Timing is Everything | Is Now the Best Time to Book Your Next Round?

The Best Days, Times, and Seasons to Book Tee Times and Save Money Playing Golf

Let’s be real—golf can get pretty expensive, especially if you’re playing regularly. But what if I told you there are certain days, times, and even seasons where you can snag a tee time for way less? Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an early bird trying to fit in a quick round before work, there’s always a smart way to save some cash. And the best part? It all comes down to timing.

Here’s your guide to finding the best days of the week, times of day, and even times of year to book your next round for less. Plus, I’ll throw in a few course recommendations you might want to check out, no matter where you’re golfing!

Best Days of the Week to Book Tee Times

When it comes to saving money, the biggest factor is what day of the week you’re playing. You probably guessed it—weekends are the most expensive. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to score deals during the week.

• Monday through Thursday: Most courses offer their best deals on weekdays, especially Mondays and Tuesdays. These are generally quieter days, so courses drop their rates to fill up those tee sheets. If you can sneak away from work or have a flexible schedule, this is prime time for discounted rounds.

• Wednesday Afternoons: Some courses have “Twilight Rates” on Wednesdays starting after 2 PM, so you can play a few holes for a fraction of the regular price.

• Fridays (Early Morning or Twilight): Fridays can be hit or miss. Some courses jack up their prices as the weekend approaches, but if you go for an early morning tee time or wait until twilight hours, you can still find a solid deal.

Pro Tip:

Many courses have their own “deal day,” like a local special on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Check out your favorite courses and sign up for their email newsletters to stay in the loop on any weekday deals.

Best Times of Day to Save on Golf

If you don’t mind adjusting your schedule a bit, the time of day can make a huge difference when it comes to saving money on your tee time.

• Early Morning (Before 8 AM): Some courses offer a “Sunrise Rate” if you’re willing to get up early. You can often get 9 or even 18 holes in before your day really starts, and you’ll be playing for way less than during peak hours.

• Twilight or Super Twilight (After 3 PM): Twilight rates are the sweet spot for golfers who don’t mind squeezing in fewer holes for a lower price. Super Twilight (usually after 4 or 5 PM) is an even better deal. You might not finish 18, but you’ll definitely get some holes in and keep more cash in your wallet.

• Late Afternoon (1 PM - 3 PM): This is what I like to call the "in-between" time. It’s after the morning rush but before the evening twilight rates kick in. While not as cheap as twilight, these times are usually more affordable than mid-morning or midday slots.

Best Times of Year to Book Tee Times

The time of year you play can also have a huge impact on prices, but it can vary based on where you’re located. Here’s a quick breakdown by region:

• Southern States (Florida, Arizona, California): Summer is typically the off-season in warmer states, so if you don’t mind playing in the heat, this is when you’ll find the best deals. Winter is peak season in these areas, so prices will be higher as snowbirds flock to the courses.

• Northern States (Michigan, New York, Illinois): Summer is prime time for golf up north, so expect higher rates between June and August. However, you can get some great deals in the spring (April/May) and fall (September/October) when the weather is still nice but the crowds are smaller.

• Mountain States (Colorado, Utah, Nevada): In these regions, late spring and early fall are your best bets for deals. Summer is busy, but if you can book in the shoulder seasons (late April/May or September/October), you’ll save some money.

Pro Tip:

Many courses offer seasonal specials, so be sure to check their websites or apps regularly. Winter golf can be a steal in the southern states, while northern golfers can enjoy discounts in the fall.

Regional Course Recommendations for Golf Deals

If you’re looking for specific courses that offer great deals, here are a few you might want to check out. Most of these courses have frequent discounts or offer special twilight or weekday rates.

• Florida:

  • Eagle Creek Golf Club in Orlando offers great summer deals, especially for twilight rounds.
  • Doral Golf Resort in Miami has dynamic pricing, so you can snag lower rates on weekdays.

• Arizona:

  • Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale is one of the best in Arizona, and they offer excellent twilight rates.
  • The Boulders Club in Carefree, AZ, also offers big discounts in the summer months when the heat keeps most golfers away.

• California:

  • Torrey Pines in San Diego is a must-play, and if you can book a weekday afternoon round, you’ll save a chunk of change.
  • Pebble Beach, while pricey, occasionally offers last-minute deals during their off-season. It’s worth checking their website frequently.

• Michigan:

  • Arcadia Bluffs in Northern Michigan offers great spring and fall rates when the crowds are lighter.
  • Forest Dunes is another gem in Michigan, with midweek discounts and early fall specials.

• Colorado:

  • Red Sky Golf Club in Vail offers discounted rates in the shoulder seasons (early spring and late fall), so keep an eye out for those deals.
  • Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden is known for its affordable twilight rates.

Saving money on golf is all about timing—whether it’s the day of the week, time of day, or time of year. If you’re flexible, there are plenty of opportunities to find golf deals and book tee times for less. So next time you’re itching to hit the course, try aiming for those early mornings, weekday rounds, or off-season months—you might just find yourself enjoying a great round of golf without breaking the bank.

And don’t forget to check out the specific courses mentioned above to see what kind of deals they’re offering. Happy golfing!