Embark on your new golfing journey without breaking the bank by following these wallet-friendly tips. Whether you're a novice or a more seasoned golfer, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the game more without spending a fortune. Check out our top seven ways to save!
Skip Ahead:
- Build Your Starter Set
- Search for Discounts on Golf
- Practice Your Swing at Home before hitting the Driving Range
- Then add in a Practice Session at the Driving Range
- Explore Deals and Opportunities at Local Golf Facilities
- Start off at Short Courses
- Take Advantage of Twilight Golf
1. Build Your Starter Set
Building a starter set of golf clubs doesn't have to be expensive. Instead of buying all brand new clubs, consider purchasing used clubs. Look for 4-5 used clubs that are suitable for beginners. These clubs should include a driver, a putter and a few irons of different lengths. By buying used clubs, you can save a significant amount of money while still having the essential equipment you need to get started in golf.
Also, don’t rule out borrowing or renting clubs for those first few practice sessions! Beginners are also recommended to have a few, low cost items for their round or practice session, including things like a glove (no blisters, please!), practical tennis shoes, and weather and dress-code appropriate attire.
2. Search for Discounts on Golf
When it comes to golf courses and equipment, if you want to save a few bucks, it's important to be savvy and look for discounts. Check out clearance sales at your local golf shops or online retailers to find affordable golf gear. You can often find great deals on last season's models or discontinued items. Resale sites like Facebook’s Marketplace or Craigslist also often have great options to piece together a great bag of clubs.
Also, as an NCGA member, don’t forget to take advantage of your NCGA Benefits including Exclusive Discounts. We give our members access to exclusive savings- some discounts are available every day, while others are special promotions on golf course rounds, stay and play opportunities, golf services and more.
Among the highest-rated are member rates at Poppy Hills and Poppy Ridge. Not a Member? Here's how to Become A Member!
3. Practice Your Swing at Home before hitting the Driving Range
There are a number of ways to start your golf journey at home before ever hitting the driving range! Some of our favorite tips include:
- At home practice swings (just be sure you have the clearance or have your dry-wall person on-call!).
- Set up in front of a mirror to check stance, grip, alignment, etc.
- Have a friend or family member record your swing from different angles so you can review/compare.
- Carpet putting practice is a go-to around our office!
- Practice drills to improve your swing path, tempo, rotation or balance (or whatever your golf achilles heel might be!).
- Do a quick Google Search for remote golf lessons from a local pro near you, or try one of our staff favorites, Skillest.
Additionally, take advantage of online resources such as YouTube videos to learn more about golf techniques and tips for beginners. There are plenty of free instructional articles and videos available that can help you improve your game without spending a fortune on lessons.
4. Then add in a Practice Session at the Driving Range
To improve your golf swing without breaking the bank, head to the driving range. Many golf facilities offer affordable rates for practice sessions at their driving range. This allows you to work on your swing and technique without the pressure of playing a full round of golf. Take the time to practice your grip, stance, and swing mechanics. By dedicating regular practice sessions at the driving range, you can develop a consistent and effective swing that will serve as a solid foundation for your golf game.
Also, keep in mind that at many courses it costs nothing to use their chipping and putting practice areas, just be sure to check their website or call ahead to confirm their policies on practice facility usage.
Need help crafting your ideal practice range routine? Check out our guide on how to Maximize Your Pre-Round Driving Range Warm Up. Learn expert advice from NCGA's very own (low handicapper), Bryan Rodriguez, (yup, he knows what he's talking about!).
5. Explore Deals and Opportunities at Local Golf Facilities
Check with local golf facilities for discounted rates and beginner clinics, offering affordable lesson packages and group clinics for new golfers to receive professional guidance at a fraction of the cost.
Don't hesitate to ask about any ongoing promotions or discounts that can make your golf journey more affordable. Looking for a course near you in Northern California? Search our Course Directory!
6. Start off at Short Courses
As a beginner, you don't need to play on a full-size golf course right away. Consider taking advantage of short courses, which are smaller, more beginner-friendly as they are less intimidating for new golfers. These courses typically have shorter holes with the majority of them being either Par-3’s or Par-4’s (or around Par-27 for nine-holes, meaning less distance) and typically cost less than a Par-36, longer distance 9-hole courses.
Playing on a short course allows you to practice your skills and build confidence before tackling a full-size course. Playing at a short course also helps you to practice your short game, which accounts for around 65% of shots taken during a round (includes putting, chipping, and pitching). In fact, about two-thirds of all shots during a round are from 100 yards in!
Ready to head out for a quick nine? Check out our newly course-rated short golf course list to find a short course near you!
7. Take Advantage of Twilight Golf
(No, not that ✨Twilight ✨...) To save on green fees, take advantage of twilight golf rates, which are often cheaper than playing during peak hours. Depending on the time of the year, twilight rates start around 3-4 hours prior to sunset and can drop a green fee on average around 15-20%! While this might not allow you to finish all 18-holes during Daylight Savings part of the year, it’s still a great way to get in an effective practice round after work.
Twilight golf lets you enjoy a round of golf at a more affordable price, making it a great option for budget-conscious beginners. Bonus tip: save on the cart fee and walk if you’re able to, it's a great way to exceed your daily step goals and take care of your heart health💖!
With these budget-friendly steps, you can tee off without worrying about the cost!