Golf has a reputation for being an expensive hobby reserved for the wealthy, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can enjoy the game without draining your bank account. Whether you’re completely new to golf or looking for ways to cut costs, these budget-friendly tips will help you play more for less.
And before we dive into the gear, let’s talk about the best way to improve your skills as a golfer without spending much money. The answer? Head to the driving range. Most driving ranges offer a bucket of balls for under $20, and many allow you to rent or borrow clubs for just a few extra dollars. There’s no dress code and no pressure, making it a relaxed and affordable way to get started. Start by watching a few basic YouTube tutorials on grip and posture and enjoy hitting balls at your own pace.
Inexpensive and Used Gear
A brand-new set of golf clubs can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but you don’t need to spend that much as a beginner. Look on Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, or ask friends for old clubs. Aim to get a basic set with a driver, wood, a few irons, a wedge, and a putter. You can build your dream set later as your skills improve. A solid starter set should cost under $200, often closer to $100.
And there are plenty of things to look for if you want to find the best used golf irons. The easiest? Look for known, trusted brands. It’s pretty common to find Titleist or Ping irons at reasonable prices. And you don’t need the latest gear to get out there on the course. Your main priority should be functionality rather than flashy logos. Look for clubs with clean, intact clubfaces since the grooves should still be visible and not completely worn smooth.
Check the shafts for any dings or rust, especially on older steel shafts, and make sure the grips are not cracked or falling apart. Grips are inexpensive to replace, so a worn grip is not a dealbreaker, but you will want to avoid any serious structural damage. If possible, swing a few clubs before buying to see if they feel comfortable. Remember, your first set does not need to be perfect, just solid enough to learn on without wasting money on premium brands.
The most common issue with used clubs is poor maintenance. People often leave them in garages or cars where moisture can warp shafts or cause rust. Irons may have bent hosels from being slammed into the ground, and drivers might have hairline cracks near the clubhead. Watch out for mismatched sets too since sellers sometimes cobble together leftover clubs that do not work well together. This can be frustrating when you are trying to learn. Lastly, be cautious of fake or knockoff clubs, especially from online marketplaces. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
If you want to avoid the headache of the secondhand market, pick up a set of Kirkland irons. They’re popular for a reason (and they’re inexpensive compared to sponsor brands).
And let’s talk about the other elephant in the room. If you’re a 20+ handicap, you don’t need to drop $30 on Titleist Velocity balls. Instead, buy used balls in bulk from online sellers. Don’t worry about brand names. Just get as many decent-condition balls as possible for the lowest price per ball. Carry around 12-20 balls to avoid overloading your bag while having enough to play a full round.
Where to Play For Cheap (or Free)
Not all golf courses cost a fortune. Executive courses are typically the cheapest, offering mostly par-3 holes for quick, affordable rounds. Municipal courses, run by city or state governments, also keep prices low and accessible. Compare green fees in nearby towns and factor in travel costs. Sometimes a short drive saves you more than you spend on gas.
One of the best-kept secrets in golf is working at a course. As a course marshal or driving range staffer, you can often play for free during off-hours. Marshals help keep the pace of play moving but don’t need to be skilled players. Some courses even offer free play to other employees, like maintenance crew or pro shop attendants. That bears repeating. If you want to play for free, work at a course.
Not interested in a part-time job? Play late instead. You’ll find twilight rates for late-day tee times at a significant discount. You might not finish 18 holes, but you’ll pay much less per hole. Additionally, signing up for newsletters or checking sites like Groupon can land you last-minute deals and discounts on green fees.
Final Thoughts
So what about travel? If you have a little travel money and want to take your clubs on the road, there are still budget-friendly ways to enjoy the big golf destinations. Florida is a golf haven, and while famous courses can cost a fortune, there are plenty of municipal gems in places like Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville where you can play for under fifty dollars.
Arizona is another hotspot. Scottsdale has luxury resorts, but nearby Phoenix offers plenty of affordable courses, especially if you book afternoon tee times. Myrtle Beach is known as the golf capital of the United States, but you can find great twilight deals or play at less touristy courses inland for half the price. Even in places like California or Las Vegas, you can look for city-run courses and off-peak specials to enjoy golf without draining your wallet.
You don’t need to be rich to play golf. With a bit of research and strategy, you can get on the course, have fun, and improve your game without financial stress. Whether it’s buying used clubs, finding cheap courses, or working part-time at a course, budget-friendly golf is within your reach. Follow these tips and start enjoying golf today without the hefty price tag.
Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni. He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.
