It might not be as popular as it was fifteen years or so ago, but there’s no doubt that from a broad perspective, golf is still booming.
From a travel point of view, something else that is proving exceptionally popular is the classic golfing vacation. It’s something that tends to combine sun and sport; and this makes it a classic amongst larger groups.
There’s just one problem with the above; golf vacations are known for their expensive nature. There are fortunately some ways in which you can bring down the cost, which today’s article will now take a look at.
Break things down
In other words, avoid the package deal.
As much as some people like the simplicity of a golfing package, it can add extra expense onto your total cost. It can also prove to be quite restrictive; a lot of these packages will put you in a hotel that sits right by the course, and you play a premium for such a luxury. In reality, finding a nearby one can save you huge amounts of money, without really denting your experience.
Then, there is the insurance-factor. Avoid paying this with your package as well; it’s far more beneficial to look at something like Staysure over 50’s insurance to take out yourself.
Stay in bed on a morning
OK, it’s quite indirect advice, but the point we are trying to make is that the peak tee-times at a lot of courses tends to be between 9 and 11 am. Ultimately, you will be paying a lot more to play your course if you decide to visit then.
The alternatives are simple; either get up at the crack of dawn and play first thing, or wait until the afternoon when the courses tend to die down. Either way is going to save you money on your green fees.
Research the seasons
As any golfer will testify, the green fees vary enormously between seasons. In winter for example, you can play some of the best courses in the country for a reasonable price. When it comes to spring and summer, these prices rocket.
Fortunately, golf courses publish their season dates a long time in advance. It means that you can plan to visit them a day or two either side of the particular season, and still benefit from the weather but at a significantly lower cost.
The buy-one-get-one-free suggestion…
Unfortunately, it’s not quite as simple as this heading might suggest. However, a lot of courses in tourist areas do provide “bulk” discounts if you opt to play that course more than once.
Of course, it is unlikely that you are going to travel to another country to play the same course for five consecutive days. For the sake of a couple of rounds, this is something that can slash your green fees though.
The same rules apply with travel groups
Well, the same bulk buy rules usually apply if you are traveling in a group as well. In other words, if there are a decent number of you traveling, courses tend to provide healthy discounts. This all stems from the fact that there are usually several courses in one particular area, so this is one way for them to stay competitive.
Have you considered going on a golfing getaway?
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