Golf trips are a blast, but they can quickly get expensive if you don’t plan carefully. Over the years, I’ve organized several group golf trips—including my annual Beers & Bogeys event—and learned a few strategies for keeping costs reasonable while still having a great time. Here’s how you can plan a budget-friendly golf trip without sacrificing quality or fun.
1. Understand the Total Cost
When planning a golf trip, it’s important to know the total cost upfront so everyone in your group knows what to expect. For example, the Beers & Bogeys trip typically costs around $750 CAD per person, covering:
- 3 nights of accommodations (e.g., a Holiday Inn with included breakfast).
- 6 rounds of golf with carts over 4 days.
However, that $750 doesn’t include other expenses, like food, drinks, and gas. Once you add those, the total trip cost is closer to $1000 CAD per person.
2. Pick a Convenient Location
One of the biggest cost savers is choosing a destination that’s close to home. For my trips, I always pick locations within a 3 to 3.5-hour drive for the majority of the group. Since we’re not flying, we save significantly on travel costs, and we always carpool to minimize gas expenses.
3. Look for Stay-and-Play Deals
Stay-and-play packages are one of the best ways to save money on accommodations and golf. These deals often include hotel stays along with unlimited golf for a couple of days. Here’s how I maximize value:
- Negotiate Extra Nights: Some packages are for 2 nights with 2 days of golf, but I’ve been able to negotiate an extra night for a small additional fee.
- Inexpensive Replays: Many courses offer discounted replays. For example, your first round may cost $65, but a replay could be as low as $20. That’s a huge savings if you’re playing 36 holes a day.
4. Work with a Golf Trip Organizer
If you’re new to planning golf trips or want to save time, consider using a trip organizer like NYGolfTrail.com. They have relationships with courses and hotels, which often leads to better rates than you’d get booking directly. Their service can save you a lot of hassle, especially for larger groups.
5. Negotiate with Hotels Directly
When booking accommodations, skip the online booking sites and call the hotel directly. If you’re booking 6-8 rooms for 3 nights, most hotels are happy to offer discounts. I’ve had success negotiating better rates just by explaining the size of our group and the length of our stay. Plus, if breakfast is included (as it often is with chains like Holiday Inn), that’s one less meal to budget for.
6. Balance Costs with Group Preferences
Every group has different priorities when it comes to budget and experience. Here’s how I handle it:
- Get a Sense of Budget: Ask the group what they’re comfortable paying. Some people are more frugal, while others may be willing to spend more for premium courses or accommodations.
- Find a Balance: Strike a balance between cost and quality. Ensure the accommodations are comfortable and the courses meet everyone’s expectations, even if it means compromising slightly on either end.
7. Use Apps to Simplify Cost Splitting
Splitting costs for things like gas, groceries, or drinks on the course can get complicated. I recommend using an app like Splitwise to track expenses and payments. It’s intuitive, and perfect for large groups, ensuring no one gets stuck doing mental math at the end of the trip.
8. Optimize Transportation
Carpooling isn’t just cost-effective—it’s also part of the fun. For a 12-person trip, we use three full-size pickup trucks. With four guys per truck, there’s plenty of space for clubs, coolers, and gear in the truck beds. Fewer vehicles mean lower gas costs and easier logistics overall.
Final Thoughts
Planning a budget-friendly golf trip doesn’t mean cutting corners on fun or quality. By choosing the right location, taking advantage of deals, and being mindful of group preferences, you can keep costs reasonable while creating unforgettable memories.
Have your own tips for saving money on golf trips? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you make your trips affordable and fun!
