Planning golf vacations can be an expensive endeavor when you add up all that's required: transportation, lodging, and meals, not to mention a full set of clubs, balls, rangefinder, shoes, and apparel. Now add in the average cost of tee times, and before you know it, you'll need a part-time job to support your habit. GolferScore has a few suggestions that will help keep costs down on your next golf getaway.
Here are a few pro tips for getting a good deal:
Go against the grain! Brave the heat and look for summertime deals in Florida and Arizona—when the snowbirds leave, the prices go down. And if you don’t mind playing golf in the cold, look for northern resorts that might offer seasonal deals.
Here are four places to consider when seeking affordable stay and play golf vacations.
Barefoot Resort & Golf | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is the epicenter of the golf package deal universe. If you're seeking affordable golf vacation prices, you need to check out Myrtle. Say the word "Myrtle Beach" to a golfer, and like a lab mouse, they'll respond without hesitation, "good deals!" Barefoot Resort & Golf offers this: four golfers in a condo, four rounds of golf for $450 per night; that's stay and play for $112.50 per person per night. Consider for a moment, for the price of a Comfort Inn on the interstate; you can stay and play in Myrtle.
Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Orlando, Florida
Bay Hill is one of the best resort experiences in the world. The clubhouse, range, first tee, restaurants, bars and Lodge are all within a short walk of each other. Bay Hill is a private club; however, guests of the 70-room Lodge share membership privileges throughout the stay. The chipping and putting greens are literally on the Lodge's back doorstep—ideal for sunset chipping and putting contests. Bay Hill has something most resorts don't—the legacy of Arnie, The King. In the hallway, there is a museum with photos and trophies. The best deals at Bay Hill are found in the summer as stay and play packages start at $189 per player—worth every penny.
Pine Needles & Mid Pines | Southern Pines, North Carolina
When people think about golf in North Carolina, there's one resort that typically comes to mind: Pinehurst. And when people think about Pinehurst, something else comes to mind: expensive. Not far from Pinehurst is Pine Needles & Mid Pines. There are two quality golf courses along with two lodges. In fact, Pine Needles has hosted the U.S. Women's Open in 1996, 2001, and 2007. Part of the Pinehurst experience is a trip to nearby Pinehurst Village for dinner and drinks. Pine Needles & Mid Pines is less than five miles away. And here's the closer: stay and play packages start at $109 per person, per night.
Boulders Resort & Spa | Scottsdale, Arizona
An Arizona legend—just as we can depend on the sun to rise in the east and set in the west, we know the Boulders will always be a great choice. Situated in one of the golf mega-destinations in the world, Boulders is one of more than 200 golf courses in the area. Once a Waldorf Astoria, the resort provides an extremely comfortable stay with all the bells and whistles one would expect from a five-star property. And, of course, a visit to the downtown Scottsdale area is a must and only about 30 minutes away. The best deals at Boulders are found seasonally after everyone leaves. Their Stay and Play Package offers all you can play, nightly accommodations in a private Casita, and a $25 per person lunch voucher for $239 per night, double occupancy.
Golf vacations don't have to break the bank. If you invest some time researching resorts, you'll find a stay and play package to fit your budget. You may have to be flexible with your dates and be willing to play outside of peak-season, but you can still find some fantastic golf deals worthy of your vacation dollars.
Leave us a comment if you have any stay and play recommendations or hacks to get great golf deals.