How to Save Money While Learning to Golf

If you’ve found your way here, you already know you’re interested in learning to golf. I remember when I was still thinking about learning to golf, I thought it could be a lot of fun, but that I probably couldn’t afford it. Golf always seemed to me like something for people with more money to spend. On top of that, how would I know I’d even like it? I didn’t want to spend a lot of money to find out it wasn’t for me.

Over time, I figured out a number of ways to save money and learn the game. And while these strategies helped as I began golfing, they’ll pay off in the long term too – golf can be very expensive. Even now, I know I love to golf, but I’d still like to save where I can – stretching my golf dollars and letting me use those savings on things that are important to me, like lessons and trips to new courses.

1. You don’t need to join a club: find group lessons or clinics for beginners.

So, as a beginner, where should you start and what should you know? Here are some of my best (and well-tested) tips for learning to golf on a budget. 

I always thought you needed to belong to a golf course to learn – after all, where would you be able to actually golf? Turns out, many private courses offer group lessons or clinics for nonmembers at a reasonable rate. I paid $20 per group lesson during a summer clinic offered by a nearby private golf course.

Many areas also have public or municipal golf courses – courses that are owned by a local government, and available at lower rates, with further discounts for residents. I live near a municipal golf course, and while I don’t qualify for the resident rate, the non-resident rate is still much lower than other public golf courses.

Group lessons also allow you to get to know other beginner golfers. While I think individual lessons can be helpful, there’s something about learning with a group that makes your first lessons a bit less stressful. Plus, you get to see if you like the golf instructor’s approach and style at that lower group lesson rate before hiring them for an individual lesson.

Can’t figure out how to find courses near you? You can try googling golf courses around your area. Another option is to look up a local chapter of the LPGA Amateurs – there are many across the country, and they typically offer social events and lessons for amateur golfers at any level – even beginners or those new to golf.

2. Don’t buy new – look for a used set or put together your own used set.

While you can find a shiny new set of clubs at a local golf course pro shop or the nearby sporting goods store, even beginner sets can be pricey. There is no need to invest in a brand-new set of clubs when you’re learning to golf, and you can find used clubs from a number of sources.

Before looking for a set of used clubs, consider if you’ll even need them for your first few lessons. When I first began group lessons, the course had clubs to lend for those of us who didn’t have any. I found this to be really helpful, as I didn’t even have an idea about which club was which – having the golf instructor help select what club I’d need helped me learn even more.

If it turns out you’ll need your own clubs, or, if you’ve taken a few lessons and would like to start playing with your own set, set your sights on a used set. You may even be able to get one for free. Start by asking friends, family and neighbors. So many people have an extra set of clubs that haven’t been used and are gathering dust. Golfers who play often like to upgrade their clubs every now and then, and may have a set of clubs or even just a few to pass along.

Garage sales in the neighborhood, Facebook Marketplace, even local Buy Nothing groups are other good places to look. We have a local Play it Again sports, which is a sporting goods store full of used equipment – I’ve found many golf clubs in good condition for a very reasonable price.

If you’re coming up short in your local options, you can even find used clubs online. I put together most of my first set of clubs from online sites including eBay, 2nd Swing Golf, Callaway Golf Preowned, and Global Golf. Look for golf bags at these sites too. I was surprised that some of my ‘used’ purchases turned out to be equipment that was never or barely used – at a great price.

3. Used equipment is more than just clubs – you can find ‘recycled’ or used golf balls, too.

Another important piece of equipment for beginner golfers – golf balls. You go through quite a few of these when learning to golf, so it’s best not to spend a lot of money on the fanciest balls around. It’s easy to be tempted by golf balls that promise to travel farther, or that come in colors that you like. Save your money!

I was surprised to learn that there is a whole market for used golf balls. Some claim to be ‘recycled’ or ‘refurbished’ – and from what I’ve read, you can pay more for those and the quality is questionable. I’m perfectly happy settling for plain old ‘used’ golf balls. 

You may even be able to find these locally – sometimes people who live near a golf course will go out and collect balls to resell to golfers at a significant discount. I’ve seen little stands set up near golf courses, and I’ve seen listings on Facebook Marketplace. 

My favorite way to buy used golf balls is online – you can find a site that specializes in these and filter their listings until you find options that work for your budget. The site I’ve had the most success with is LostGolfBalls.com – I usually just set the sorting option from ‘low to high’ to see what they’re offering. You can find many brands, colors, and options on offer. It hurts a little less to lose your golf balls when you know you got a good deal!

4. Don’t Worry About Your Wardrobe – Stick With the Basics

I remember being intimidated about what to wear to my first golf lessons. I’d read a lot online about dress codes at courses, and worried about needing a whole new wardrobe. I called the course to learn more, and was told the only thing I couldn’t wear was denim.

When I went to my first group lessons women wore everything from golf polos & skorts to tank tops and leggings to blouses and capris. A couple of women had golf shoes, but most wore sneakers. I wore joggers, a workout tee, and sneakers and felt like I fit right in. Plus, we were all so focused on trying to figure out the game of golf – or even just how to swing a club – that we didn’t really pay attention to what others were wearing.

If you stick with the game, it’s nice to pick up a few pieces of clothing that you can wear on the course – but even then, you can find great deals and discounts during the off-season, or online at some of the used/discounted equipment sites online.

You’ve learned how to save – now go have fun!

As I’ve learned to golf, these strategies to save money have really come in handy. Golf can get expensive – but there’s no need to pay top dollar to learn to play and have a good time doing it.  Do you have other tried-and-tested tips for cutting costs when it comes to golf? Let me know below – I’d love to hear from you!