Trevor Ng
Golf is often considered an expensive sport to take up, but there are ways to learn on a budget. The cost of equipment, accessories, clothing, and green fees can quickly add up, but there are ways to save money. This includes buying second-hand or cheaper clubs, practising in open spaces or at free facilities, taking group lessons, and utilising coupons and off-peak rates. With some creativity and flexibility, it is possible to enjoy the game without breaking the bank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf clubs | Buy used clubs or borrow from friends and family. A used set can save you $700-1000. |
| Golf balls | Used balls are a cheap option. Bags of 36 balls cost around $20. Beginners can also use practice balls, which can be found for $10 or less. |
| Golf attire | Coloured shirts cost $20-30, khaki shorts and pants are easy to find, and a hat is acceptable at most courses. Sneakers work fine for shoes. Gloves cost around $15. |
| Golf course | Play at municipal or metropark golf courses, or courses in small towns, as they tend to have the most affordable fees. Play during off-peak times, such as weekdays or twilight hours, when rates are usually discounted. |
| Lessons | Look for group lessons or deals on sites like Groupon. You can also find free tips and advice on YouTube. |
| Practice | Find a local public golf course with a free practice facility, or practice in an open space if you have enough room. |
| Food and drinks | Bring your own snacks and drinks to the course to save money. |
What You'll Learn
Buy second-hand clubs
If you're just starting out, you don't need to spend a lot on clubs. In fact, you can get away with just a set of irons while you're working on your swing.
One way to save money on golf clubs is to buy them second-hand. You can find some ultra-cheap ones at thrift stores or online on sites like Craigslist or eBay for under $100. You can also try sites like GlobalGolf, which has a UTry® program that lets you try out brand-new products from top brands for 14 days for just $35. Rock Bottom Golf is another site that offers pre-owned clubs, with a 30-day playability guarantee, so you can return a club within 30 days if you're unhappy with its performance.
When buying pre-owned clubs, it's important to buy from a reputable seller with a clear club ranking system. Check out reviews from other golfers to get an idea of the seller's reputation and the quality of the clubs. Make sure the clubs are comfortable and appropriate for your height.
You can also save money by buying a basic set of clubs first and then upgrading later as you improve your skills. This way, you can get started with golf without spending a lot of money upfront.
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Practice in open spaces
Golf can be an expensive sport, but there are ways to learn and practice it cheaply. One of the simplest ways to save money is to practice in open spaces.
If you live in a rural area, you can take full shots as long as you don't pose a risk to bystanders. If you live in a city or suburban area, find a small area where you can practice chipping with golf balls or work on your full swing without balls. The key when practising in an open space is to always have a target. You can also practice chipping into your couch for 15-30 minutes every night or a few nights a week.
If you want to practice your swing at home, you can use whiffle or foam practice balls. These typically cost $10 or less and provide great feedback on your contact with limited flight.
If you're looking for a more social setting, you can find a local public golf course with a free practice facility. These usually include practice greens, chipping areas, and bunkers, and they're a great way to spend unlimited time honing your short-game skills.
You can also look for group lessons, which are often cheaper than individual instruction. Sites like Groupon often have deals for cheap introductory lessons with professionals. This can be a great way to get started and learn the basics without spending a lot of money.
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Find free practice facilities
Golf can be an expensive sport, but there are ways to practice for free. Firstly, you can find a local public golf course with a free practice facility. Most public courses allow non-paying golfers to practice their putting on the greens, and some also allow chipping. You can also find courses with solid putting and chipping greens and practice for free by using leftover balls from other golfers during peak times.
If you want to practice your full swing, you can head to a non-golf course driving range. These are often cheaper and may offer loyalty programs where you can earn free balls. You can also collect abandoned balls from the range after a storm, or when it's quiet, and use these to practice for free.
If you live in a rural area, you can take full shots in an open space as long as you don't pose a risk to bystanders. If you live in a city, find a small area to practice chipping and your full swing without balls. You can also practice at home with whiffle or foam balls, which are typically $10 or less.
