Secrets to scoring last-minute tee time deals

That sudden urge to play golf hits you — the weather is fine, the fairways are calling — but the tees sheets are full, or you see the greens fee and think, “Maybe I’ll just practice my putting in the living room.”

This is where the art of hunting last-minute tee time deals comes in. It’s a special skill that's easy to learn. Master it, and you can lock in cheap golf tee times without sacrificing good courses or prime playing hours.

Here’s how to work the system so you’re winning at last-minute golf booking while everyone else is overpaying.

1. Use tee-time apps

Platforms like GolfNow, TeeOff, and Supreme Golf are where many last-minute tee time deals live.

• Check them the evening before or early the same day — that’s when prices often plunge.

• “Hot Deals” can slash prices up to 50%.

• Beware: These usually require prepaid booking and no refunds, so set an alarm unless you want to pay for a nap.

2. Call the pro shop like it’s 1999

Not every deal makes it online. Pick up the phone and ask about same-day golf specials or last-minute cancellations.

• Offer to fill any open slot within the next half-hour.

• Over time, you might become their “first call” when a tee time frees up.

If you’re polite and flexible, you can outplay most people at this part of last-minute golf booking without even opening an app.

3. To the diehard golfers go the questionable-weather tee times

If today's weather is not great (but still playable by your standards), call the pro shop and ask to fill a weather cancellation by a fair-weather group. The course will be happy to recoup otherwise-lost income. Ask for a discount rate; they'll be motivated to accept your offer.

Or look ahead. Tomorrow's forecast calling for rain, extreme heat, or chilly weather? Perfect.

• Many golfers cancel at the hint of discomfort, leaving some golf specials wide open.

• You might end up with an empty course and a great price.

  
  

4. Exploit twilight pricing

One of the most overlooked money-savers? Twilight golf tee times.

• Prices often drop sharply mid- to late-afternoon.

• In summer, you still have time for a full round.

• Bonus: Fewer people on the course means more freedom to “practice” on the course and play more than one ball.

Mixing twilight rates into your last-minute tee time deals strategy can make a big dent in your annual golf spending.

5. Follow courses on social media for hidden deals

Some courses share same-day golf specials exclusively on Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter).

• Turn on notifications so you see the post before anyone else grabs the slot.

  
  

6. Join email lists for insider access

Golf course newsletters aren’t just marketing fluff — they can hide serious cheap golf tee times.

• Watch for weekday promos or seasonal offers that aren’t posted elsewhere.

• Many courses have “members-only” email deals — free to join, easy to use.

7. Stay tee-time ready

The faster you can react, the better your odds of locking down those last-minute deals.

• Keep your bag and shoes in the car.

• Have an outfit ready to go at all times.

  
  

The bottom line

Blending apps, old-school calling, and a little opportunism can turn you into a master of last-minute discount golf booking. You’ll find cheap golf tee times, same-day golf specials, and twilight golf tee times all season long — and keep more cash for that flashy new driver.

So get your clubs ready and embrace the thrill of the hunt. The next last-minute tee time deal is out there waiting — you just have to be faster than the other bargain hunters.