Looking to book a round of golf with your friends? Booking a tee time might seem like a no-brainer, but trust me, there’s a strategy to it. And let’s be honest, sometimes it can be a real pain in the neck. That’s why we put together this golf tee times guide to use as your cheat sheet to finding cheap tee times, avoiding crowds, and getting on those dream courses.
Table of Contents
- What’s a Golf Tee Time Anyway?
- Booking Your Tee Time with TeeTime Golf Pass (and Why You Should)
- Step-by-Step Booking Guide (Easy Peasy)
- Prime Time: When to Book for the Best Experience
- Snagging Tee Times at Legendary Courses
- Tee Time Stats: Numbers You Should Know
- FAQs
What’s a Golf Tee Time Anyway?
Think of a tee time like calling dibs on a golf course. It’s your reservation, your time slot to tee off and enjoy your round. When you search “tee times near me,” you’re basically looking for courses in your area with open slots. Tee times keep things organized on the golf course, prevent overcrowding, and let you plan your day.
I had a friend that was a member at a private golf course and they had what was, in my opinion, a brutal way to book tee times. This was pre-COVID of course, but you just showed up, and everyone in your two-some, four-some or whatever, had to be there in-person, and then, and only-then would they give you a tee time! It was nuts. You could show up at 8 am on a Friday and then find out you don’t tee off until noon.
They’ve now changed to a lottery system, where you submit a few times and get given one based on the lottery results, but it took COVID for them to change it. Imagine paying all the money to join a private golf club and not knowing what time you could play?
Booking Your Tee Times
Booking a golf tee time is similar to booking a hotel. You can call around to the different places and ask them each separately about their availability, pricing, amenities etc. That seems like it’d take a looooong time, and that’s why websites like Expedia and Hotels.com exist. The golf industry has tee time apps, like TeeTime Golf Pass, that you can use to save time.
Here’s why you should use them:
- Beat the Booking Frustration: Finding tee times can be a real headache, especially at popular courses. Booking apps helps you find available tee times quickly and easily.
- Save Some Green: Golf can be expensive, but TeeTime Golf Pass hooks you up with exclusive deals at tons of courses, so you can play more without breaking the bank.
- No More Hidden Fees: Tired of surprise booking fees? Some apps helps you avoid those by showing you the real cost upfront.
Step-by-Step Booking Guide (Easy Peasy)
Here’s how you can use TeeTime Golf Pass to book tee times:
- Become a Member: Grab a TeeTime Golf Pass membership (digital or print) depending on where you want to play golf as we have five regional golf passes. or you can get all our courses, and all our deals with the Super Pass.
- Find Your Course: Search for golf courses near you (“tee times near me”) or anywhere you want to play.
- Browse Deals: TeeTime Golf Pass has exclusive deals.
- Date and Time: Weekdays and twilight hours are usually your best bet for lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Book Directly: Once you’ve found your perfect tee time and deal, book it directly with the course. Confirm your booking and make sure you understand any cancellation policies. Some golf courses and platforms charge fees if you cancel too late.
- Set a Reminder: Mark your calendar so you don’t miss your tee time!
- Show Up and Save: Show your TeeTime Golf Pass at the course and enjoy the savings!
Prime Time: When to Book for the Best Experience
Want to avoid the crowds and save some cash? Aim for off-peak hours. Weekday afternoons or those twilight rounds are usually the sweet spot. If weekends are your only option, book an early morning slot to beat the rush – but keep in mind your more likely to have to pay up for that prime time.
Snagging Tee Times at Legendary Courses (Yes, It’s Possible!)
If you’re just starting out golfing you may not have your bucket list of courses you just have to play. But for many golfers their list is full of iconic, historically important and famous courses like St. Andrews or Pebble Beach. Well if you want to secure a tee time at courses like those, it takes a bit more planning, but it’s definitely doable:
St. Andrews (The Old Course):
To book a tee time at St. Andrews, there are a few ways to snag that coveted tee time:
1. The Advanced Reservation Ballot:
- Timing is Key: Applications for advanced tee times open in late August for the following year. You’ll need to act fast!
- Gather Your Group: You can apply as a single golfer or a group of 2-4 players.
- Handicap Requirements: Make sure everyone in your group has a valid handicap certificate (men need a handicap of 24 or lower, ladies 36 or lower).
