Recession Proof Your Golf Game

By Greg Ellis, Durham Golf & Promotion

Its official, Canada is in the grips of a recession as is the rest of the world. While it seems like everyone is restructuring, laying off, and cutting back, you might not have to scale back the amount of times you get out on the course this year. All it takes is a little research, preparation and sometimes luck and you’ll be golfing from spring to fall without hurting your pocket book.

1. Travel Packages- If you are the type who loves to travel and love to golf then why not combine the 2 passions. There are thousands of travel packages that will get you on some great courses at very low rates. It sometimes leaves you wondering – OK, did I get a free hotel room or a free round of golf?

2. Greens Fee Coupon Book- Golf courses have been using coupons for years to entice golfers to play at their golf course instead of the golf course down the road. These tend to be 2 for 1’s, 4 for 2’s. 50% off etc. Some coupons will have restrictions to help the golf course to fill up tee times that otherwise remain un-booked. There are also many golf courses to choose from in any given area and that leads to increased competition. A plus for you. There are a few greens fee coupon books around such as the Golf and Leisure Savings Book and their costs range from $29.99 to $70. So you only need to use 1 or 2 coupons to recoup your investment and start saving big. Go online and search out which book suits you best.

3. Play off Peak Times- Here is an example of the law of supply and demand. Do you HAVE to always play early weekend mornings? Although this time is probably most convenient for you, it is most convenient for others as well. Golf courses normally charge a premium for these tee times and you will end up paying more for that convenience. Try to play more during the week. Book a morning off work and hit the links. Or book a tee time Monday to Friday after work and take advantage of reduced weekday twilight rates.

4. Balls- Everyone, including me wants to use the best ball possible. Often, this means it is brand new or hardly used and usually more expensive. Sometimes I will use an X-out ball when I am teeing off into potential trouble like a lot of water or tight unforgiving fairway. Check out used balls online or at your local golf store. Don’t forget, a “new” golf ball is only new until its first hit. Invest in a ball retriever- Many times I’ve sliced and hooked my ball into the water and often it is submerged just beyond my reach. If only I had a ball retriever I could have easily scooped mine and sometimes others. Just a quick wipe with your towel and your ready to hit it off the next tee.

5. Tournaments- look around for open tournaments to play in. Although it may seem like a lot of money up front, you really do get a lot of value for your dollar. Most tournaments will include greens fees, a power cart, welcome package, lunch and or dinner and usually you have a chance to win some valuable prizes.

6. Equipment – Golf club fitters and repair shops will re-grip your trusted clubs to give them that new feel for only a fraction of the cost of new clubs. If you do need a new set of clubs it pays, or should I say saves to look around and do some research. Think of your golf clubs as an investment into your entertainment and as always you should try to get the best for your entertainment dollar. Don’t forget to visit golf shows or clearance centres as end of line, excess inventory or liquidation buyouts allow the seller to offer deep discounts and great deals. If you don’t want to shop then try giving your clubs a good cleaning with a bucket of soapy water and a good scrub brush to get them looking new. It’s funny how a shiny clean club always seems to strike the ball a little nicer than a dirty one. Look around and see of you can trade up your old clubs or sell your old set(s) that has been gathering dust in the basement. E-Bay, Kijiji, and Craigslist are great sites to sell online or at least determine what your current clubs are worth.

7. Shoes- Are your golf shoes looking a little ruff? Restore them with a good cleaning using a scrub brush and buff them with shoe polish or spray protector. Replace your frayed laces and change your soft spikes.

8. Walk or Ride – This is a surefire way to save $15-40 when you choose to burn some calories and walk instead of renting a power cart. On very hot days or if your legs aren’t what they used to be then riding makes sense. But if you are able, choosing to walk is a definite money saver.

9. Online Deals – Before you make your tee time reservation, go online and check out the website for the course you are going to play. Many courses offer discounts and specials only online. You may have to sign up for a monthly newsletter or register with them. You can always opt out later. Look for golf courses offering printable offers and deals around your birthday, Mothers Day, Fathers Day and even long weekends.

10. Memberships and Leagues – Most golf courses offer memberships that can save you money in the long run. Although you might have little sticker shock when you pay for the membership upfront, you’ll realize the savings if you are prepared to golf regularly and at the same course for the entire season. Most golfers with a membership start very early in the spring and are usually the ones you see on the course just before the snow flies. Golf leagues are a great way to meet new people, enjoy friendly competition and provide you an incentive to keep golfing regularly throughout the season. Some leagues have sponsored prizes, gifts, discounts on pro shop accessories and even discounts on lessons. Most golf leagues operate during the week and many after 4pm when rates are already discounted

This golf season, golf courses will be looking to keep their tee off times booked as much as possible, even if this means they must offer a little more bang for the buck. So do your homework and recession proof your golf game.

Greg Ellis is Owner of Durham Golf & Promotion and the Publisher of the 2010 Golf and Leisure Savings Book which features FREE ROUNDS OF GOLF, coupons at 55 golf courses, plus coupons for driving ranges, golf instruction, miniature golf and golf retail shops.  You can also redeem additional couponsfor discounts at popular restaurants, pubs, spas ski resorts and entertainment! Greg can can be reached at info@golfandleisure.ca