on the course if available, too.


I'll sometimes slip a six pack on ice in a cart cooler or garbage bag into the back for sipping on the course, too.

[yeis20]

Twilight weekday at Muni: 12 after 5 for as many holes as you can play
Resident weekend walking at muni: 20

Afternoon specials (usually after 2-3pm) for other local courses on weekends: 40 with cart for 18; will only occasionally go for the 59 dollar course... not as nice as the 40 dollar course but friends live closer to it

Local short par 3: 8-10

Range with grass tees: 8 per bucket

Balls played: cheapo: noodle +; best ball for the money: top-flite gamer; preferred high end ball 25 per box for 07 TM TP reds; Ultra high end ball... I would play the bridestones but not often... not worth it

[Brakkus]

I put together my equipment for about £300.I buy lake balls for 10-20 pounds for a 50 bucket.Good makes too.
I play once a month at a course on twighlight rates for around £15-£18.

I practice short game shots in my living room and garden,using airflow balls and real balls.

I get to the range about twice a month for further short game practice and hitting longer clubs,and it also has a pitch&putt; course for £4.

I've been playing 18 months and i'm now consistently in the low hundred barrier,broke it last week too.

It's possible to do,but it's frustrating for me that I can't play twice a month at a golf course at the moment.

[Todd]

Gonna bite the bullet and get yr membership, then rates for walking 18 at most expensive time is only $4. Plus, good way for exercise.

[NM Golf]

Get a part time job at a golf course. I work at a course and all my range balls, cart fees, and greens fees are free. I also get to play about 7 other course around town free as well. Plus I get equipment really cheap. Then on top of all that every two weeks I get a paycheck! Its the only way to go.

[OldDog66]

I have a membership at two university courses open year round ($600 for the geezer rate) and usually walk. Last year I played 120 rounds ($5.00 a round).