How to Golf on a Budget (The Complete Guide)

Golf can be an expensive sport. We’re all looking for ways to save money to improve and play the game more. The following is everything you need to know about how to golf on a budget. Some things are more expensive than others, but with each, I give you several ways to save on golf equipment, green fees, golf lessons, and golf apparel because golf should not be too expensive for all of us to enjoy.

Purchase Used Equipment

The first and perhaps most important step to learning how to get good at golf on a budget is to purchase golf clubs if you have not already. Anyone who has ever played golf or been around the game knows that golf clubs can be expensive. Even though it will be beneficial to get new, fitted golf equipment later, if you are a newbie, it is better to buy the best-used equipment at a reasonable price that suits your ability.

You will need a good set of irons, fairway woods, a driver, pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a putter. Anything else, such as a hybrid, may or may not suit your game, so it’s best to ask a golf professional or do your research on the Internet.

Although pawn shops and thrift stores can sometimes be helpful for finding golf clubs, much of the newer and more current equipment can be found at secondhand sports stores or online.

Use the Internet whenever possible to find equipment at a reasonable price. If you have questions or concerns about the equipment you want to buy, speak with a professional. They will also tell you which golf ball to use, as many options are suitable for different golfers and their games. The trick is to find the ball that will give you the most advantage when you play. For example, maybe you play a Titleist Pro V1 when you should be playing a ball like the Callaway Chrome Soft. A club pro can determine your ball speed and spin rate and tell you which ball best suits your game.

Purchase Used or Discounted Clothing

Like equipment, golf apparel can be a bit pricey for a small budget, but almost everyone has a collared shirt or two hanging in their closet. The trick is to use what you already have. If you need to buy a pair of pants or shorts, you can do so at a thrift store or look for clothing at reduced prices.

Perhaps the most expensive piece of clothing you will buy is golf shoes. However, beginners don’t need to purchase shoes made specifically for golf; you may as well wear a good pair of athletic shoes and buy golf shoes later.

When you’re ready, you can buy golf shoes at a thrift store, sporting goods store, or over the Internet at a discounted price, so keep your eyes peeled for deals.

Seek Discounted or Free Play

There are many ways to get discounted or free golf, which helps with any golf budget and allows a golfer the opportunity to put the extra money towards other things needed for playing the game.

Get a Membership

A great way to save money on golf is to sign up for a membership at a golf course. With a membership, you get a discount on greens fees. While some golf courses require an initiation fee, many do not. Generally, a membership offers golfers the opportunity to save money on green fees. Usually, you still must pay cart fees, but if you walk, you can save money on that as well.

Joining a club also lets you meet other like-minded people and build a playing group where you can both be motivated and keep your playing partners motivated. Spending time with others who share the same interests will keep you on the path to becoming a better golfer. Not to mention, it will make the game more enjoyable.

Work Part-time at a Golf Course

In addition to golf courses that offer memberships, some courses provide employment and golf privileges, making them somewhere to practice golf for free. If you want to save money while improving your golf game, consider taking a job in exchange for green and cart fees.

Jobs at a golf course include working on the cart staff, in the pro shop, on the course maintenance crew, or even in a position that has nothing to do with the golf staff. Such as in the kitchen or at the grill. The most important thing is to find a job on a golf course right away; you can always move to another position later.

While this is not always the case, keep in mind that you may be able to play more golf at semi-private and public or municipal courses than at a private course that may be member-owned. Although they are usually great golf courses, a private club may not be the best option for employment, so do your research before you apply.

Another benefit of working at a golf course is the opportunity to use the driving range and short-game facility for free and to be around golf and meet others who share the same passion for the game.

If you work at a golf course, you will usually be around a lot of good players and may be able to get a free golf lesson from the Head Golf Professional or at least play a hole or two with them.

While it’s probably not the main reason you are pursuing a golf job, it’s never a bad thing if you can earn some money on the side to help pay for golfing expenses. Maybe even the occasional golf trip or golf package deal.

Play Outside of Peak Hours

Many golf courses offer discounts for playing at certain unpopular times of the day, which is a great way to save money. You can potentially play and practice for free this way and earn extra cash for balls, clubs, golf gloves, and apparel.

All you need to do is call and book a tee time later in the day, such as a weekday afternoon.

Walk the Course

One of the easiest ways to save money on tee times is to walk the course instead of riding in a golf cart. Although walking on a golf course can be tiring, there are ways to make it easier on yourself. For example, you can buy a pushcart to carry your golf bag or a stand bag with straps like a backpack. Both are ideal for walkers.

Walking slows down the round and allows you to enjoy the scenery and see the course and your game from a different perspective. It’s also good exercise and helps you save money on cart fees, which you can use on other things, like golf balls, clubs, clothing, and extra rounds of golf. It’s also great for those looking to escape from the stresses of life and ideal if you want to play golf by yourself and get some time alone. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes.

Get Instruction for Free

The need for not just improvement but steady and repeatable improvement in golf is a must for any player, especially those just beginning to play the game. However, golf instruction does not always come cheap, so any way a golfer can learn and become better for a discount or free is essential for their development as a player.

Use the Internet

The Internet may be the best place to get free golf lessons but be careful. While there are many well-intentioned and knowledgeable golf instructors online, there are also those who want to sell you a product and know little to nothing about proper golf instruction. The trick is to research and find a good blog or YouTube channel that is worth your time. The internet is also a great way to keep up with the latest golf news.

Reach Out to Club Professionals

You’ll be surprised how many club professionals are willing to give some of their time for a quick lesson or play a hole or two with someone learning the game. Many golf club professionals are committed to growing the game, and sometimes that means helping others who cannot afford formal lessons at the moment.

When you work at a golf course or country club, you can receive free green fees and range balls, but you can also potentially play with the club professional and receive valuable free lessons. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many people in the golf community are willing to help others, especially if you are a beginner golfer and looking to make new friends.

If you know a golfer or someone who enjoys golfing and might be able to give you some tips, go ahead and reach out for help. They will likely be more than happy to help with improving your game.

Lastly, get out there and play golf because just being around the game will allow you to meet and interact with golfers of all skill levels and possibly make a few lifelong friends along the way.