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Tee times around me: How to find the best options
⦁ 17 min read
Brooke Brooke

Tee times around me: How to find the best options

Looking for the best tee times near you doesn't have to be a hassle. Here's a quick guide to help you find and book the perfect spot for your next golf game:

  • Use Golf Booking Platforms: Websites like GolfNow and TeeOff show available tee times at various courses, making it easy to compare options.
  • Check Local Golf Courses: Their websites and apps often offer exclusive deals and member-only times.
  • Play During Off-Peak Hours: Twilight and weekdays can offer lower rates and more availability.
  • Sign Up for Alerts: Get notifications for new tee times and special deals directly in your inbox or through apps.
  • Engage with Social Media and Golf Groups: Stay updated on last-minute openings and discounts.
  • Utilize Filters on Booking Sites: Narrow down your search based on location, time, price, and more for better results.

By following these steps, you can easily find and book tee times that fit your schedule and budget, ensuring more time on the green and less time worrying about arrangements.

Why Tee Times Matter

Here's why booking a tee time is a good idea:

  • Avoid crowds - Golf courses can only handle so many people at once. Tee times help spread everyone out.

  • Keep the game moving - Scheduled start times mean groups aren't bumping into each other. This keeps the game flowing smoothly.

  • Plan your day - With a tee time, you know exactly when you'll start, so you can plan the rest of your day easily.

  • Helps the course make money - When you book in advance, the golf course knows it's got players coming and can count on that income.

How Tee Times Work

Every day, golf courses update a list showing when players can start their rounds. You can check this list online or call the course to pick a time that works for you.

Some times are kept just for members or special groups, and a few might be left open for walk-ins. The most sought-after times go quickly, so it's smart to book early.

Getting a Tee Time

To grab a good tee time, here's what you can do:

  • Book early - The sooner you book, the more choices you'll have. Try to plan at least a month ahead if you can.

  • Be flexible - Sometimes, you might need to choose a different time to play at your favorite course. Off-peak times can be a good option.

  • Use online booking - Sites like GolfNow let you see what tee times are available near you all in one place. This makes it easy to find a tee time without having to call around.

  • Join waitlists - If the time you want is already taken, getting on a waitlist means you'll be the first to know if a spot opens up.

Understanding how to work with tee times makes it simpler to book your next game. Knowing when courses are usually busy can also help you plan better.

Step 1: Utilize Dedicated Golf Booking Platforms

Using websites like Guarantee Time, GolfNow, and Supreme Golf can make finding and booking tee times much easier. These sites show you all the golf courses near you, let you compare times and prices, and let you book a spot right away.

Comparison Table: Quick look at what each golf booking platform offers

Platform Instant Booking Continuous Booking Rewards Program Mobile App
Guarantee Time
GolfNow
Supreme Golf

Websites like Guarantee Time, GolfNow, and Supreme Golf help you book tee times quickly and easily.

Here's why they're helpful:

  • Instant booking - Lets you book your tee time right away, making sure you get the spot you want.
  • Continuous booking - Tells you when new tee times become available if someone cancels, so you can grab them fast.
  • Rewards programs - Some sites give you points for booking with them, which you can use for free games or golf stuff.
  • Mobile apps - Let you find and book tee times easily from your phone, which is great when you're not at home.

These sites gather all the golf course options in one place, making it easy to find what you're looking for. You can search by things like:

  • Date/time you want to play
  • Course name
  • How far it is from you
  • Price
  • How many people are playing
  • How often tee times are available (like every 8 minutes)

This means you can quickly find tee times that fit what you need.

With instant booking, you don't have to wait to see if the golf course says it's okay. You just choose your time and book it.

And with alerts for new openings, you'll know right away if a time you want becomes available because someone else canceled. This way, you can book it before anyone else even knows it's free.

So, using these golf booking sites can save you time and make sure you get to play when and where you want.

Step 2: Explore Local Golf Courses' Websites and Apps

Looking at the websites and apps of nearby golf courses is a smart way to find and book tee times. Here's why it works well:

Exclusive Deals and Offers

Local golf courses might have special deals you can only get through their websites or apps. These deals could include:

  • Lower prices for playing at less busy times
  • Offers to play more rounds for free
  • Points for playing that you can swap for free games
  • Discounts for people playing there for the first time
  • Coupon codes to save money when you book

By checking the course's own site or app, you can find these special deals. This means you can play more golf for less money.

Access Members-Only Times

If you're a member of a golf club, you can book times to play that are just for members. These times are usually the best ones that fill up fast.

Being a member lets you book these times before anyone else. This way, you get to pick from the best tee times that others might not even know about.

Easier Communication

Booking directly with the golf course means you can easily talk to them if you need to. You can call, email, or message them if you have questions or need to change your booking.

