Golf is a beloved sport that offers relaxation, camaraderie, and the thrill of competition. According to Golf Digest, about 2.6 million people started playing golf in 2018, an all-time high that matches statistics from 2017. It was the fourth consecutive year that golf players increased. However, the cost of golfing can sometimes be a deterrent because of the cost. The good news is that you can fit golf into your lifestyle with careful planning and creativity without dinging your finances.
1. Look for Discount Opportunities
You should approach golf like any purchase when trying to protect your finances. Look for discounts, specials, and other opportunities to save. Most courses have free email subscription services that you can enroll in, where you will receive special discounts and deals. Golf apps can also help you find options for playing that will not dent your finances.
a wide range of discounts is available for seniors, beginners, and members of special groups like first responders and military members, but you do have to search for the specials. Before you book a tee time, it is a good rule of thumb to ask about any available specials or discounts. It never hurts to ask, and it may help you save significant money.
2. Play During Off Times
Some golf courses will make it easier to work a game into your finances if you are willing to show up and play the course during off-peak times. Sunrise, sunset, and middle-of-the-week tee times can all be a less expensive time to play. You may have to adjust your schedule to fit golf into your finances, but it is well worth it.
Paying for competitive tee times comes with a premium cost. Weekends are always busier, which means they can be more expensive. Sunset times, even on the weekends, can be less expensive because you will play fewer holes due to the waning light. Check out off times to see if you can find savings.
3. Walk Instead of Riding
Walking instead of riding the course is better for your finances and health. GolfLink reports that motorized carts appeared in the 1940s and have been popular ever since. However, popularity doesn’t mean they are good for your finances. Keeping golf affordable can be as simple as walking the course instead of riding the course.
Of course, it is not only your finances that can benefit from you walking the course. According to The University of Massachusetts Amherst, walking between 6,000 and 9,000 steps each day can reduce your risk of a heart attack by 40%-50%. Walking the course is a great way to get your steps in and stay in shape.
4. Consider Membership Benefits
Fitting a golf club membership into your finances may seem out of reach because of the large upfront costs, but you should evaluate the benefits to decide if it makes more financial sense. Do the math. Figure out how much you are spending on golf now and compare it to the cost and benefits of a golf club membership. You may find joining a club a friendlier option for your finances.
Of course, to join a club, you may have to make a significant upfront investment to get all the perks. However, you may be able to substantially reduce the cost of golf by becoming a club member. You won’t know which option is better for your finances until you compare.
Other ways to make golf more affordable include packing your snacks and using good course management by playing on courses that match your skill set. Set a golf budget and stick to it. You can fit golf into your finances, but you may have to get creative. Learn more about how to fit the things you love to do in your finances today.