how to save money playing golf

^{10 tips to save money on your golf game}

1. Research greens fees to get the best deal. Greens fees can be your biggest expense, but you can save money with a flexible schedule. ...
2. Look for “twilight” tee times. Picking a later tee time can save money on some courses. Most courses have cheaper rates after a certain time of day.
3. Once you decide where to play, book tee times online. You can book tee times online from a laptop, tablet, or mobile device. ...
4. Find a local “discount card” to help save on greens fees. ...
Stock up on sundries before you get to the course. Keeping sunscreen in your bag means that you won't have to pay more at the pro shop. ...
Shop for expensive golf clubs at the end of the season. Golf clubs could easily be your most expensive item. Think about them like any other big purchase. ...
Thinking about lessons? Turn to YouTube first. Learning from PGA pros is always the best idea. ...
Try an executive course to hone your game. These courses are often cheaper and it will actually help your golf game more than you might think. ...
If you’re new, only buy the equipment you really need. ...
Take care of your gear to get the most out of your money. Nothing will cost you more than broken equipment. ...

How can I save money on my golf game?

Here are 11 ways you can save money on your golf game. 1. Walk, don't ride. Mark Twain famously described golf as a good walk, spoiled, but if you find no other enjoyment in a round, it can provide a lovely 4-mile walk (more if you spray the ball).

What is the best way to improve your golf game?

Lessons from a certified professional instructor will always be the best way to improve your game. But lessons can be expensive. There is plenty of golf instruction available for free on GolfDigest.com and elsewhere.

Do you get free golf if you work at a golf course?

Even if it’s eight hours a week, employees usually get free golf. If you have some free time and are wondering how to utilize it, we can’t think of a better way than giving back to a local course, earning some cash, and getting some discounted tee times.

Should you trade in your old golf clubs?

And if you have some old clubs you no longer want, you can trade them in to lessen the amount of cash coming out of your own pocket for the purchase. Even if it’s eight hours a week, employees usually get free golf.

How can I play golf for less money?

15 ways to play golf on the cheapUsed clubs. ... Take a part-time job on a golf course. ... Internet instruction. ... Stop at your grocery store before your round. ... Go hunting for balls in the winter. ... Buy refurbished/recycled golf balls. ... Walk instead of riding a cart. ... Organize a trip to a cheaper area.More items...•

Is golf a waste of money?

Remembering that the average round of golf takes 4 hours we can safely assume that 1.824 billion hours or 76 million days are wasted playing golf every year . The average golfer wastes around 76 hours or 3.2 days playing golf every year.

How expensive is golfing as a hobby?

For people who know that golf is going to be a long-term commitment, clubs, shoes, and apparel will be the three significant costs in the beginning. The pricing on a decent set plus some accessories is probably going to cost you at least $700 to get more involved.

How much does the average person spend on golf?

According to a 2015 Links report, Links readers have an average annual spending on golf travel of $3,965, out of a total spending on all travel of $10,560.

Is the sport of golf dying?

Golf is not a dying sport. The increase in rounds played in 2021 from 2020 during the pandemic, and increased numbers of people going to golf facilities like Topgolf is a clear sign that interest and participation in the game is far from waning, especially with ladies and juniors.

Why is golf in decline?

The golden age of golf appears to have come and gone and the demographics population in general is getting older. The decline in golf is surely in part due to those who love the game getting too old to play it and dying off, leaving the numbers of golfers continuing to dwindle.

Why do rich people play golf?

Rich people play golf because they can afford the financial costs necessary to overcome its entry barriers. In addition, besides being an enjoyable activity, golf provides a certain social status, and it allows them to network with other wealthy individuals.

Why is golf so expensive now?

Why is golf so expensive? Golf is costly due to the high cost of quality golf clubs, accessories, course fees, memberships, and the amount of golf that is played. Golf clubs are made from quality materials meant to last a lifetime, and courses often require membership, the cost of which reflects the club's exclusivity.

How much is an average round of golf?

According to research from the National Golf Foundation, the average cost to play a round of golf in the United States in 2020 is $61. The average cost to play nine holes in the United States is $33.

Are expensive golf balls worth it?

The average golfer won't get enough benefit to justify paying the higher price and would be better off using that money to work on their swing. The only benefit to an expensive golf ball would be the increased spin around the green and the nice soft feel at impact.

Is golf a luxury sport?

Golf, tennis, and equestrian sports are among the most popular luxury sports. Their appeal is in part traditional, and in part due to the exclusive nature of these sports, which require a good amount of money to play or watch.

Is golf a good hobby?

Golf provides a great arm, leg, and core workout. And because it's a low-impact sport, you won't have to worry about over stressing or damaging your joints and muscles. Assuming your golf course is outside, you'll also soak up plenty of sun and vitamin D on the course.

What happens if you choose a golf course far from you?

If you decide to opt for a course far from you, you’ll be spending too much on transport. Even if you have your car, you’d be wasting petrol. Therefore, take the right decision, use a search engine to find a golf course near you.

What happens if you store golf clubs in your house?

If you store them in your house improperly, it can lead to damage. Make sure to allocate a certain place in your house for storing golf equipment. You can find boxes to keep them. If you leave them carelessly, they will get worn out, and you’ll end up buying new equipment.

Can you use ball markers to replace coins?

Ball markers are useless. An easy way to substitute ball markers is to use coins since they are about the same size and shape. Some people like to collect ball markers. Don’t fall into that trap.

Is it cheaper to pay green fees?

An annual subscription for green fees is much cheaper than paying in monthly installments. Look for a good yearly subscription. It isn’t always feasible . Calculate how much you’ll be saving before paying for an annual subscription.

