Travelling to play golf can be expensive, yet there are ways to keep costs down.
The holiday season is upon us and you’re probably about to see golf trips everywhere on social media but you’re stuck at home. Money is tight this year.
While golf travel can be expensive, there are numerous strategies to manage costs effectively. Understanding the points below can help in planning a golf trip that balances the desire for quality golf experiences with financial considerations.
Book early: Generally, the earlier you book, the cheaper the flights and accommodation are. Pay special attention to cancellation policies, though. In some circumstances cancelling can bring significant costs but in others, you may be able to cancel at the last minute without significant penalty.
Getting there: If the destination is within driving distance, getting behind the wheel will save money on flights and any golf-club shipping fees. If you’re travelling with friends, consider hiring a minivan. A lot of these don’t require a special driver’s licence.
What to do about your clubs: Shipping your clubs can be expensive, but renting at your destination may limit equipment choices. Shipping them may be cheaper than paying for the extra weight on the airline, though. It can be a relatively easy ‘Google-task’ to determine the best option.
The courses: Not all golf courses are equal. Some are pricier than others. Maybe this time around you choose to take a domestic trip, or maybe it’s one you can drive to rather than flying, or maybe it’s an Asian or New Zealand getaway rather than Europe or USA.
Public and municipal courses are often much more affordable than private or high-end resort courses and can still provide a fantastic experience. A lot of golf is about being away from work, playing with friends and just ‘shooting for the pin’. Not every course has to be Top 100-calibre.
Some courses mandate caddie use or limit shared carts, adding to the cost, so when you book tee-times it’s worth asking if they have any particular requirements.
Peak vs non-peak: Golf trips during the colder seasons can save money. The couple of times I’ve played Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania were in the offseason and naturally you take a risk with the weather, but it does help save money. There are some courses that are almost just as nice in the cold or wet – and it adds to the memory. Weekdays, late-afternoon or twilight tee-times are often discounted. Hotels often have lower rates during off-peak seasons, too.
Golf packages: Many resorts offer bundled deals, including lodging, rounds of golf and meals, so when you’re looking at ‘destination courses’, call the course and ask if they have any preferred accommodation providers. If staying on-course is pricey, consider nearby hotels or holiday rentals instead.
Groups: Discounts for accommodation and tee-times are common for group bookings, so bring some friends. Shared accommodation isn’t for everyone, but renting a room is a great way to reduce costs and can be a bit like renting a hotel room. Sharing a golf cart or walking the course can also cut down on fees.
Use your club membership: Some memberships offer reciprocal privileges at partner courses and if there’s a course you want to play that your club doesn’t have reciprocity with, don’t be afraid to ask your club if they have any contacts at the destination course.
Meals: Budget for lunches and dinners, snacks on the course and drinks. But you can avoid purchasing expensive food and beverages at the course by bringing your own (where allowed) and consider the traditional ‘pub meal’ rather than fancy restaurants.
Miscellaneous: Souvenirs, golf gear or apparel purchased during the trip are fun, but they do add up. Don’t forget to include costs for local attractions, spas or nightlife.
Saving money on golf trips doesn’t mean compromising on fun or quality. With some planning and flexibility, you can enjoy a fantastic golf trip without breaking the bank.
For more information on Dan Corbett or Superannuation Caddie, go to supercaddie.com.au or e-mail Dan at dan@supercaddie.com.au Dan, as an authorised representative, and Super Caddie Financial Advice (t/a King of the Mountain Financial Advice), is authorised by King Of The Mountain Pty Ltd ABN 72 642 974 061 AFSL No. 524853 to provide financial advice. The above information is general advice, and you should always check that it is right for you before you rely on this to make a decision regarding your circumstances.