- Submit Your Application: Fill out the online application form with your preferred dates and group details.
- Cross Your Fingers: If you’re successful, you’ll be notified and asked to confirm your booking.
2. The Daily Ballot:
- Last-Minute Luck: If you haven’t booked in advance, you can try your luck in the daily ballot.
- 48-Hour Window: The ballot is drawn 48 hours before the day of play.
- Apply Online or In Person: Submit your details online, by phone, or at one of the St Andrews clubhouses.
- Group Size: You need a minimum of two players and a maximum of four to enter the ballot.
3. Single Golfer Walk-On:
- Solo Mission: If you’re flying solo, you might be able to snag a tee time by showing up early and putting your name on the singles list.
- Availability Varies: This option depends on cancellations and no-shows, so it’s not guaranteed.
- Be Prepared to Wait: You might have to wait a while, but it could be worth it to play the Old Course!
4. Authorized Providers:
- Package Deals: Several authorized providers offer packages that include guaranteed Old Course tee times, accommodation, and other golf experiences.
- Convenience but Higher Cost: This is a convenient option but typically comes at a higher price.
Tips for Success:
- Apply Early: The earlier you apply for the advanced ballot, the better your chances.
- Be Flexible: If your dates are flexible, you’ll have more options.
- Consider Shoulder Seasons: Tee times are easier to get during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall).
- Check for Cancellations: Keep an eye on the St Andrews website for any last-minute cancellations.
Pebble Beach:
Here’s the lowdown on how to secure your spot at Pebble Beach:
1. The Resort Guest Advantage:
- Stay and Play: The easiest way to guarantee a Pebble Beach tee time is to be a guest at the resort.
- Book Early: Resort guests can book tee times up to 18 months in advance! So, if you’re planning a Pebble Beach pilgrimage, start planning early.
- Choose Your Accommodation: There are several options within the resort, including The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, and Casa Palmero.
2. The Non-Guest Challenge:
- Limited Availability: If you’re not staying at the resort, you can still try to book a tee time, but your options are much more limited.
- 24-Hour Window: Non-resort guests can only book tee times 24 hours in advance.
- Persistence is Key: Keep checking for openings, as cancellations do happen.
3. Authorized Providers:
- Package Deals: Similar to St Andrews, there are authorized providers who offer packages that include guaranteed Pebble Beach tee times, accommodation, and other golf experiences.
- Convenience but Higher Cost: This can be a convenient way to secure a tee time, but it will likely be more expensive.
Tips for Success:
- Plan Ahead: Whether you’re staying at the resort or not, planning well in advance is crucial.
- Be Flexible: If your travel dates are flexible, you’ll have a better chance of finding a tee time.
- Consider Weekdays: Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, so you might have more luck.
- Call Early: If you’re trying to book as a non-guest, call the resort early in the morning on the day before your desired tee time.
Decoding Dynamic Pricing: How to Save Money on Your Tee Times
Ever noticed how airline ticket prices seem to change constantly? Well, golf courses are catching on to this strategy too and it’s called dynamic pricing. It basically means that tee time prices go up or down based on demand. Think about it: a prime-time tee time on a sunny Saturday morning is going to be in high demand, so the price will be higher. But that same tee time on a rainy Tuesday afternoon? Probably much cheaper. Golf courses can adjust pricing in real-time to match demand. And some of the tee time booking technology is becoming really advanced. They can even incorporate weather forecasts. If it looks like its going to rain tomorrow, it can drop the green fees by 20% to drive and increase the demand. But this also means you can snag some serious deals if you’re flexible with your tee time!
Here’s how to use dynamic pricing to your advantage:
- Be a Weekday Warrior: Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, so you’ll often find lower prices.
- Embrace the Twilight: Twilight rounds (late afternoon/early evening) are often discounted tee times, and you might get to enjoy a beautiful sunset on the course.
- Keep an Eye on the Weather: Rainy days can lead to lower prices, so if you don’t mind a little drizzle, you can score a deal.
- Book in Advance (Sometimes): For popular courses, booking in advance can lock in a good price before it goes up due to high demand.
- Use TeeTime Golf Pass: TeeTime Golf Pass can help you find golf course discounts to find the best deals available.