Some other ways to save money on practice include playing on weekdays or during twilight hours, when rates are usually cheaper. You can also get a part-time job at a golf club, which may allow you to use the facilities for free.
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Book cheaper tee times
Booking a tee time is similar to booking a hotel. You can call around to different places to ask about availability, pricing and amenities. However, this can be time-consuming, so you might prefer to use a booking app or website, such as TeeOff or GolfNow, to find tee times near you. These apps and websites can help you to find local results and special rates.
To book cheaper tee times, it's a good idea to call the resort early in the morning on the day before your desired tee time. This is because tee time prices go up or down based on demand. For example, a tee time on a rainy Tuesday afternoon will probably be much cheaper than a Saturday morning. Golf courses can adjust pricing in real-time to match demand, so you can get a good deal if you're flexible with your tee time.
You can also save money by playing on weekdays or during twilight hours, when rates are usually half-price or less compared to peak weekend times.
Another way to save money is to find a local public golf course with a free practice facility. Golf courses usually don't charge to use their practice greens, chipping areas and bunkers, so you can spend unlimited time honing your skills without paying for a tee time.
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Take group lessons
If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to learn golf, group lessons are a great option. Here's why:
Cost-Effective
Group lessons are a more affordable option than private, individual lessons. With multiple people sharing the instructor's time, the cost per person is significantly reduced. You can often find group lessons at local golf courses, driving ranges, or even through online deals on sites like Groupon. This allows you to access professional instruction at a lower price.
Social Learning Environment
Learning in a group setting has its advantages. You'll be surrounded by others who are also new to the game, creating a supportive and social environment. This can make the learning process more enjoyable and less intimidating. You can learn from your peers, observe their techniques, and even make new friends who share your interest in golf.
Access to Golf Facilities
Group lessons often provide access to golf facilities, such as practice ranges, greens, and bunkers, which can be costly to use individually. By joining a group lesson, you'll get the opportunity to utilize these facilities as part of your instruction, maximizing your learning experience.
Structured Instruction
While online tutorials and videos can be helpful, they don't offer the same level of structure as group lessons. With group lessons, you'll receive organized and progressive instruction. A typical group lesson covers various aspects of the game, from swing techniques to chipping and putting. This structured approach ensures that you learn the fundamentals systematically and comprehensively.
Instructor Guidance
Group lessons provide access to qualified golf instructors who can guide and correct your form and technique. They can spot and address any bad habits early on and provide personalized tips to improve your game. Their expertise will help you develop a solid foundation, which is crucial for your long-term enjoyment of the sport.
Remember, when considering group lessons, research the instructors' qualifications, class sizes, and the curriculum covered to ensure you're getting the most value for your money.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf can be an expensive sport, but there are ways to learn it cheaply. You can find second-hand golf clubs on eBay, Craigslist, thrift stores, or specialist sites like Callaway Pre-Owned. You can also save money by buying a full set of cheap clubs, as they often come with a bag. Municipal or metropark golf courses tend to have the most affordable greens fees. You can also look for coupons and promo codes, or sign up for email lists to hear about specials and discounts.
Group lessons are usually cheaper than one-on-one instruction. You can find deals for cheap introductory lessons on sites like Groupon. You can also find free tips and advice online, or watch YouTubers like Alistair Davies, Ged Walters, and Matt Fryer.
You can save money by buying used golf balls, which are often available at stores like Big 5 and the PGA Superstore. You can also re-grip your clubs yourself instead of paying a pro shop to do it. Additionally, you can stock your bag with snacks and drinks before you play, instead of buying them at the golf course.
Tee times during weekdays or twilight hours are usually cheaper, sometimes at half-off rates. You can also play 9 holes instead of 18, or look for junior rates or membership programs like Youth On Course (YOC) if you're eligible.
You can find a local public golf course with a free practice facility, or look for a "mom and pop" driving range that may offer loyalty programs. If you have enough space, you can also practice your swing at home with whiffle or foam practice balls.