This direct contact makes it simpler to handle your booking, especially if your plans change.

Tee Time Alerts

Some golf courses let you set up notifications for when new tee times are available. If a tee time opens up because someone canceled, you'll know right away.

This means you can book a tee time quickly before anyone else does. Getting alerts directly from the golf course is the quickest way to find out about new openings.

Looking at golf courses' websites and apps can give you more options for booking tee times. You'll find good deals, easier ways to talk to the course, and quick alerts for new tee times.

Step 3: Consider Off-Peak Hours for Better Deals

Playing golf when it's not too busy can help you save money and find times to play more easily. Here's how to make the most of off-peak hours:

Play Twilight Golf

Twilight golf means playing later in the day, usually after 3 or 4pm. Here's why it's a good idea:

  • Cheaper rates - You can often play for much less than during busy times. It's a great way to save.
  • More tee times available - With fewer people wanting to play, it's easier to pick when you want to go.
  • Fewer players on the course - With less people around, you can move through the course faster.
  • Cooler temperatures - It's not as hot late in the day, making it more comfortable to play.

Playing later can be a smart move if you're okay with starting your game in the afternoon.

Take Advantage of Weekdays

Playing on a weekday instead of the weekend can also save you money and hassle:

  • Lower rates - It usually costs less to play during the week.
  • Easier to book - With fewer people trying to play, you'll find more open times.
  • Faster play - Less crowded means you can finish your rounds quicker.
  • Extra discounts - Some places offer special deals if you play often on weekdays.

If you can swing it, playing on a weekday is a good deal.

Join Loyalty Programs

Lots of golf courses have programs that give regular players things like:

  • Cheaper playing fees
  • Free extra rounds
  • Money to spend in the golf shop
  • Invites to special games

Being in these programs can make playing golf cost less over time.

Monitor the Weather

Keep an eye on the weather forecast. On days with iffy weather, like rain or heat, fewer people play golf.

If you're willing to take a chance on the weather, you might snag a last-minute time to play because others have canceled. This can be a way to play for less.

Choosing less busy times to play golf can help you save money and make booking easier. Try playing in the late afternoon, on weekdays, joining loyalty programs, and watching the weather for the best deals.

Step 4: Sign Up for Alerts and Newsletters

Signing up for email alerts from golf courses and tee time booking sites is a smart move if you want to catch open tee times and get deals. Here's why it's helpful:

Get Notified of Cancellations

Sometimes people cancel their tee times, and those slots open up. If you're on the alert list, you'll hear about it first. This means you can quickly go online and book that time for yourself.

Find Out About Specials

Golf courses and booking sites often offer discounts or special deals, like:

  • Cheaper prices for playing later in the day
  • Coupons for cheaper or even free rounds of golf
  • Points for playing that you can use for free stuff later
  • Deals for first-timers at a course

By getting emails, you'll always know about the best deals going on. This can help you save money on your next round of golf.

Get Reminders to Book Early

For popular times, like weekend mornings, courses often remind people on their email list to book early. This is super handy because it means you can book your spot before everyone else.

Hear About Members-Only Offers

Sometimes, there are special deals just for people who get the newsletters or are part of a loyalty program. These aren't usually advertised to everyone.

By getting the emails, you won't miss out on these exclusive deals that can give you cheaper golf or other cool perks.

Customize Alerts

On some websites, you can choose to get alerts about specific courses or times. You can also pick how you want to be contacted - like through email, text, or a notification on your phone.

This means you'll only get alerts that matter to you, without any extra noise.

Signing up for newsletters and alerts is easy and can really help you find and book the best tee times without a lot of effort.

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Step 5: Use Social Media and Golf Groups

Using social media and joining golf groups online can help you find good tee times and deals. Here's how:

Get Alerts for New Tee Times

Golf places often post on social media when they have a last-minute opening. If you see these posts early, you can book these times before others.

Make sure you get notifications from the golf places you like, so you don't miss out on these posts.

Look for Deals and Discounts

Golf courses also share special prices and deals on their pages. These might include:

  • Cheaper prices for playing later in the day
  • Free cart use with your game
  • Free games when you bring friends
  • Points for playing often

By keeping an eye on social media, you'll always know about the latest deals.

Ask for Advice and Share Tips

Online golf groups let you talk to other players. You can ask for:

  • Advice on easy courses for beginners
  • What gear to buy
  • How to get better at playing
  • Tips on finding tee times when it's busy

Other players are usually happy to share what they know.

Connect and Make Friends

Being in golf groups also helps you meet people who love golf. You can share your best moments, show off your best shots, or plan to play together.

Golf is more fun when you have friends to share it with. It's not just about playing; it's about having a good time together.

