When to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck at U.S. Bucket List Courses

If you’re keen on playing the best golf courses in the United States, one of the biggest hurdles is the cost. While there are a ton of world-class public courses, the word “public” doesn’t necessarily translate to affordability. Sure, you have access, but if the green fee is $500 per round, it might just not make sense to play, even if you can travel to the course. Plus, green fees only apply if you can actually get a tee time in the first place. 

In-season tee times are extremely difficult to come by, especially ones at a good price, so if you’re a bargain hunter who still wants to play some of the nation’s best tracks, these are some tips on making it happen. (Hint: It’s not during peak season.)

Aim for the Shoulder Seasons

Don’t get stuck thinking that the year consists solely of in-season/off-season. When you want to get the best bang for your buck, look to the shoulder season for deals that you will never find in-season without all of the drawbacks of visiting a course in the off-season. Think late winter or late fall — times when you can get the last vestiges of pleasant weather before courses close or go into maintenance mode. For places where the summers are hot, May or September might actually be the best time to go.

Visit the Carolinas in the Winter

One of the most sought-after golf destinations in America is the Carolinas. The abundance of beautiful courses, all-around decent weather and accessibility make for a golf trip to remember. The only problem is, everyone knows it. However, you might be able to save a few bucks if you visit during the holiday season and winter. We like to book our trips in December, January and February, solving multiple problems at once: the humid season has ended and most of the world has their mind on other things. It’s the perfect break from a cold northern winter, if you ask us. 

The Desert Is Calling — In May and September

Palm Springs and Arizona are two of the country’s hottest golf destinations: literally. Temperatures skyrocket in the summer, making golf nearly impossible, but that doesn’t mean you’re SOL if you can’t go in the winter. Visiting Palm Springs or the Phoenix area during their shoulder seasons, which fall between spring and summer and between fall and winter, is the way to go. Prices drop as temperatures rise but if you straddle the line between hot and SUPER hot, you can carve out a nice little trip without breaking the bank.

Florida Summers Aren’t That Hot

Ok, so summer in Florida is really hot but not so hot that you can’t still get out and play golf. This is the best time to find deals on tee times so, if you really want to play some of the country’s best courses when nobody else is around, brave the heat and take a trip to Florida in June or July. Pack your water bottles, cooling towels and breeziest polos! You’re headed to Florida! Just be sure to book before courses go into summer maintenance mode.

Push Back Happy Hour

Regardless of the season, being flexible with your tee times is an excellent way to save a few bucks. If you don’t mind pushing back your trip to the bar, booking late-afternoon tee times can be a great way to save if you have to plan your trip for the peak season. In some cases, green fees drop by half in twilight hours. Plus, fewer golfers on the course means less waiting around between shots, resulting in a much more pleasant experience.