Summer is here, which means it’s time to dust off your golfing bag and hope your swing isn’t too rusty. With the warm weather comes the season to hit the golf course and show off your game for pleasure and/or business. However, if you’re facing a tight budget during the summer months, then you may not be able to enjoy your summer golfing games as much as you would like to. However, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get your fill of golfing while keeping the initial cost of the sport down to a minimum.

1. Shop Second Hand
One of the biggest expenditures when it comes to golfing is the actual supplies needed to play the game. From bags to clubs, you’re going to end up spending a pretty penny on supplies, especially if you buy all of your items new. Buying new can be a really bad idea, especially if you’re just giving the sport a try. Of course, renting can also be another terrible option if you plan to play for the entire summer or even for a bit longer. Instead, you may want to shop second hand. Typically, you can get a full set or nearly a full set with a bag included for less than the price of one club. This will allow you to try out the sport and if you like it, you can buy a new club one at a time until you get the set you want. Then, if you don’t like the clubs, you can sell them or donate them for a tax deduction. Of course, you may actually end up with a set you fall in love with, which is a win-win.
2. Recycled Gold Balls
Another item you’re going to spend a whole lot of money on is golf balls. Each game you play, you’re probably going to end up losing quite a few. Usually this isn’t the biggest issue on your mind, but after replenishing your golf ball collection a few times, you may end up looking for a cheap alternative. Recycled balls usually come at a much lower price because, as the name says, they’re made of recycled products. Each of the balls helps keep your game pretty eco-friendly too, which will make you feel a little better about spending money. Of course, recycled balls may not be easy to find in your local golfing stores, so you could buy balls straight from the golf course. They usually come in assortment of brands and are basically the balls that get lost in the golf course, so technically they’re recycled too.
3. Research Golf Courses
Chances are, there’s probably more than one golf course in your area. Even if it means going to a nearby town, you could end up saving a fortune by simply doing a little research on the golf course. Often the more convenient a place is, the more you’re going to end up paying, which could leave you spending hundreds more a year than you actually need to. So, get online and do a search for courses in your area. Usually golf courses will post their rates and hours online, so you shouldn’t have to spend hours upon hours deciding which course you want to go to. If you plan on golfing a lot, then you may want to also see what the price of a membership would be. Sometimes, you can actually say money my joining a club or purchasing a seasonal pass to play, but this depends on the golf course you choose.
4. Make It a Meeting
If work just seems to get in the way of your golfing game, then consider taking the time that would be spent in the office and move it to the golf course. Many companies have actually begun to host meetings on the golf course, so employees can get in a little exercise while discussing ideas and the status of the company. Many people also use the golf course to pitch potential ideas to clients or to help win over a business account they’ve been hoping for. The best thing about taking your meetings to the golf course, is the game could actually become a tax deduction for you. Under some circumstances, you can write these games off, so make sure to talk to your accountant if this sounds appealing to you. Also, these games can help everyone involved in the meeting concentrate more and retain more of the information discussed. With this technique in full force, the meetings will have gone even further and will encourage harder work when back in the office.
5. Walk
In recent years, less and less people actually use their feet when their on the golf course. So many prefer to rent or bring their own golf cart to the course, which actually ends up taking a lot of the sport out of the game. Golf carts can be particularly pricey if you rent them often. Plus, there’s really only room enough for two people so you may end up spending a whole lot more if you’re with a whole group of people. If buying a golf cart is on your mind then you may have to worry about fuel and maintenance costs, as well as actually getting the golf cart to and from the course. So, if you’re looking to save money on the golf course, then walking is definitely one of the best ways to do so. It may actually help improve your game too, especially by keeping you flexible and warmed up. Riding, on the other hand, can tense up the muscles and make you feel less connected to the game, which means you won’t really get your money’s worth out of the day.
6. Shop In Season
Although a lot of golf tournaments happen in the summer time, fall is the best time to shop for golfing supplies and accessories. Usually, during this time you should be able to get the best possible deals on golf clubs, bags and even clothing to wear for the sport. This will really help save you a lot of money in the long run, especially if you don’t like shopping for trendy items. Fall is usually when golfing stores are trying to move out the old stock so they can get in the new stuff. So, make sure to shop clearance and sales racks before you actually decide to check out the newer items on the floor. You may be surprised as to how much you can save when you do this. Also, autumn is one of the best times to save money on the actual golf course. Sometimes the weather isn’t always the most reliable, which means the cost of the game could be significantly reduced. So if you’re willing to risk the rain, you may be rewarded by some major savings.
7. Beat the Elements
In most cases, golfing is an outdoor sport, so you’re going to have to put up with some weather if you want to play. The best thing you can do is come prepared though, so you don’t end up losing money or not completely enjoying a game you paid for. In the summer it is important to keep a bottle of water, or two, with you at all times. This in itself will help you avoid the high prices of the concession stand when you’re thirsty. You should also bring along a visor, cap, umbrella or anything else that will keep you shaded throughout the game. Light clothing is also a bonus and will ensure you feel cooler in the heat. If you plan on going in the autumn or spring, then be prepared for rain with an umbrella and light rain coat. Layering may be key here, especially if you have special under clothing to provide heat or to cool you down, depending on the weather. If winter is your time to shine then wear proper foot attire and wear thermal clothing that won’t bother your movements, but will still keep you cool. Of course, you should wear sunscreen no matter the season.
8. Consider Memberships
If you already know you love golf and plan on playing whenever you have free time, then a membership may be the right route to go to save you some money. A lot of golf courses will offer memberships, but some are attached to country clubs or other strict clubs, so be prepared to jump through some hoops to get a membership. Many country clubs are invite only, so you may want to get familiar with people who frequent the club. This may help you get a better deal on a membership when you do receive the invite. A little research should help you find clubs in your area that are accepting memberships. Of course, you may have to dig a little deeper to find clubs that are low cost or free. You may want to start off your journey at the local YMCA or community center to ask for advice. Sometimes the YMCA can find you a great deal if you’re a member of their club already.
9. Driving Range
Sometimes, a full game of golf just isn’t in the cards, or you may want to get in a little practice to help your upcoming office tournament. No matter what the reason, a driving range is one of the best places to go if you just want to hit some golf balls. A lot of people will go to the driving range in the off season so they can prevent their swing from getting rusty, while those who are just starting out tend to go to help develop their swing before actually playing a full game. Before it’s all said and done, you’ll be thankful for the driving range because it is very cost effective. In fact, you may not actually have to go to a range. Now, there’s many simulation games that are low cost and can be played in your own home.
10. Go In a Group
Golfing with friends actually makes the game a whole lot better, so don’t be afraid to ask people to hit the golf course with you. A lot of the time a golf course charges by group, which actually helps you save money from the get-go. Before you leave for the course, make sure everyone is willing to split the bill on the game, this way everyone ends up getting in a full untimed game without having to pay a single price tag. When you play this way, you’ll get more for you money and won’t have to worry about rushing through the course or having to play with someone you just met. Plus, spending a little time with people you don’t always get to see will make the game a lot merrier and may encourage you to play more often. If some or all of the group don’t have clubs then you can always rent a single set and split them between the group.
When it comes to sports like golfing, money can play a huge factor in your ability to play. With these tips, you shouldn’t have to worry about spending a small fortune just to get in a game of golf or two. Instead, you should find simple ways to improve your skills or try the sport out, which will make golf season even more valuable and relaxing. You never know, with a great start you could be entering tournaments next year.