Using social media and joining groups can make golf more enjoyable, help you save money, and find better tee times.

Step 6: Make Use of Filters and Search Options

When you're looking to book a tee time online, using filters on booking sites can really help you find what you're looking for. Think of filters like tools that help you quickly find the best tee times available near you. Here's how to use them:

Common Filters: Location, Start Time, Price Range, Distance, Golfers, Holes, Rate Types.

Here's what you can filter by:

  • Location - Pick where you want to play, like close to home or somewhere new.
  • Start time - Choose when you want to start, like morning or afternoon.
  • Price range - Set how much you want to spend.
  • Distance - Look for courses within a certain distance from you.
  • Golfers - Select if you're booking for just yourself or more people.
  • Holes - Decide if you want to play a short game (9 holes) or a full round (18 holes).
  • Rate types - Find deals for different players, like seniors or military.

By using these filters, you can narrow down your search to exactly what you're looking for. For example, you might want to find morning tee times for under $50, close to where you live.

Adjust and Refine For Best Results

Start with a broad search, like just the date and place. Then add more filters to get more specific. Here are some tips:

  • If you don't find what you're looking for, try being less specific with your filters, like expanding the distance.
  • You can sort your results to see the most popular or recommended options first.
  • Save your search settings so you can quickly check again later for new tee times.

It's all about trying different filters to see what works best for you. Once you have your filters set up right, you'll only see tee times that fit what you're looking for, making it easier to book the perfect spot.

Using filters might take a little extra time at first, but it makes finding the right tee time much quicker in the end. You won't have to look through options that don't match what you want, and you can book your tee time faster.

Additional Tips for Booking Tee Times

Here are some more tips to make booking tee times easier:

Book Well in Advance

Try to book your game 2-4 weeks early. This way, you have more options to choose from. For weekend mornings, book even earlier, like a month ahead, because those times are popular and fill up fast.

Consider 9-Hole Rounds

If you don't have much time or just want a quick game, think about booking a 9-hole round. These are usually easier to get and take less time to play. Plus, they often cost less.

Check Cancellation Policies

Always look at the golf course's rules for canceling. This helps you know:

  • The last day you can cancel without a fee
  • If you can get your money back or a credit for canceling
  • How to cancel, like online or by phone

Knowing these rules means you won't worry about losing money if you need to change your plans.

Use Coupons and Discounts

Search for coupons and promo codes online or in local magazines. These can give you discounts like:

  • 10-20% off your booking
  • Free stuff like range balls or club rentals
  • Points to earn free rounds of golf

Using coupons helps you save money and get more from your bookings.

Conclusion

Finding a good tee time doesn't have to be hard. Here's what you should remember:

  • Websites like Guarantee Time and GolfNow make it easy to see when you can play golf. They tell you right away if there are spots open and let you book with your phone.

  • Don't forget to look at golf courses' own websites and apps. They might have special deals or times only for members. They can also send you alerts about new times to play.

  • Playing golf when it's not so busy, like in the late afternoon or on weekdays, can save you money and you'll find more open times.

  • Joining email lists from golf courses and booking sites is smart. They send you updates about new deals or if a time becomes available because someone else couldn't make it.

  • Talking to other golfers online can help too. They can give you tips on booking and you might make new friends to play golf with.

  • When looking for a tee time online, use options to narrow down your search. You can pick things like where you want to play, how much you want to spend, and what time you want to start.

By trying these tips, you'll have a better chance of finding a good place to play golf near you. Once you book a time, enjoy your game and work on getting better!

What is the best app to schedule tee times?

The GolfNow App is really popular among golfers for finding and booking tee times at lots of golf courses. It's free to use and comes with helpful features like a GPS for the course, a way to keep your score, and tips to improve your game after you play. It's easy to use for booking tee times and finding good deals.

How can I save money on tee times?

  • Look for times later in the day when it's cheaper, usually after 2pm
  • Consider playing 9 holes instead of 18 if you're tight on time
  • Visit course websites for special deals and to join their rewards programs
  • Skip the busy weekend morning slots to avoid high prices
  • Check out GolfNow Hot Deals for discounts up to 30% off

How do you show up for a tee time?

  • Get to the course about 30 minutes early to check in
  • Go to the golf shop or the first tee to let them know you're there
  • Talk to the starter to see if the schedule is on track
  • Use any extra time to warm up, practice putting, and get your head in the game

Is GolfPass the same as GolfNow?

Yes, your free GolfNow account is linked with GolfPass. You use the same login for both. Here's how they're different:

  • GolfNow - Focuses on booking tee times and finding deals
  • GolfPass - Offers video lessons, discounts on gear

Your account lets you earn points and access special offers on both platforms, making your golf experience better all around.