Where to practice and play without breaking the bank? I Need Advice!

[Philip9210]

Okay, over the Summer I posted a lot on here and was very excited about learning and playing the game of golf. I hadn't gotten to play at all since school started ( HS Senior this year so I have spent a good bit of time preparing for college, sending off apps, etc.). I am no where near good enough to make my school team, so playing through that is not a viable option. I played today in 32 degree weather and even though it was cold, I got that feeling like when I played golf over the Summer, and now I am hooked again. I have a short schedule at school since I'm a senior 8:30-1:40, and usually work 3-4 weekdays from 5:00-10:30. I have a limited income seeing as I work at a fast food joint, and my parents do not pay for my golf because they view it as leisure. I have no problem with them not paying for it, because they have supported me in everything else in life financially(from baseball to guitar, etc.) I was wondering if there were any resources to find golf courses that are cheaper. There is one course near me that is 8$ to walk all day, but the course is nothing but a backyard with a green on it(only 9 holes, no official slope or anything, so it doesn't calculate into a handicap). I played there a few times over the Summer with some buddies and it was good practice. Also, there is an Elementary School close to my house that has a large field. When they are not in school do you think it would be legal for me to go practice hitting balls up there as long as I didn't damage any property and cleaned up all my golf balls so they don't get stuck in their lawnmowers etc. Sorry for typing up such a long post, just wanted to provide a clear question to hopefully provide clearer answers. So my questions are...

1. Is there a resource to finding cheaper golf courses/driving ranges or is there a site that offers coupons?
2. What ways could I practice without having to pay(i.e. putting inside on the carpet, chipping in the back yard, etc.)
3. Do you believe it would be legal to hit golf balls on a school premises as long as school is out and I am not disturbing school actions.
4. I currently shoot in the 100-110 range, and am using beginners clubs I bought at a local wal-mart and use balls that are on clearance/etc. When should I begin worrying about upgrading equipment?

Thanks for reading this and offering your advice!

[James_Black]

1. We've got a thing called 2-FORE-1 they're coupons where you can play a course twice but only having to pay once. Maybe there's something similar in the US

2. Chipping out the back is pretty good practice in the summer time.

3. NO! (It's private property)
4. When you start breaking 100 and only lost 1 or 2 balls a round

[GaijinGolfer]

1.) One thing to consider is getting a membership or playing more during off-peak times (early in the morning, late in the evening).
2.) You can often use a course's practice green without having to pay, you can also practice your short game in your back yard or on the living room carpet.
3.) No! If you get caught, you will likely get into pretty big trouble and its just not worth the risk.
4.) I wouldnt invest the money in name brand equipment until you are shooting in the 80s. At your level, your swing isnt good enough where you would notice a different from generic equipment to name-brand equipment.

[Leftygolfer]

You can go to public parks and hit shots. If it isn't posted not to hit golf shots, go ahead. I have done that alot and never had any issues. In regards to practicing more, I recommend getting a membership at a public course this summer. Being a junior I bet you could get one pretty cheap and that way you could play a ton and really improve. It would take some saving on your part but it would really help you improve and get better. If you play enough it will end up being a great deal.

[DaSportsGuy]

1. Get a membership. May seem like alot but in the long run, you'll make up the money.

2. Just go up to a course and spend a couple hourse putting around and chipping.

3. I wouldn't see why not.

4. When you start shooting in the 90's consistently.

[Nickynoodles]

I practice all the time at the high school right down the street. Alot of guys hit balls there especially in the summer. I have seen cops drive right by and not stop or say a word. It all really depends on where you live i guess. Almost all the ranges around here offer coupons in the news paper for buy 1 get 1 buckets and buckets at discounted rates. I wouldnt up grade your wal mart clubs untill you start breaking 100 on the regular. Then when you start shooting low 90's is when i would upgrade the balls you use.

[RIduffer]

Have you considered trying to get a job at a driving range or golf course? Some ranges might close for the winter, but in my area a few stay open with heated bays. A course near me offers full weekday memberships to people who volunteer 10 hours a week. Paid part-time and full-time employees also get free weekday memberships.

[walk18]

You can probably get a range membership for a couple hundred bucks.

[Philip9210]

Thanks for the advice guys, gonna give a few courses and ranges some calls tomorrow.

[Big_M]

Also... you're in HS... so you should be able to find a TON of student discounts... sometimes even very cheap yearly memberships. Just check local courses and the websites, most will list different discounts and specials.

[Philip9210]

Found a few that I am going to look into further. One being the Furman University Course which is considered one of the top 30 courses in SC. They have a Student membership for 600$ annually, but I have to see if that is for a student attending Furman or for High School students, etc. Even if they do not do that, they have a great Junior rate of 15$ to walk for 18 years and under which would allow me to play this summer before going off to college.

[ks8829]

Find local public golf practice areas with putting, chipping and sandtraps and practice the short game. In San Francisco, there are three different places to practice.