Key Takeaways

  • You can have cheap golf weekends and golf affordably by focusing on municipal and university courses, twilight rates, and discount programs.
  • Walking the course saves money—cart fees add up fast.
  • Cheap golf weekends are possible by using discount sites, playing during off-peak hours, and considering dynamic pricing.
  • Memberships and loyalty programs help if you golf frequently at the same locations.
  • Playing on weekdays is cheaper than weekend tee times.

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How Can You Golf 50+ Times a Year Without Going Broke?

Golf is expensive. Everyone knows this, right? But what if it didn’t have to be? What if you could play 50+ rounds a year—good courses, too—for under $1,000? It sounds crazy, but it’s doable. And no, you don’t have to suffer on scrappy, dried-out fairways just to keep your costs down.

The trick? Strategy. Knowing where and when to play, taking advantage of twilight deals, avoiding cart fees, and using discount golf platforms. And cheap golf weekends? Totally possible if you know where to look.

Let’s get into it.

1. Budget-Friendly Courses: The Smart Golfer’s Secret Weapon

Not all golf courses drain your bank account. Some are high-quality but come with surprisingly low green fees. You just have to know where to find them.

Cheap Golf Weekends

Municipal Courses: Cheap and Surprisingly Good

Municipal golf courses, owned by cities or counties, are some of the best deals around. They’re maintained well, reasonably priced, and open to everyone.

Here are a few top-rated budget-friendly courses:

CourseLocationPrice Range
Pacific Grove Golf LinksCalifornia$25-$62
Pinon Hills Golf CourseNew Mexico$21-$47
Buffalo DunesKansas$25-$30
Veterans Memorial Golf CourseMassachusetts$28-$45

Municipal courses usually don’t have the hype of private clubs, but some of them are hidden gems. Many host local tournaments, have strong maintenance crews, and—best of all—charge way less than private courses.

University Courses: The Hidden Golf Bargains

Some of the best budget golf courses are on college campuses. Most people don’t think about playing at a university course, but they should.

Take The Warren Course at Notre Dame—designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, this course is legit. The best part? You’re paying way less than you would for a course of similar quality elsewhere.

UGA Golf Course

Other great university courses:

These courses usually don’t get packed like public courses, and they often have great student discounts if you happen to be taking a class nearby.

2. Twilight and Off-Peak Rates: The Easiest Way to Save

Ever heard of twilight rates? If not, you’re missing out.

Most courses slash their prices late in the afternoon. Why? Because they’d rather get a little money from you than nothing at all.

Twilight Golf: Less Money, Same Course

  • Many courses cut 50% or more off their regular rate after 3-4 PM.
  • Some twilight rates start as early as 1 PM in the off-season.
  • Summer twilight rounds? You still get plenty of holes in before dark.

Examples of Twilight Deals:

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t mind finishing a round as the sun sets, this is the simplest way to save money on golf.

Shoulder Season = Cheap Golf Weekends

Golf in the spring or fall instead of peak summer? You’ll save a ton. Courses lower their prices in early spring and late fall when fewer people are playing.

Example: In Arizona, summer rates are stupidly cheap because of the heat. If you can handle the sun (or book early AM tee times), you can play premium courses for a fraction of the price.

3. Memberships & Unlimited Play Passes: Are They Worth It?

If you golf a lot—like a lot—memberships and season passes can be a steal. Some courses offer unlimited golf for a flat rate, and if you play enough, the per-round cost becomes ridiculously low.

How to Tell If a Membership is Worth It

Ask yourself:

  • Do you play at the same course most of the time?
  • Can you commit to playing enough rounds to make it worth it?
  • Does the membership include perks like discounted guest fees or cart deals?

Example of an Unlimited Golf Pass

  • The Creek at Qualchan (Washington) – $2,500 unlimited play pass
    • Sounds pricey? Not really. If you play 100 rounds in a year, that’s $25 per round. Play 150? Now you’re at $16 per round. That’s cheaper than most twilight rates.

The trick is finding a membership that matches your playing style. If you golf 2-3 times a week at the same course, it’s probably a good investment.

Alternative: Multi-Course Passes

Some programs let you play multiple courses under one membership. These are even better because you’re not stuck at a single course.

  • Troon Card – Discounts at over 100 courses
  • GolfPass+ – Discounts and free tee time cancellations
  • Local County Cards – Many cities/counties offer annual passes for their public courses

If you’re serious about getting the best deals, check with local courses and see what’s available.

4. Dynamic Pricing: When Green Fees Work Like Airline Tickets

Golf courses use dynamic pricing now—just like airlines and hotels. Prices change based on demand. If you’re flexible, you can grab insane deals.

What is Dynamic Pricing in Golf?

