The Frugal Golfer has a new feature: a database of golf discount cards covering the U.S. and Canada. You can check it out here.
It's that time of year. If you haven't already, you'll want to purchase golf discount cards for the area that you live, as well as where you expect to vacation along with your golf clubs.
The discount cards (which sometimes are also physical books, websites, or smartphone apps) can save you a pile of money if you're a golfer who plays a lot. As you peruse our database, you'll see a lot of variety. Some deals are so-so and probably not worth your money, while others are great and you'd be foolish not to buy one.
Here are some things to look for as you consider buying a golf discount card:
Free golf, but is there a catch?
As I was compiling the discount-card database, I noted a lot of programs that offer free greens fees. Generally, these programs charge a higher annual fee than ones that only offer discounted fees. Look closely at the details with "free" rounds. Many cards will give you one round at a variety of courses, but you'll have to pay a cart fee (even if you choose to walk).
For example, the Omaha Golf Card (Nebraska) costs $139.95 and offers free golf at 19 area courses. But you're required to rent a cart: $16 per rider on weekdays, $20 on weekends and holidays.
Some cards don't appear to have a catch. In Minnesota, the Tee It Up card ($159) offers a free round including a cart at 7 courses in the Minneapolis region.
Compare cards' discounted rates with regular walking rates
If you're a golfer who prefers to walk, check to see if the card requires you to pay for a cart, and if that is lower than a course's standard walking rate. For example, the Colorado Green Saver card ($49) offers a variety of discounts depending on the course. Its offer for the Buffalo Run Golf Course, for example, is $50 on weekdays for 18 holes including cart. A non-resident who wishes to walk would be better off paying the normal $40 walking rate.
Note the day/time restrictions
If you work Monday-Friday and play mostly on weekends, look carefully at time restrictions for a card's discounts and free rounds. Most allow weekday play and weekends/holidays after noon. Does that work for you? Also, look for blackout dates.
Check for reservation restrictions
I noticed some cards that specify that you must call the course for a tee time. Online reservations aren't always allowed to get the discount or free round promised. Be aware of a card's rules.
Are you a senior golfer?
Most cards that offer discounted rounds calculate the fee you'll pay based on regular greens fees. If you're over 60 and qualify for senior discounts at most golf courses, make sure that the discount card's deal is better than that. I did find a handful of cards that take this into account and offer better deals for seniors – but that's rare.
Order early
Some golf discount cards sell out – especially the ones with the best offers – so order early in the year. For example, the West Michigan Golf Pass ($199) was sold out at this writing (March 2024). That's no surprise. It offers a free round with cart at 17 golf courses.
Other cards don't typically sell out, so later in the year they'll start dropping their prices, since the card can only be used through year-end.
Buy a card before going on a golf vacation?
If you're planning a trip to a popular golfing destination (Hawaii; Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Mesquite, Nevada), you might save money by buying a discount card. Florida's Suncoast Golf Trail Membership ($69.95) offers discounts mostly between $10-$20 over standard course rates. Will you play enough on your vacation to make that worthwhile?
Maybe you won't benefit from a discount card
If you tend to play the same course(s) over and over, you might be better offer buying a discount card just for your home course; many offer them. Or if you live in a city that has a multi-course discount program – something like the Tucson City Card ($109), which covers Tucson's municipal courses – buy into that.
Read the fine print
Nearly every golf discount card is a little bit different, so before you give them your money, read over the rules carefully. Know what you're buying into.