Pace of Play: Why Tee Time Intervals Matter
No one wants to feel rushed on the golf course, or worse, stuck behind a slow group. That’s where tee time intervals come in. This refers to the amount of time between tee times. “Finding the sweet spot between maximizing tee times and ensuring a good pace of play is crucial,” says PGA Professional and course manager, Frank Cordeiro. He encourages courses to carefully analyze their capacity and adjust tee time intervals accordingly.
Think of it like traffic flow on a highway. If cars are too close together, things get congested and slow. The same goes for golfers on a course. Shorter tee time intervals (like 6-8 minutes) often lead to backups and frustration. A study by the National Golf Foundation found that courses that increased their tee time intervals from 8 to 10 minutes saw a 15% increase in golfer satisfaction and a 10% reduction in round times. That’s a win-win!
Here’s what you can do:
- Look for Courses with Longer Intervals: When booking a tee time, consider courses that prioritize pace of play and have longer tee time intervals (10-12 minutes) for a more enjoyable experience.
- Be a Courteous Golfer: Do your part to keep the pace moving by being ready to play when it’s your turn, keeping up with the group in front of you, and playing “ready golf” when appropriate.
Tee Time Stats: Numbers You Should Know
- Online Booking is Growing (But Not Everywhere): As of 2022, 40.1% of public golf courses in the U.S. still don’t offer online booking.
- Reviews Matter: More than 50% of golfers check online reviews before booking, check out Google Reviews before you book a course.
- Tee Times are Hot Commodities: Over 35% of golfers find it tough to get a tee time. With TeeTime Golf Pass, you can access exclusive deals and increase your chances of getting the tee time you want.
- Cancellations Happen: About 20% of tee times get canceled. Be flexible and you might snag a last-minute deal.
- Where are Tee Times Hottest? Florida, California, Texas, Arizona, and New York are the states with the most tee time action.
Booking tee times doesn’t have to be a headache. You can find great deals, avoid the crowds, and play the courses you’ve always dreamed of. Ready to start saving on your next round? Sign up for TeeTime Golf Pass today!.
FAQs
Q: How do I find cheap golf tee times?
A: You can use a tee time app that gives you access to exclusive deals and helps you find the best prices. You can also look for twilight rates, weekday deals, and be flexible with your tee time.
Q: Why is it so hard to find a tee time these days?
A: Golf is more popular than ever! Post-COVID golf courses are super busy but you can still find tee times at those hidden gems and less crowded courses.
Q: When is the best time to book a tee time to avoid slow play and crowds?
A: Avoid peak times (weekends and mornings). Weekday afternoons and twilight hours are usually less crowded. Also, look for courses with longer tee time intervals (10-12 minutes).
Q: How do I book tee times at those super popular courses everyone talks about?
A: It takes planning! For courses like Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, you often need to book months in advance or try your luck with a lottery system. Check out the section above in the article for more details.
Q: Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
A: Some booking platforms have booking fees or cancellation fees. With TeeTime Golf Pass, you’ll have transparent pricing information, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Q: How far in advance can I book a tee time?
A: It varies from course to course. Some courses allow you to book weeks or even months in advance, while others have a shorter booking window. TeeTime Golf Pass can help you find courses with longer booking windows so you can plan your rounds ahead of time.
Q: How much does it cost to book a tee time?
A: That’s the million-dollar question (sometimes literally, if you’re playing Pebble Beach)! Tee time prices vary wildly depending on the course, time of day, day of the week, and even the weather. You might snag a twilight round for $20, or you could be shelling out hundreds for a prime-time slot at a championship course. We can help you find golf course discounts helps you find the best deals by offering exclusive discounts and highlighting affordable courses.
Q: Can you book a tee time the day of?
A: Absolutely! You’d be surprised how often people cancel their tee times. This creates opportunities for those who are flexible. Keep an eye out for last-minute deals and you might just snag a prime-time slot at a bargain price.
Q: Can I book a tee time online with TeeTime Golf Pass?
A: While TeeTime Golf Pass doesn’t have online booking functionality yet (we’re working on it!), it still makes it super easy to book your tee time. We provide you with all the info you need – course contact details, available deals, and tee time information – so you can quickly call the course and book your round. In the meantime, check out our golf course directory to find courses near you.
