Golf Talk With Greg Holman – #69

Click play to listen to Greg’s blog, or, read below.

In our last golf blog we talked about making money on charity golf tournaments. This time around we’re going to talk about saving money on playing golf. First let’s determine how much golf you plan to play this season.

If you are going to average once a week then you probably want to join a course to save you money in the long run. If you only plan to play an occasional round on the weekend, paying per round is probably a better alternative, but some courses offer discounts depending on your status. I mentioned before that a friend and I took advantage of the off-season rate at a nice course at the Lake of the Ozarks and saved $30 on a round. Some courses offer a senior rate. If you are over fifty, tell them you’re a senior. They may say, “our senior rate starts at 60.” That’s ok, it’s worth asking.

Almost all courses offer a savings to veterans and keep in mind some courses will honor the veterans rate to every person in the group. This could save you 10-20%.

Then there is the group rate. Take a group of ten and play in threesomes. The odd man out’s score could count for a different threesome every six holes. Keep in mind if you are going to bring a large group to the course, call ahead and book a tee time even in the off-season.

College students and juniors can play almost anywhere at a reduced rate. In some cases a junior may play free when accompanied by an adult. Consider walking for added savings or walk the first nine and ride the second nine or just ask for the nine hole rate. You may not be able to get food early in the season so pack some protein bars and bottled water or what I like to do is play nine and leave the course to grab a sandwich at an area restaurant and come back and play the second nine. I’ve never had a problem with management for doing this. Take your wallet and keys and leave everything else on the cart next to the pro shop. Nobody will mess with it.

Rates should be posted in the clubhouse. If you think you have been overcharged, kindly ask for an explanation. Part-time weekend help make mistakes.

One other reminder, the weather in the early spring can be iffy. If you cannot finish your round ask for a rain check. You may get a credit for a free round of golf or at least 9 holes. Above all, don’t be demanding. Ask for a break. Most of the time you will get it.

Hit ’em straight!

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