Senior Golf Discount: Once you reach the age of 65, you are eligible for a senior golf discount. Many golf courses offer reduced rates for seniors that can be substantially lower than the regular greens fees. Some courses also offer special golf cart rates for seniors, which can be as much as $10 less than standard fees. So, if you are over the age of 65, ask about the senior golf discount at courses in your area. It can save you enough money to play a few extra rounds.
Junior Golf Discount: If you think seniors have a good golf discount, you haven't seen anything. A junior golf discount can cut greens fees in half. Most courses allow anyone 17 and under to receive the junior golf discount; however, because juniors aren't allowed to drive golf carts on most courses, the discounts are only for walking fees. Also, most of the time, a full paying adult must accompany juniors. A junior discount makes parent and child bonding time very affordable.
Student Golf Discount: Although harder to find than a senior or junior golf discount, some golf courses offer student discounts. The reason student discounts are rare is because junior discounts usually apply for anyone under 18, which leaves only students 18 and older eligible for student discounts. For that reason, you can usually only find a student golf discount around colleges and universities, where there are students 18 and older.
Weekday Golf Discount: Because golf courses usually have fewer customers during the week, most golf courses offer a golf discount Monday thru Friday. Although the discount is usually only a few dollars, every little bit helps. Also, keep in mind that the weekday golf discounts are added on in addition to any senior, junior or student discounts already in place. The combination of the two can result in substantial savings.
Member's Golf Discount: If you plan on playing a lot of golf in the upcoming year, you should consider getting a golf membership. Getting a membership makes you eligible for a member's golf discount for whatever group you joined. For a large one-time fee, you often receive an unlimited number of rounds, free use of the driving range, free cart rental and other benefits. Lots of courses offer membership benefits, not just private country clubs. Many public courses will allow you to buy an annual membership for an up-front fee, which gives you unlimited use of the facilities and priority scheduling for tee times. If you play a lot of golf, the membership will usually pay for itself after several months of use.
Resident Golf Discount: Many golf courses owned by cities or other civic groups offer a golf discount to any local resident because some of the local residents' taxes go toward managing the courses. For example, Torrey Pines, the site of the 2008 US Open, is owned and operated by the city of San Diego, California. Residents of the city of San Diego only have to pay $47.00 to play 18 holes, while visitors have to pay $130.00 (City of Sand Diego Parks & Recreation). If you have publicly owned golf courses where you live, there's a good chance you will be able to play for a fraction of the regular price.
Seasonal Golf Discount: Depending on the time of year you play, you can receive a golf discount. Usually, from spring through early fall, during the peak of the season, you will pay full price, but during the off-season you can receive substantial price discounts. Check with your local golf course to find out if it has a seasonal golf discount and when it takes effect. Also, some golf courses offer monthly specials on greens fees, cart rental and driving range balls. If you are lucky, you can find prices reduced as much as half or more.
Golf is an expensive sport to play, but a golf discount can help make it more affordable. If you do some research and calling around to golf courses in your area, you will find at least one golf discount that will save you money. With all the money you save, you will be able to play even more rounds or buy that new club you've been coveting.
