How does getting a tee time work?

[Guest ShadowXOR]

I'm a new player (as most of you know by now) slowly getting into the game. I've been driving, chipping, putting, and to a nine-hole course and I'm thinking of heading to a full 18-hole course. I would like to play when not many other people are playing...so I can not be pressured. It would likely be me and one other person on a Saturday or Sunday. When should I arrange to go? And do 18-hole courses have walk-ins like the nine-hole courses or must you always reserve them ahead of time? My fiance will likely be the one playing with me and she gets her new schedule once a week and all the courses here say we must reserve a week in advance which isn't possible. I haven't actually spoken with them but that is what their website says. Is that just for mornings or what? Seems a little ridiculous that I would have to play my golf a week in advance every time. I'm really hoping/assuming these are for the prime morning tee times, which I have no problem passing on.

[doublesuited77]

it really depends on the golf course. generally weekend morning tee times are the hardest to obtain. If there are any open weekend tee times, you can walk up and get one. This is possible at many public course, especially after labor day.

You should know though, that there is a very good chance that you and your fiance would be paired with 2 other golfers when you play. Courses are always looking to maximize revenue and wouldn't allow 2 open spots if there are people around to fill them.

[Guest ShadowXOR]

it really depends on the golf course. generally weekend morning tee times are the hardest to obtain. If there are any open weekend tee times, you can walk up and get one. This is possible at many public course, especially after labor day.

Well we're pretty lazy and love sleeping in...I couldn't imagine us getting to a golf course sooner than 10:00 in the morning. Our most likely time of arrival would be around or after 12:00 noon. If we are paired with two other golfers do they take into account skill levels or could we be stuck with two heckling pros that are pissed to be stuck with two beginners? Is there a way to avoid being forced into a foursome? Thanks.

[doublesuited77]

at most courses, they likely won't take skill level into consideration, however, there is no harm in asking. Actually, some courses may actually be less willing to put you with other duffers in fear that you will hold up the golf course.

[Guest ShadowXOR]

at most courses, they likely won't take skill level into consideration, however, there is no harm in asking. Actually, some courses may actually be less willing to put you with other duffers in fear that you will hold up the golf course.

That is a strange situation. So if it isn't busy and we specifically requested it they should let us go out as a pair right? When you do the foursome you don't have to actually play those people right...you can just make friendly but play your game with your friend and just go through the holes with them right? Sorry for all the questions.

[doublesuited77]

right. if there is noone else there, they will let you play by yourself. Alot of it depends on what area of the country it is. I am sure some people on this board could help you identify some less crowded courses in Washington.

[Guest ShadowXOR]

Thanks for the info...one more question. How do must courses react if you schedule a tee time a week in advance but the weather is bad on the day scheduled? Do you have to pay anyway? What is the average cancellation period?

[trutrojan8]

If you make a tee time, you dont always have to go due to bad weather, etc. Just call and say I think the weather's going to be bad, can you please cancel my tee time [if you already have one made, of course]. If you pay already and the weather starts acting up, you can ask for a rain check, which is basically a free round of golf credited to you.

[golfchief]

Those are good questions. Contact the course you want to play or stop in on a weekend around the time you'd like to play to see how busy it is, (if its real busy make sure to see if it's a outing) ask the starter what a good time for you to play and let him know your just learning.
When you do play try to keep up with the group in front of you, if not and you have players waiting behind you just wait on the next tee and let them play thru then play the hole, if it happens again do the same thing. Nothing worse than having a slow group with a open hole in front of them and not allowing a faster group thru. You will enjoy your round better also.

[SandSave]

each course varies. I would call them first. I usually just call the day of and see when they can get us on.

[Rynofskie]

Here in Oklahoma, most courses you won't need a tee time, others require one all the time.
It's been my experience that the starters won't make you pair up with anyone against your will unless its extremely busy, or if you are playing by yourself. I've been asked by other players if I wanted to pair up, sometimes I do, sometimes I won't. And I'm pretty up front with them about my skill level beforehand. Also, I'll let them know in advance if I plan on playing two balls off the tee, which I do quite frequently....

www.golfnow.com is a great site for getting tee time reservations