Securing a spot on the course shouldn't be more challenging than hitting a perfect draw. Booking your tee time is the essential first step to a great day of golf, and this guide will walk you through exactly how to do it with confidence. We'll cover the primary methods for making a reservation, from the old-school phone call to modern booking apps, and share some inside tips to help you grab those most sought-after weekend morning slots.
Before you even think about picking up the phone or opening a website, it’s smart to have a few key details ready. Think of it like a pre-shot routine, being prepared makes the whole process smoother. A tee time is simply your reserved appointment to start your round on the first hole. Golf courses use them to manage the flow of golfers, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring everyone has a pleasant experience. When the pro shop staff or a booking system asks for your details, you'll want to have these answers ready:
Having a solid idea of these four points before you start will make the booking process quick and efficient, no matter which method you choose.
Today, you have more options than ever for scheduling a round. Each method has its pros and cons, and knowing which one to use often depends on the situation, the course, and whether you're chasing a great deal.
For decades, this was the only way to book a tee time, and it remains a fantastic option. Calling the course directly and speaking with a person in the pro shop offers a personal touch that websites can't match.
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How to do it: Simply find the pro shop's phone number on the course's website or Google Maps. When you call, a good opening line is, "Hi, I'd like to book a tee time." They'll then ask you for the details you prepared earlier (date, time, number of players). It's a simple, effective, and often very helpful way to book.
Most golf courses now have their own online booking engines integrated into their websites. This is often the most convenient and modern way to book directly with the course.
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How to do it: Navigate to the golf course's website and look for a prominent button that says "Book a Tee Time" or "Online Booking." From there, you'll be prompted to select the date, the number of players, and your desired time range. The system will display all the available options and their associated prices. Click on your preferred time and follow the prompts to confirm your reservation.
Services like GolfNow, TeeOff.com, and Supreme Golf have become incredibly popular as they act like aggregators for tee times, often at a discount.
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How to do it: Open the app or website, enter the city or region where you want to play, and filter by date and number of players. You’ll be presented with a list of courses and times. Look for a time that fits your schedule and budget, but pay close attention to the terms - especially if it’s a prepaid deal. If it works for you, complete the booking online.
Just knowing how to book isn't the whole story. As a coach, I always tell my students that a little bit of strategy goes a long way. Here are some pro tips for securing the time you really want.
Every course has a "booking window," which is how far in advance they accept reservations. For most public and daily fee courses, this is typically 7, 10, or 14 days in advance. Private clubs are different and have their own rules. Find out the policy at your favorite courses and set a reminder on your phone to book as soon as the window opens, especially if you want a prime weekend morning slot. Those tend to fill up within minutes.
The most sought-after tee times are between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. If your schedule allows, playing on a weekday - particularly a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon - is almost always cheaper and far less crowded. If you have to play on a weekend, consider a slot after 1:00 PM. The course might be a little more open, and you'll often save some money.
Most courses offer "twilight" or "super twilight" rates, which are discounted green fees for late-afternoon tee times. You might not finish all 18 holes before it gets dark, but you can play until sunset for a fraction of the prime-time cost. It's a perfect option for a quick nine holes after work.
Have an itch to play but can’t get a group together? Being a single golfer is a secret weapon. Pro shops often need a single to fill out a foursome. Keep an eye on online booking sheets for openings for just one player, or simply call the pro shop and ask where they can fit you in. You have a much higher chance of snagging a last-minute spot this way.
Life happens. Plans change, and bad weather rolls in. Always check the course's cancellation policy. Most require at least 24 or 48 hours notice to cancel without being charged. If you book through a third-party app, the prepaid "Hot Deals" are usually non-refundable for any reason other than the course officially closing due to weather. Knowing the rules protects you from unexpected charges.
Whether you're calling the pro shop for personalized advice, using the course's site for convenience, or searching for a deal on a booking app, a little planning makes all the difference. Knowing your details and understanding your options will help you move from your couch to the first tee with ease, setting the stage for a fantastic round of golf.
Once you’re out on the course, we've designed Caddie AI to act as your personal on-course expert. In those moments of uncertainty, you can get instant advice on shot strategy, help with club selection, or even take a photo of a challenging lie to receive a smart recommendation on how to play it. We wanted to take the guesswork out of course management, giving you the confidence to commit to every swing and enjoy the game more.
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