Planning a golf trip doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, with a little savvy and some insider knowledge, you can tee off in style without emptying your wallet.
I’ve noted down some game-changing strategies to slash costs and save money on your next golf trip. Let me share my top tips for saving money on your next golf adventure!
Quick Summary of Golf Trip Money Saving Tips
| Category | Strategy | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Shoulder Season Booking | Book during off-peak months, plan 3-6 months ahead, look for early booking incentives |
| Airfare | Smart Flight Booking | Use Google Flights/Skyscanner, book direct flights, and book well in advance |
| Accommodations | Strategic Lodging | Stay in remote locations vs. downtown, use hotel/credit card points, and book rentals with kitchens |
| Course Selection | Smart Tee Times | Look for multi-round discounts, book twilight rates, consider unlimited golf packages |
| Food & Dining | Meal Planning | Opt for continental breakfast, cook own meals when possible, and look for all-inclusive packages |
| Transportation | Group Travel | Coordinate airport transfers, stay near multiple courses, and use resort shuttle services |
| Destination Choice | Location Strategy | Research hidden gem courses and choose destinations with multiple affordable courses |
| Group Planning | Collective Savings | Share transportation costs, look for group booking discounts, and consider walking vs. cart fees |
Basic Tips to Save Money on a Golf Trip
Planning a golf trip can be exciting, but costs can add up quickly. Below are straightforward ways to save without compromising the fun of hitting golf balls.
Book During Shoulder Seasons
First, timing is everything.
Golf resorts and courses often charge premium rates during peak warmer months. Instead, try booking your trip during a low season, those months just before or after the peak. In their off-season, you’ll still enjoy great weather and course conditions, but at a fraction of the cost of green fees and accommodations.
Airfare Tips
Next up is the flights. It’s no secret that airfare can eat into your trip budget.
Tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner are great for tracking and comparing prices and finding better prices. Booking early is key, as waiting until the last minute rarely works in your favor.
Coordinate With Your Group
Coordination can save you money if you’re traveling with a group. Plan to arrive simultaneously to split transportation costs, whether rental cars or rideshare services.
This is an easy way to stretch your money and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Walking Rates
If your group is fine walking, it’s a great idea to check with the course to see if they offer special rates. This allows you to save some extra money and get the added benefit of walking during your round.
Booking Incentives
Lastly, pay attention to early booking incentives. Some golf courses and resorts offer discounts or extra perks, like free rounds or complimentary meals, for reservations made in advance.
These perks can add up to significant overall savings.
Golf Trip Accommodation Saving Tips
Consider Remote Locations
Finding the right place to stay on a golf trip can be a balancing act between comfort and cost. First, I recommend looking outside from downtown and crowded areas. Staying in remote locations can drastically lower your accommodation costs.
Plus, these areas often have less crowded courses so you can enjoy a more relaxed round of golf without the higher price tag of popular resorts.
Utilize Points
If you’ve got hotel or credit card points saved up, now is the time to use them. Points can help you grab free or discounted stays, further stretching your next golf trip budget.
Check your rewards programs for any perks you have yet to learn about.
Opt for Rentals With a Kitchen
Another great option is renting condos or vacation homes with a kitchen. Cooking meals instead of dining out for every meal can lead to significant savings, especially over several days.
Not to mention, a dinner with your golf vacation group can add to the fun.
Stay-At-Home Approach
For smaller groups, consider a homestay approach. If one of your group members lives near a course you’d like to play, see if they’re willing to host the group. You’ll save on lodging and get the bonus of a local guide to the best spots in town. It should also give you a manageable drive to the courses in the area.
With some creativity and planning, you can cut costs on accommodations and use the savings to pay for extra rounds of golf.
Smart Golf Course Selection
Everyone wants to play on the PGA tour courses, but choosing the right golf courses is very important when balancing costs on your golf trip. There are many different ways you can enjoy fantastic rounds without overspending.
Start With Warm-up Courses
Start your trip on a budget-friendly note by playing more affordable “warm-up” golf courses. These can help ease into the swing of things while saving the premier, high-cost courses for later in your trip when you’re playing your best.
Golf Course Discounts
Many golf courses offer free replay rounds or multi-round discounts. Check with the pro shop or website beforehand to see if these discounts are available.
Unlimited Golf Packages
Another option to explore is unlimited golf packages. These are often available during non-peak seasons and can include multiple rounds, meals, and accommodations at a flat rate.
If you plan to play more than 18 holes daily, this can be a huge money-saver.
Here are a few resources to search for golf packages on:
Choose Different Tee Times
When booking tee times, look for mid-tier pricing slots, usually late mornings or early afternoons. These times are often cheaper than the early-morning slots but still give you plenty of time to enjoy the course without rushing.
Twilight Rates
Afternoon tee times, sometimes twilight rates, are also an excellent option for budget-conscious golfers. They typically come at a significant discount, and while you might not get a full 18 holes in, you’ll still enjoy the game without the full price.
How to Cut Costs on Food and Dining
Food expenses can also pile up quickly on a golf trip, especially in top cities, but there are simple ways to keep costs down without sacrificing good meals.
Opt for Cheaper/Continental Breakfast
Start your day by opting for grab-and-go breakfasts. These are often cheaper and quicker, letting you hit the course early. If you’re staying at a hotel, consider negotiating a lower rate for an included breakfast.
