Gifting a round of golf is a classic, can’t-miss present for any golfer in your life, from the weekend warrior to the seasoned regular. Getting it right, however, involves more than just dropping some cash on the counter. This guide will walk you through the best ways to gift a round of golf, turning a simple gesture into a memorable experience they’ll be talking about at the 19th hole.
The Different Ways to Gift a Round of Golf
There are a few solid methods for gifting a golf outing, each with its own pros and cons. The best choice depends on how much you want to personalize the experience and how familiar you are with the recipient's golfing habits. Let's look at the main options.
Option 1: The Direct Approach - Call the Pro Shop
If you know exactly where your friend or family member loves to play, calling the pro shop directly is a fantastic, personal way to set up the gift. It shows you’ve put thought into their specific preferences. It's often the best route for private or semi-private clubs where gift cards might not be a standard offering.
How to Do It Right:
- Step 1: Find the Pro Shop Number. Don't call the main clubhouse line, look for the "Pro Shop" or "Golf Shop" direct number on the club's website. You'll get straight to the people who handle tee times and green fees.
- Step 2: Explain Your Goal. Be clear from the start: "Hi, I'd like to prepay for a round of golf as a gift for a friend." The staff deals with this all the time and will know exactly what to do.
- Step 3: Provide the Details. You'll need the recipient’s full name. The pro shop will create a credit under their name in their system. You can then pay for the round with a credit card over the phone.
- Step 4: Ask the Important Questions. Before you hang up, get clarity on a few things:
- “Does this cover the cart fee, or is it just the green fee?”
- “Are there any tee time restrictions, like weekends or mornings?”
- “Is there an expiration date on this credit?”
- “What does my friend need to do to book their round?”
The payoff for this method is control and personalization. You're booking at a specific course you know they'll love, and you can handle all the details upfront so all they have to do is show up and play.
Option 2: The Easiest Method - Buy a Gift Certificate
This is the most common and straightforward way to gift a round of golf. Nearly every public course offers gift certificates or gift cards, making it a simple and quick process. This gives the golfer the flexibility to book a tee time that works perfectly for them.
How to Do It Right:
- Buy a Dollar Amount, Not a "Round." While you can ask for a certificate for "one round," it's often better to buy a specific dollar amount. Why? Green fees can change seasonally or vary between weekdays and weekends. A gift card for $100 gives them the flexibility to apply it to a weekday round and have enough left over for range balls or a beer, or to cover the bulk of a more expensive weekend time.
- Check for Online Options. Many courses let you buy and send gift cards directly from their website, which is perfect for last-minute gifts.
- Read the Fine Print. Always ask if the certificate can be used for anything at the club (like merchandise or food) or if it's strictly for golf. This adds to the flexibility of the gift.
The main benefit here is simplicity and flexibility for the recipient. They aren’t locked into a specific day and can use the credit when it’s most convenient for their schedule.
Option 3: The All-Inclusive "Golf Day" Package
If you really want to knock it out of the park, don’t just gift a round - gift a complete golf experience. This takes more planning but shows an incredible amount of thoughtfulness. You’re not just giving them something to do, you’re setting up a perfect day for them.
Ideas for an All-Inclusive Package:
- The Pre-Round Warm-Up: Include a large bucket of range balls so they can get properly warmed up before heading to the first tee.
- The On-Course Essentials: In addition to the round and cart, include a fresh sleeve of their favorite golf balls (e.g., Titleist Pro V1, Callaway Chrome Soft).
- The Post-Round Celebration: Add a gift certificate to the course’s grill room or "19th hole." A $25 or $50 credit for a burger and a beer after the round is the perfect conclusion.
- The Ultimate Add-On: For a truly special occasion, arrange for a lesson with one of the club's teaching professionals before the round. You can book a 30-minute tune-up session for them to work on their driving or short game.
When you call the pro shop, you can often package all these things together and pay for them at once. This approach elevates your gift from a simple round of golf to a full-fledged VIP experience.
Don't Forget the Details: A Pre-Gifting Checklist
No matter which method you choose, a little due diligence goes a long way. Gifting a great golf experience is all about avoiding uncomfortable "gotchas" for the recipient. Before you pull the trigger, make sure you have answers to these questions.
Does a "Round of Golf" Include a Cart?
This is the single most common point of confusion. Many golfers prefer to ride, and cart fees can be an unexpected $20-$40 expense. When buying the gift, be explicit: “I would like this to cover a full round of golf, including the cart fee.” If you buy a gift certificate based on a dollar amount, make sure the amount is high enough to comfortably cover both the green fee and the cart.
Are There Tee Time or Day-of-the-Week Restrictions?
Some gift certificates or prepaid rounds are only valid on weekdays or after a certain time on weekends (e.g., after 1 PM). This is how courses encourage play during their less busy hours. Be sure to confirm this. If your golfer can only play on Saturday mornings, a "weekday only" gift won't be very useful.
Is There an Expiration Date?
Most gift cards and pre-paid rounds are valid for at least a year, but it's always smart to ask. Make sure you get a clear expiration date and communicate it to the recipient so they have plenty of time to use it.
What’s the Booking Process for the Recipient?
Make it as easy as possible for them. Provide simple, clear instructions. For example: "I've prepaid for your round at Oakmont. Just call the pro shop at (555) 123-4567, tell them you have a credit under the name John Smith, and book the time that works for you!" The last thing you want is for them to feel awkward or uncertain about how to redeem your thoughtful gift.
How to Present the Gift Like a Pro
The presentation can make a good gift feel great. Instead of just forwarding an email receipt or handing them a folded piece of paper, put a little creative thinking into how you give it.
Get Something Tangible
- The Ball Box Surprise: Buy a new box of your golfer's preferred balls. Carefully open it and tuck the gift certificate or a handwritten note about the prepaid round inside.
- The Glove Trick: A new golf glove is always a welcome gift. Fold the certificate up and place it inside the Velcro strap.
- Pair it with Course Swag: If you're gifting a round at a nice course, buy a hat or a polo shirt from that club's pro shop and attach the gift certificate to it. This gives them something to wear for the big day.
- Create a Custom "Ticket": For the more creative types, design a simple "ticket" on your computer. Make it look like an admission ticket to an event: "Admit One: A Perfect Golf Day for [Name] at [Course Name]." Include the booking instructions on the back. It’s a fun, personal touch that shows extra effort.
Final Thoughts
Gifting a round of golf is one of the best ways to show you care about a golfer's passion. By choosing the right method, paying attention to the details like cart fees and restrictions, and presenting it thoughtfully, you can turn a nice gesture into a truly special and seamless experience.
Once they've got their round booked, think about how they'll feel on the first tee. We know that for any golfer stepping onto a new or challenging course, feeling prepared is everything. With our app, Caddie AI, they can get on-demand course strategy and shot advice right in their pocket. It’s like having a professional caddie with them, ready to a provide clear strategy for a tough hole or even analyze a picture of a tricky lie - helping them make smart decisions so they can fully enjoy the fantastic round you set up for them.