Golf has a bit of a reputation for being expensive—club memberships, green fees, new equipment, and lessons can all add up. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the game. With a few smart strategies, you can play great courses, improve your skills, and have fun on the fairways without emptying your wallet.

If you love golf but want to keep costs down, here are some practical tips to help you play more for less.

Find Budget-Friendly Golf Courses

Not all courses come with eye-watering price tags. Many local and municipal courses offer excellent value for money compared to private clubs or premium resorts. Public courses often have lower green fees and still provide a great golfing experience.

💡 Tip: Look for twilight rates, early bird specials, or off-peak discounts. Playing in the late afternoon can sometimes be half the price of a morning tee time!

Consider a Golf Membership (But Choose Wisely)

A golf membership can actually save you money—if you play regularly. Many clubs offer flexible options, such as off-peak memberships or pay-as-you-play deals, so you don’t have to commit to a full annual fee.

💡 Tip: Check if your local club has a “points-based” membership, where you pay for a set number of rounds rather than unlimited play. It’s a great way to keep costs under control while still enjoying club benefits.

Buy Second-Hand or Last Season’s Equipment

Golf clubs can be ridiculously expensive, but you don’t need the latest £500 driver to play well. There’s a huge market for second-hand clubs in great condition, and last season’s equipment is often sold at a discount.

💡 Tip: Check online marketplaces, golf outlet stores, or even your local pro shop for pre-owned gear. Some shops even let you trade in your old clubs for credit towards an upgrade.

Play with Used or Discounted Golf Balls

Losing a ball on the course hurts—but losing a £4 premium ball hurts even more! If you’re still working on your accuracy, consider playing with refurbished or used balls. You can often buy them in bulk at a fraction of the cost of new ones.

💡 Tip: Keep an eye out for “lake balls” sold at golf shops. They’re recovered from water hazards, cleaned up, and resold at a much lower price.

Walk the Course Instead of Renting a Buggy

Hiring a golf buggy adds an extra cost to your round that isn’t always necessary. Walking the course is not only free, but it also gives you a better feel for the layout and helps with course management. Plus, it’s great exercise!

💡 Tip: Invest in a lightweight carry bag or a push trolley to make walking easier and more enjoyable.

Look for Golf Deals and Discount Apps

Many golf courses offer deals through discount websites, golf apps, or loyalty programmes. Booking tee times through platforms like GolfNow or TeeOff can sometimes get you a significantly reduced rate.

💡 Tip: Some clubs have email lists or social media pages where they post exclusive deals—sign up and stay in the loop!

Practice Smarter, Not More Expensively

Regular practice is key to improving your game, but you don’t always have to spend money on range balls or expensive lessons. There are plenty of ways to work on your swing without spending a penny.

💡 Tip: Practise chipping and putting at home, use free online tutorials for drills, and make use of free public practice greens if your course has them.

Share Costs with Friends

Golf is always more fun with mates, and splitting costs can help make the game more affordable. Whether it’s carpooling to the course, sharing a buggy, or even swapping clubs to try out new equipment, playing with others can cut down on expenses.

💡 Tip: Some courses offer four-ball discounts, so grab a group and take advantage of reduced rates!

Golf Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

At the end of the day, golf is about enjoying the game, spending time outdoors, and challenging yourself—not about having the newest gear or playing the most expensive courses. By being smart about where you play, what you buy, and how you practise, you can keep your costs down without missing out on the fun.

Want more tips on affordable golf travel and experiences? Contact us via email at [email protected], give us a call at +44 28 7032 6707, or let’s get on a Zoom Call to discuss it further by clicking HERE. Let’s make golf accessible for everyone!