Instead of fixed rates, some courses change their fees depending on:

  • Time of day (early mornings & evenings = cheaper)
  • Day of the week (Tuesdays are usually way cheaper than Saturdays)
  • Weather conditions (rainy forecast? Lower prices)
  • Demand (if lots of people book, the price goes up)

Courses That Use Dynamic Pricing

Texas Tech

How do you take advantage of this? Check prices constantly. Some booking sites even let you set price alerts.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for cheap golf weekends, avoid Saturdays before 10 AM. Prices will be brutal.

5. Online Tee Time Deals & Discount Golf Websites

Booking a tee time like it’s 1995 (aka calling the pro shop) is a mistake. Why? Because online deals exist, and they save you a ton of money.

Where to Find Discount Tee Times

  • GolfNow – Tons of last-minute deals
  • TeeOff.com – Owned by PGA Tour, sometimes better prices than GolfNow
  • GolfPass+ – Monthly subscription, but free tee time cancellations and extra discounts
  • Local Facebook Groups – Some golf courses post discounts in their own Facebook communities

Hot Deal Tee Times: The Cheapest Rounds You’ll Find

Some sites like GolfNow have Hot Deals, which are tee times priced way below normal. They’re often non-refundable, but if you’re flexible, they can be insanely cheap.

Example: I once booked a $12 round at a course that normally charges $45. That’s the power of online tee time hunting.

6. Playing Cheap Golf Weekends: How to Avoid Paying Tourist Prices

Weekend golf is expensive. But does it have to be? Nope.

How to Get Cheaper Weekend Tee Times

  • Play early or late – Dawn patrol (first tee times of the day) and twilight rounds are way cheaper.
  • Use discount sites – GolfNow & TeeOff always have last-minute deals.
  • Go to less touristy areas – Myrtle Beach courses charge insane rates on weekends. But drive 30 minutes inland and prices drop fast.

Cheap Golf Weekend Destinations

Some places are just cheaper than others for weekend golf.

DestinationWhy It’s Cheap
Mesquite, NVLess hype than Vegas, still great courses
San Antonio, TXAffordable golf all year round
Myrtle Beach (off-season)Winter rates are crazy low
Michigan (Fall golf)Some of the best fall golf deals in the country

If you avoid peak seasons and book smart, you can play premium courses for half the price.

7. Walk the Course – It’s Not Just About Exercise

Carts are expensive. They seem cheap—$15 here, $20 there—but over time, it adds up fast.

How Much Can You Save by Walking?

Let’s say you play 50 rounds per year:

Cart Fee Per RoundTotal Cost Per Year
$15 per round$750
$20 per round$1,000

By walking instead of renting a cart, you can cut your costs in half.

Walking Perks (Besides Saving Money)

  • Better for your game – You actually feel the slopes and contours.
  • No cart-path restrictions – Walk straight to your ball, no zigzagging.
  • Burns calories – You’ll burn 800-1,000 calories per round.

And if you’re worried about carrying your bag? Get a push cart. They’re one-time buys and will save you hundreds over time.

8. Loyalty Programs: Free Golf Adds Up

Some courses reward repeat players with discounted or free rounds. If you’re playing regularly, signing up for loyalty cards can lead to major savings.

Types of Golf Loyalty Programs

  • Punch Cards – Play X rounds, get one free.
  • Point-Based Systems – Earn points for every round, redeem for discounts.
  • Annual Membership Perks – Some memberships come with free guest passes or discounts on food/drinks.

Courses that do this:

  • Troon Rewards – Play at Troon courses, earn points for free golf.
  • PGA Tour Superstore Rewards – Discounts on gear and tee times.

If you’re playing the same courses often, ask if they have a loyalty program.

Final Thoughts: Playing 50+ Rounds a Year for Under $1,000 is Possible

If you play smart, you can golf more without draining your wallet.

  • Pick the right courses (municipal, university, budget-friendly public courses).
  • Use twilight/off-peak rates whenever possible.
  • Look for memberships or season passes if you play frequently.
  • Book online and use discount sites to grab the best deals.
  • Play weekday rounds for cheaper rates.
  • Walk instead of renting carts—it adds up fast.

FAQ: Cheap Golf Weekends & Affordable Golfing

What is the cheapest way to play golf?

  • Twilight rates, municipal courses, and booking online through discount sites.

Are golf memberships worth it?

  • If you play a lot, yes. But only if you play enough rounds to make it cheaper than paying per round.

Where is the cheapest place for a golf vacation?

  • Mesquite (NV), Michigan (Fall), Myrtle Beach (off-season), San Antonio (TX).

How can I save money on golf gear?

  • Buy used clubs, shop clearance sales, and check Facebook Marketplace for deals.

This is how you play more, pay less, and still enjoy great golf. Now go book your next round without emptying your wallet.