How to Save Money on Golf (Without Giving Up Your Game)

Golf has always been an expensive sport, and that was before the early 2020s golf boom and subsequent inflation.

Before COVID, drivers were $400, not $600. Nice public courses in my town were $80 and now they're $150.

In a recent National Golf Foundation report, resort courses have surged 37% in cost since 2019, compared to 27% general inflation.

Despite everything costing more, I still fight back against the idea that golf is "elitist," you can still absolutely enjoy the sport if you're mindful about your spending.

Here are a few ways to save money on golf so you can play more without going broke.

Stack Rewards Points on GolfN

The simplest way to save money on gear is to never play a round without the GolfN app. GolfN is a golf rewards app that earns you points the more you use it on and off the course.

As your points stack up, you can redeem them in the rewards marketplace for premium gear from brands like Miura, L.A.B., Srixon, Cobra, and many more.

You can even supercharge your earnings with a membership tier and, if you play enough golf, save big-time.

Walk, Don't Ride

If you play courses with separate walking and riding rates, it's time to start walking. I play with a buddy who always rides. Over 20 rounds, that's an extra $20 per round just to get less exercise -- $400 annually.

Considering 18 holes averages 5-7 miles of walking, you may not even need a gym membership if you walk enough rounds. Even more money saved.

This is also probably obvious: if you can play during the week and in the afternoons, you'll save 20-40% on tee times.

Sell Your Old Golf Equipment

We all want to buy new stuff. But old golf equipment holds its value about as well as a used car -- and we're not talking Toyota Tacomas. You may want to keep old gear around, but every year you do, resale rates go down. Sell locally on Facebook Marketplace, or trade it in at 2nd Swing or GlobalGolf.

You Don't Have to Play Bucket-List Courses on Vacation

Every year, I have a buddy who kicks off the group trip text chain with wild-eyed ideas: Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes, Pinehurst, Big Cedar Lodge, even Ireland.

All those places are five-star all the way and charge accordingly. Instagram has generated insane FOMO for the very best destinations.

There's no shame in going somewhere three- or four-star if the logistics and hang are right. I recently took a buddies trip to Utah's Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow. Both are exceptional, but because they're state park facilities, both run around $100. I was pleased to see a lot of groups ditching the flashier resorts in favor of pure golf at great value.

Here's a pro tip: enter the Bandon Dunes sweepstakes in the GolfN app and you'll automatically earn entries for a chance to win a trip every time you complete a round. And visit the Daily Grind in the app to see how you can win a trip to Pebble Beach.

Audit Your Subscriptions and Memberships

Apple Pay and the App Store make it painfully easy to sign up for something and forget about it. Are you paying for a service you stopped using? It could be a magazine subscription, a golf app, PGA Tour Live, or a lessons membership. Do a full audit of your golf subscriptions and you might find a few bucks to redirect toward green fees.

Buy Year-End Clearances

For commodity items, look for the off-season "buy 2 get 1 free" deals that appear on golf balls -- Srixon runs them regularly, and GolfN members get 5% back in GolfN Points when they pay with cash. Glove brands like Asher Golf are worth watching for deals, too.

Buy Used if You Know What You Want

Getting fitted is a good idea for most golfers. But fitters usually put you into the current season's gear at premium prices.

Before you buy the latest and greatest, remember this: [Verify before publishing] a recent major champion won with a several-seasons-old TaylorMade driver. Just because the manufacturers are pushing it doesn't mean the current lineup is right for you. I'll be the first to admit I bought a used SIM2 driver off GlobalGolf for $250 instead of the $500-plus rack price. It's a few generations old, but I'm driving it as consistently as I ever have.

Hang onto your club specs and keep them handy whenever you're ready to upgrade -- you might be able to find the same setup used.

Take Care of Your Stuff

The more pride you have in your gear, the longer it lasts. Keep your equipment out of the sun and out of a hot trunk -- climate-controlled storage where possible. Clean your shoes, clean or replace your grips so they feel brand new. Keep your bag organized.

You'll feel a lot less compelled to buy new gear if your old gear is still in great shape.

Do You Really Need All These Fancy Accessories?

One thing I've noticed in the last five years, besides how hard it is to get a tee time, is an explosion in upscale golf accessories and apparel. Headcovers are $100 now. There are glove pouches, Bluetooth speakers, custom alignment sticks, and branded everything.

You won't be turned away from the first tee for skipping the custom swag. Don't feel like you need to keep up.

Ready to start saving? Download GolfN free and use code BTUCK to get started -- then earn rewards on every round you play.