Golf In-Season or Out

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An aerial view of Palmer Course at PGA National in Palm Beach.

Photo Credit: St. Joe Company

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Raven Course is considered one of the best in northwest Florida.

Photo Credit: www.sandestin.com

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Juliette Falls golf course in Dunnellon.

Photo Credit: www.juliettefalls.com

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The 14th hole at Jim McLean Signature Course.

Photo Credit: Doral Golf Resort & Spa

Tips for seeking out the best rates for Florida golf all year 'round.

It's a well-known fact among golfers that Florida not only has more courses than any other state in the country, but it also has some of the most affordable green fees at its world-class golf facilities.
Golfers can knock down those rates in Florida even further by following some simple tips:

Learn the Seasons

Florida is a little different when it comes to golf seasons. The peak season – meaning the time when you’ll pay the highest green fees – is in the winter, when visitors arrive in droves looking for some winter warmth. However, many courses still have off-peak rates through January and again starting in April. So, travel early or late for more savings.

Look for “Snowbird” Specials

Even in the peak season, with so many courses fighting for your golfing dollar, you can find deals with a little advance homework. Sandestin, a sprawling resort along the Gulf of Mexico with four courses, has a “snowbird golf” program. For a $100 initial fee, which includes a first round at the Links or Baytowne course, you get additional rounds at those two courses for $25, as well as $45 rounds at one of the resort’s premier courses, Raven (considered one of the best in northwest Florida). You also get other discounts, such as half off of golf clinics, free happy hour buffets, half off beverage cart purchases and other goodies.

Seek out Sizzling Summer Savings

Summer is definitely the time when you’ll find the lowest rates. Almost every course in Florida lowers its rates in the summer. Wait – make that every course lowers its rates in the summer. At World Woods in Brooksville (near Tampa), whose two courses include the renowned Pine Barrens, rates plunge from a high of $120 in the winter (January through March) to $40 from June through October. The rates are also lower in the spring and fall.

Pull out the Discount Card

One of the best ways to increase summer savings is to look for discount cards that allow you to play multiple courses. The Big Summer Golf Card can save you 40 percent on green fees and carts from May through October on more than 100 courses in central and southwest Florida, including such luminaries as Falcon’s Fire in Kissimmee; Juliette Falls in Dunnellon; and Grand Cypress, Mystic Dunes, the Legends course at Orange Lake Resorts and all the Walt Disney World tracks in Orlando. Buy the Big Summer Golf Card early, and get it cheaper. The card allows you to play some private courses on special “play dates,” such as the exquisite Black Diamond courses.

Other discount cards include the American Lung Association Golf Privilege Card, Arthritis Foundation Discount Golf Book and the Paradise Summer Card in the Tampa Bay area. Another one, the South Florida PGA Golf Pass, gets you discounts on more than 230 South Florida golf courses, such as the stellar resort courses at Doral and PGA National.

Sign up for Summer Memberships

If you want to stay in one place and limit your play to one or just a handful of courses, be sure to check beforehand on individual discount programs. One popular program many facilities offer is the summer membership. These temporary memberships usually allow deep savings for repeat play, which is why you’re here, right? Victoria Hills in DeLand, another top-notch layout, offers its Summer Club Card, which gives you unlimited discount golf from April 26 through Sept. 30. It costs $59 and entitles you to $29 green fees on weekdays and $35 for weekends. Regular green fees travel north of $100, so those are substantial discounts for an excellent course, particularly if you play often.

Ask about Weekend or Weekday Discounts

Other courses have quirky discounts that defy seasonal golf. The Legends course at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando has lower rates on weekends than weekdays. Southwood in Tallahassee has Monday Madness any time of year – just $25 for green fees and cart on one of the best courses in Florida.

Play Early or Late

Whatever season you travel, remember that time of day definitely matters, either really early or late. Twilight rates are almost always applicable and can knock off a huge chunk of the regular rate. Obviously, you’ll have more time to get in 18 afternoon or early evening holes during the longer summer days. Many courses give you early-bird discounts when you tee off on those “chilly” winter mornings. (I know what you’re thinking, but it feels chilly to us!)

Discount Golf Cards

Big Summer Golf Card
800-391-3665
bigsummergolf.com

American Lung Association
Golf Privilege Card
800-586-4872
golflungcard.org

Arthritis Foundation
Discount Golf Book
800-672-0882
arthritis.org/chapters/florida

Paradise Summer Card
800-605-2582
paradise-golf.com

South Florida PGA Golf Pass
561-729-0544
sflorida.pga.com