5 ways to save money when playing golf

With the average sum for golf club membership in the UK more than £900 per year, on top of travel, socialising, and equipment, golfing can be a costly sport. Though the truth is that you need to invest in good-quality golf balls, bags, trolleys, and accessories, there are ways that you can make some savings and enjoy your favourite sport without breaking the bank…

Walk around the course

When you’re playing a round of golf, say no to the buggy and walk around the course with your friends. Not only will it help you to stretch out the day and make the most of a session, but it’ll help you to pace yourself and contemplate between tees. Most courses charge an additional fee for hiring buggies during a round, anywhere from £10 to £30, so that’s also an additional saving that you can make – and put towards upgrading your clubs or golf clothes.

Head to the course late

Many courses cut the price of their greens fees in the late afternoon and on the weekend, so take a look at your club’s price list and find the cheapest time to play. As well as saving a bit of money, you’ll likely find that the course is less crowded during these “off-peak” sessions, and thus you won’t have to wait for the players ahead of you to line up their putts. If you live in a particularly popular area for golfers, research whether it’s worth travelling for a session.

Stop wasting money on balls

The chances are that you’ve been told by friends and golfing professionals that premium golf balls will help you hit further and straighter than a cheaper alternative, but the likelihood is that it makes no difference. Invest in cheaper golf balls and don’t overlook used golf balls; they are often sold by clubs who fish them out of the ponds, and dog walkers who collect them on their daily travels. Oh, and never buy golf balls when you’re at the course; they’ll add a higher markup. You’ll be paying for their course logo etched on the balls themselves!

Consider second-hand clubs

Another way to make golf more accessible is to buy second-hand clubs. Pre-owned clubs not only offer great savings over brand new models, but they allow you to access high-end clubs from renowned manufacturers without paying over the odds. We always recommend that you feel a pre-owned club in your hand before you commit to buying it – the last thing you want to do is to buy a club, only to realise that it doesn’t sit right in your hand. Auchterlonies, a respected golf shop Scotland has relied on for more than 100 years, offers a range of pre-owned clubs from its store in St Andrews, with its Links just minutes away.

Say no to golf magazines

We get it: once you’ve got the bug for golfing, it’s hard to say no to a good golfing magazine, but the chances are that you’ll find all of its material and more online for free. Not only are these magazine subscriptions expensive, but they’re packed with adverts that will encourage you to spend more and more on golfing equipment – much of which you’ll never really need!

Do you have any other tips? Let us know and check back soon for more advice.