How can you avoid paying fees on golfnow and related sites?

[mcanadiens]

Playing the Hot Deal lottery is part of the deal during vacation time and that's coming up rapidly for yours truly. We head to the OBX in less than two weeks now.

For some of those courses, the difference between the Hot Deal and the rack rate is massive. For the courses we generally prefer, rack is $70 or better even in late September. I looked on the site yesterday and found a 2:30 tee time for $20 per man. The booking fee is chump change at that point.

 

[rehmwa]

47 minutes ago, paininthenuts said:

It doesn't work like that. Golf now either rent the software to the golf club, or negotiate a couple of tee of times. "Hot Deals" tee off times are owned exclusively by Golf Now, and have nothing to do with the golf club 

I agree this is their contractual model.  And, in a free market, the course and I can contract any price we mutually agree upon for any reason.  they might not be able to put me in that specific time slot, but they can do whatever they like with the other times.

I just did exactly this last month.  "Hey, there was a Hot Deal at 2:22 for about half price - can you put me in at that price?"  They were happy to and just sent me out immediately.  It wasn't busy.  I can agree I went out at a different time than the one GN owned though.  As it turns out, the other from 2:22 caught up to me anyway and we had a fun round together on a great course.

Net result?  I've played that course multiple times this year and GN was the recipient of about half those rounds and the course got the others.  They both win and I'm an advocate of both course and the GN service.  win-win-win

On 9/12/2016 at 0:01 PM, rehmwa said:

However, I booked a 3some Hotdeal for Saturday and had to cancel 1 slot.

On the website it appears I'm still being charged for all 3 slots.

Anyone else go through this?  how did it turn out?

(I've sent in a comment and request - I'm awaiting their response.  I have no reason to assume anything but a good answer)...

No issues - talked to them and they will fix.  (the terms note that 'anything 100% prepaid' isn't refundable, but it looks like they do anyway - I'm very happy with my service)

[Buckeyebowman]

6 hours ago, rehmwa said:

I agree this is their contractual model.  And, in a free market, the course and I can contract any price we mutually agree upon for any reason.  they might not be able to put me in that specific time slot, but they can do whatever they like with the other times.

I just did exactly this last month.  "Hey, there was a Hot Deal at 2:22 for about half price - can you put me in at that price?"  They were happy to and just sent me out immediately.  It wasn't busy.  I can agree I went out at a different time than the one GN owned though.  As it turns out, the other from 2:22 caught up to me anyway and we had a fun round together on a great course.

Net result?  I've played that course multiple times this year and GN was the recipient of about half those rounds and the course got the others.  They both win and I'm an advocate of both course and the GN service.  win-win-win

No issues - talked to them and they will fix.  (the terms note that 'anything 100% prepaid' isn't refundable, but it looks like they do anyway - I'm very happy with my service)

I've never had an issue with GolfNow's service either. They've been very helpful and responsive any time I've had a problem. I'm a happy customer.

Your point about negotiating directly with the course is well taken. The whole point of the course signing on with GolfNow, or Golf 18 Network, Tee Off.com, or any other online service is to fill empty tee times! The course would rather have a little money coming into the till rather than none at all! They have certain fixed costs that they can't get away from. We've booked round at courses for a song! But after the round, we've gone to the restaurant and ordered full dinners with a couple rounds of drinks. It all works out. You just want people shopping in your store!

[CarlSpackler]

8 hours ago, Buckeyebowman said:

I've never had an issue with GolfNow's service either. They've been very helpful and responsive any time I've had a problem. I'm a happy customer.

Your point about negotiating directly with the course is well taken. The whole point of the course signing on with GolfNow, or Golf 18 Network, Tee Off.com, or any other online service is to fill empty tee times! The course would rather have a little money coming into the till rather than none at all! They have certain fixed costs that they can't get away from. We've booked round at courses for a song! But after the round, we've gone to the restaurant and ordered full dinners with a couple rounds of drinks. It all works out. You just want people shopping in your store!

I think a lot of courses offer deals to get people to try the course and hopefully want to return. They are often the least desirable times too. It works great for me having just moved here. I can try different courses to see if I like the layout, service, etc., but they often put my tee time in the hot part of the day. I just pull out my Frog Toggs Chilly Pad and feel the coolness on the back of my neck. 

[skeedawg]

This time last year I had the golf bug in full force and had to travel to Miami/Ft Lauderdale area for work. I flew my clubs with me on SW for free, stayed the weekend and played whatever I could find via GolfNow. I found some killer deals and some days could get in 36 holes. The only thing I hate about Florida courses is the damned St Augustine they use for the rough. It will grab your club and won't let go!