I love to play golf.  I love to save money.  Here’s how I do both.

1. I take my own sodas and bottled waters in a small cooler.
2. I purchase tees, gloves, and balls online.  If you wait until you are at the clubhouse to buy supplies, you’ll pay two or three times the price for the same items.
3. I take my own snacks.  For each round, I pack a ‘power bar’ and a piece or two of fruit.  I skip the clubhouse restaurant and simply enjoy my snacks.
4. I never play for money.
5. I try to play after 4:00 PM when most courses give a twilight discount.  One local course has a 50% discount for rounds after 4:00 PM.

If you love golf, like I do, you are going to have to budget for it.  I spend a certain amount of money on the golf course and I’m happy to do so.  I enjoy the game, I like being on the course with my friends, and I find that the game relaxes me.  But, I also try to find little ways to save money.  Golf is an “expensive” hobby, but with a few smart choices, I’ve been able to make it a little less so.