A simple buffet can fuel you and eliminate the need for pricey morning stops.
Cook Your Own Meals if Possible
Cooking is your wallet’s best friend when it comes to other meals. If your accommodations have a kitchen, you should take advantage of it.
Preparing your meals for a few nights can save you a substantial amount, leaving more room for golf or other activities in your budget.
Spend Strategically
For dining out, splurge strategically. Lunches are often more affordable than dinners at the same restaurants. Treat yourself to a great mid-day meal, and consider saving leftovers for dinner later. It’s a great way to experience local restaurants while keeping costs in check.
This also allows you to save and consider treating yourself to new equipment like new golf shoes.
Consider All-Inclusive Meal Packages
Lastly, look into all-inclusive packages that cover meals and drinks. Many golf resorts offer these, especially during shoulder seasons, and they can be an excellent value. Having food and beverages included means less time worrying about budgets and more time playing golf.
Transportation Tips to Trim Expenses
Transportation is one hidden expense on a golf trip, but with some smart planning, you can keep these costs under control.
Look Direct
First, when booking your flights, try to go for direct options. While layovers are sometimes cheaper upfront, they increase the risk of weather delays or missed connections. A direct flight might cost more initially, but it can save you time, hassle, and surprise expenses in the long run.
Coordinate Airport Transfers
If you’re traveling with a group, coordinating airport transfers is essential. Splitting the cost of a rental car, shuttle, or rideshare service is far more budget-friendly than everyone paying individually. Plus, it simplifies the trip and ensures everyone gets to the destination together.
Plan Itinerary Beforehand
Once you’re at your destination, be strategic with your itinerary. Choose accommodations close to the multiple courses you plan to play. Some resorts even offer shuttle services between their lodging and golf courses, which can help save you additional dollars.
You’ll avoid unnecessary expenses by taking a little time to plan your travel and local transport.
Explore Budget-Friendly Destinations
Choosing the right destination can make or break your golf trip budget. By thinking beyond the typical bucket list courses, you’ll find great golf courses and accommodations at a fraction of the cost.
Consider Different Cities
Start by looking into mid-sized cities for your trip. These destinations often feature hidden gems without the premium pricing of world-famous resorts. Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and San Antonio are great bucket list spots to consider with cheaper courses.
Additionally, accommodations in these areas are more affordable, giving you extra flexibility to allocate funds elsewhere.
Research Local Discounts
Before you book, research local deals and discounts. Many golf courses offer promotions for residents, twilight rates, or seasonal specials. You can take advantage of these ways to save even as a visitor.
Keep an eye on course websites or call ahead to ask about any current offers. It’s a small step that could lead to big savings.
Gain Local Knowledge
Once you’ve chosen a destination, tap into local knowledge. Locals often know about hidden golf courses that offer excellent play at a fraction of the cost. Whether through online forums, golf communities, or even a friendly chat with your hotel staff, you’ll be surprised at the great value options they can suggest.
By being open to exploring less mainstream destinations, you should be able to find great deals and lower prices, which will allow you to start planning your next golf trip.
Research Thoroughly Before Booking
Doing homework before booking your golf trip can yield significant savings and added perks. A little effort upfront can make a big difference in your overall experience and budget.
When researching a golf club, research its policies on replay rounds or discounts. Some courses let you play a second round on the same day for free or at a reduced rate, especially during quieter times.
Yes, every golfer wants to play championship courses such as Myrtle Beach Country Club or Bandon Dunes, but when it comes to a friends trip, you will have as much or more fun at cheaper courses than championship layouts.
By thoroughly researching all aspects of your trip, including flights, accommodations, and course options, you can maximize your budget and uncover hidden opportunities to save. It’s a small investment of time that will pay off when you’re on the course, fully enjoying your trip without worrying about overspending.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saving Money on Golf Trips (FAQs)
How far in advance should I book my golf trip to save money?
To get the best deals, I recommend booking your golf trip at least 3-6 months in advance. This allows you to take advantage of early booking discounts and secure better rates on accommodations and tee times.
Are there specific times of the year when golf trips are cheaper?
Absolutely! Shoulder seasons, typically spring and fall, often offer the best value. You’ll find lower rates on courses and accommodations while still enjoying pleasant weather for golfing.
How can I save on green fees without compromising on course quality?
Look for twilight rates, which offer discounted prices for later tee times. Also, consider playing more affordable courses during the week and splurging on premium courses for weekend rounds.
Is it cheaper to book golf packages or plan everything separately?
In my experience, golf packages often provide better value, especially for group trips. They typically include accommodation, green fees, and sometimes meals, which can lead to significant savings compared to booking everything individually.
What are some unexpected ways to cut costs on a golf trip?
Don’t overlook the power of loyalty programs and credit card rewards. Many hotels and airlines offer points that can be redeemed for free nights or flights. Also, packing your own snacks and water can save a surprising mount verses overpriced course refreshments.
Conclusion
Saving money on your golf trip doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or fun. By implementing these insider tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a budget-friendly golfing adventure.
Remember, strategic planning, smart course selection, and leveraging group discounts can significantly reduce costs. So, grab your clubs, gather your golfing buddies, and start planning that dream golf getaway – your wallet will thank you