Do golf hats protect against the sun?

Normal hats, caps, and visors will prove useful against the sun. A specified golf hat just adds to the cost. There are fancy branded golf hats, but there’s no reason to buy them.

Is placing bets bad for you?

Placing bets is meaningless and harmful for your wallet. Use the money elsewhere rather use for betting. A good way to spend that money is to allocate it for golf lessons.

Do you need a golf bag?

You don’t need a super classy, branded golf bag. There’s no point to get one if you can make with a simple and cheaper one. However, if you decide to get a used golf bag, make sure there are no defects that will end up damaging your equipment.

How to save time in golf?

You will save on time by improving your golf game sooner, therefore enjoying the game that much more. You will save on stress, as golf will be more seamless and relaxing.

What is the biggest expense in golf?

If you only read ONE of this tips (wow, you skipped the other 49?), read this one. The biggest expense in golf is the actual rounds that you play.

What happens when golf clubs rust?

Clubs rust and get dirty. Grooves wear down. Grips get slippery and worn.

What is the most lucrative tip?

2) Most lucrative tip: work at a golf course. This is easily the most helpful tip to save money on golf. Most golf courses offer their employees highly discounted or even free golf. In high school, I worked at a local Robert Trent Jones golf course in the summers and during breaks from school.

How has golf changed?

Golf has been changed immensely by technology . With the increase of online reservation golf websites, you can now grab some awesome deals on tee times.

What to do if your club membership doesn't include a range plan?

Other ranges might fit your eye better or offer a better selection of targets anyway.

Why are weekday rates less than weekends?

Weekday rates are typically less than weekends, because courses know less people will be able to come out.

Why is Golf So Expensive?

Golf is much more expensive compared to other sports because it requires you to purchase a lot of equipment and accessories before getting started. For example, you need to purchase golf clubs, proper golf attire, green fees, and many other golf-related products.

How much do golf clubs lose value?

On average, golf clubs lose as much as 1/2 their value in the first year after purchase and up to 3/4 of their value after 5 years.

Is Wired2Golf.com an affiliate?

Wired2golf.com is a member of Amazon Associates and other affiliate programs . As such, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases through links on this site at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to create more great golf content!

Can you sell golf clubs as new?

Many golf stores have simulators that allow golfers to test out golf clubs before they buy. However, after a certain amount of swings, they can no longer sell the club as “new.”

Shoulder- and low-season rates at top courses

Let’s start at the top with some of our very best courses that many golfers want to experience at least occasionally. With some of the best golf courses in Scotland and best golf courses in England costing north of £250 a round, cost can be prohibitive

Twilight rates

Just as playing outside peak season can bring savings, so too can playing later in the day. It seems that late-in-the-day tee times are less appealing to many club members, creating capacity that golf clubs are keen to fill even if they have to lower the price.

The more the merrier

There is an increasing trend among clubs to offer lower per person green fees depending on the number playing – so rates for three-balls and four-balls will be less per person than for a two-ball or a single.

County cards

If you are a full playing member of a club in certain parts of the UK you will be able to acquire a county card for either a nominal amount (e.g., certain English counties) or sometimes even free as part of your county affiliation fees (Glamorganshire, Kent, Surrey and Gloucestershire are among the counties to offer this).

Reciprocal arrangements

Again, one for club members – do you know what reciprocal arrangements are available to you as part of your membership benefits? A number of clubs have reciprocal arrangements either with certain local clubs, clubs of a similar standard or clubs that form part of some broader network – perhaps other James Braid clubs or clubs founded in the same year.

Local rates

This is perhaps more common in Scotland, but club members living in a certain area can sometimes benefit from discounted rates for locals. The fabulous new links at Dumbarnie continues to offer Fife residents a rate of £99 this summer against a full rate of £270, while any Scottish resident can play for less than half the full rate at £129.

All-day play

If you want to make a day of it, there are some great deals to be had with second rounds available at vastly reduced rates at a huge number of clubs. Staying with Royal Wimbledon, from Monday to Thursday until the end of March 2022, that full winter fee of £82.50 remains unchanged whether you want to play 18 or 36 holes.

How many hours a week do employees get free golf?

Even if it’s eight hours a week, employees usually get free golf. If you have some free time and are wondering how to utilize it, we can’t think of a better way than giving back to a local course, earning some cash, and getting some discounted tee times.

How many recycled golf balls were sold in 2015?

Especially if you’re a good player, there can be a noticeable difference. Sites like lostgolfballs.com, which sold 43 million recycled balls in 2015, have divers going into ponds and lakes just to recover old balls.

When is the best time to buy golf clothes?

Wait until the winter. October through January is the prime time to purchase your golf wardrobe. Many shops and stores are looking to unload the leftover spring and summer collection before next season’s inventory arrives. You might not have the trendiest clothes, but you can still upgrade and save cash in your pocket.

Is there a free golf lesson?

But lessons can be expensive. There is plenty of golf instruction available for free on GolfDigest.com and elsewhere. We have thousands of articles from the top teachers in the game available on our website. That’s a good place to start.

Is there a used golf market?

Much like cars, there is a substantial used market. Unlike cars, most golfers don’t know about it . Sites such as the PGA.com Value Guide and 3balls.com offer top-notch equipment at a fraction of its original cost. And if you have some old clubs you no longer want, you can trade them in to lessen the amount of cash coming out of your own pocket for the purchase.

Is Groupon a good site to find discounted tee times?

This is the prime spot for finding hot deals and special rates. And searching your area on Groupon has proven to be a decent way to finding discounted tee times and lessons. Find yourself with a couple hours to spare? Odds are, you can find a facility with a deal.