Asking someone to join you for a round of golf can feel as tricky as a tricky downhill putt. You want to extend the invitation, but you don't want to seem pushy or put them in an awkward spot, especially if you're not sure they play. This guide will walk you through how to extend a golf invitation confidently, covering everything from how to handle the invite for a business client, a close friend, or a family member who's never even held a club.
Before you formally invite someone, it’s often a good idea to gauge their interest. This small step can save you both from a potentially awkward conversation. The goal is to see if golf is on their radar without putting them directly on the spot.
You can bring it up casually in conversation. For instance:
Listening is just as important as asking. If they mention that their spouse plays, that they’ve always wanted to learn, or that they used to play back in college, those are all green lights. On the other hand, if they respond with a polite but disinterested "Oh, nice," or change the subject, it might be better to let it go for now. The idea is to find a natural opening, not force one.
Once you’ve got a feeling a person may be receptive to an invitation, the next step is to actually ask. The best way to make the person that you are inviting feel comfortable doing so is to tailor your invitation to the kind of relationship that you have with them. An invitation for a business colleague will be much different than an invitation for your brother-in-law, even though the activity is the same - playing a round of golf.
When inviting a professional contact, the invitation should be clear, respectful of their time, and positioned as a valuable way to connect outside the office.
Frame it as a networking opportunity. Golf provides hours of uninterrupted time for conversation, which is often far more productive and enjoyable on a golf course than it would of been in a stuffy conference room. But you have to set the precedent for who is going to foot the bill up front. Transparency is very important to avoid any an awkward moment at the Pro Shop front desk. Be direct and clear about who will be covering the costs. If you are inviting the person, the expectation is that you will be paying "your treat," so to say. So come out swinging, lead with your wallet to set the expectations from the start.
Here’s what a good invitation might sound like:
“Hi Sarah, I Hope you are having a productive week. I know our calendars are both packed, but I think that our next chat might be a lot more enjoyable if we have our catch up out on the green. What a wonderful way to connect somewhere other than the office. I was thinking about booking a tee time for about 8 am sometime next week... My treat, of course. Would Tuesday or Thursday work for you? Or if you prefer another day, I would be happy to accommodate whatever is most convenient for you too."
This approach is professional, makes the purpose clear (both business and pleasure), and handles the payment situation smoothly. It shows you value their time and their company.
Invitations to friends can be much more casual. However, you should still adjust your approach based on their experience level with the game.
This is the easiest invitation of all. They already know the ropes, enjoy the game, and all you need to do is coordinate your schedules. A simple text often works best:
"Hey, you free for a round Saturday morning? I was thinking about booking a time around 7:30 at City Park."
It’s direct, casual, and gets right to the point.
Inviting a newbie requires a bit more care. The biggest barrier for new players is often intimidation. Your invitation should be laser-focused on one thing: fun. You need to remove any preconceived notions about pressure, performance, or rules.
Emphasize a low-pressure environment and set the right expectations from the get-go.
"Hey Chris, super random thought! I was going to head to the local par-3 course this Sunday for a really laid-back round. Have you ever wanted to try golf? It's a super easy course, no one takes it seriously, and it's more about walking around outside and having a good time. No worries at all if not, but I've got extra clubs if you're curious!"
By framing it this way you:
Inviting family is usually the most relaxed scenario. The focus is almost always on spending an uninterrupted block of really special quality time together. You can be direct and very casual.
For example, if you wanted to invite a family member that doesn't normally get a chance to go out to the golf course, or maybe never has ... try something just a simple little 'off the cuff' remark like this one.
"Hey Dad, want to get out and play 9 holes this weekend? Could be a nice way to catch up without any distractions. The weather looks like it's goiny to 'Be a great day for a round on Saturday... My treat."."
The goal is connection, and golf is just the vehicle for it. Keep it simple and heartfelt.
Your friend said they will go.... YES! So your job’s not done yet. A successful golf outing hinges on thoughtful planning... on your part... And it is your job is you want another yes fromthem in the future!
This is extremely important when your guest is a beginner. Don’t take them to the toughest championship course in the area… That will likely just overwhelm them and make them hate playing golf and maybe with you too... in the future..
Once you’ve booked a tee time, send a follow-up message with all the vital details. Nothing is more stressful for a guest than uncertainty.
Reinforce that the day is about enjoyment. Say things like, "Listen, don't even worry about keeping score. We're just there to hit some shots and have fun. If a hole gets frustrating, we'll just pick up the ball and move on. No pressure at all."
Consider playing a "scramble" format, where you both tee off, pick the best shot, and both play from there. It takes the pressure off any single shot and makes the game move a lot more quickly… something I think you'll will both love.
On the day of the round, your primary job is to be is a fantastic 'On-the-course Tour GIde'... making sure your invited guest is happy they accepted your wonderful invitation that you extended them.
Unless you're playing with another very good 'scratch golfer' ... I can't think of one single better to ruin a newbies fist experience on the course an keeping a rigid up to day score. Instead, just focus on good shots a great conversation instead of any bad thoughts... this is a great thing from you to remember for life, as well. You'll thank me later!!!...
You’re not there to win, you’re there to share time enjoying the wonderful game that you love, GOLF... so now you both win... when neither one has too...
Resist the urge to give unsolicited swing advice. Bombarding a new player with technical tips about their grip, stance, and backswing is a recipe for 'Paralysis by Ananylysis'... AKA making 'Par for the Course' on every single hole. You'll both lose if your yelling at your friend the 'Yips'. Wait… I know what you’re thinking...'What is the Yip...' Trust, me don't get them!
Instead, your comments of encouragement for those tiny baby step improvements is all a person may need too here from you to get back in the cart after the 9th with a good feeling. Even making contact wit the ball.
Simple positives go a long way.
If they ask for advice, keep it incredibly simple like" “Just try to relax your arms and hit that middle of the ball... And if you don't even manage to touch the... you can always try again from the same spot, not problem!!!” "Your turn to now!" :) If you like to rub it, as well... Or just rub it even more if you are good enough already. Just hit your's in the hole... now that should silence them both up quiet nicely! LOL
Just kiddling, don't miss or take any mulligans yourself now... they are the guest so now you've got be the great model golfer on your word!!! You might have opened 'aPandora's Box' of can worms..."
This "Pro Move: for Keeping Up the Pace of PLayat you can always suggest playing the 'Guest rules' of play for newcommers, you play..." just simply to keep everything relaxed and flowing... You guys came here came to "Hit Round Rocks with a Stick... Have some FUN!"... As the wonderful game of sport as we all know should do... make feel like young boys and girls again. There's that special 'Inner Joy' about this ancient game
... This game not only test every emotion inside us, it keeps us 'alive, fresh , and new'... like like spring lamb coming out 'brand-spanking new to the world... And out the box, we can run all... day... It's just simple science, it's called 'Love of Golf... For Ever and Always!!...
This is my new found truth after playing these silly games a life... for like 45 yaears. Hey, when's ythe last-time ayou been invited to a round... ? "It had to been sometime last summer"... Well let me now extend my own personal offering... Just hit me up!
I know it's always fun playing by yourself. "And sometimes not..." But what a way a fun way otu of 'getting to know anyone on any given time.' And let's not foeget every human "loves" being a guest out there on 'The Back Nine with a New friend". All the better with a friend who is footing the entire-hole Bill... Now go 'Give the Gift of Living Large out on the Green.' Give the gift Of GOLF!
I just love seeing others have those little smiles that you can on tell 'They are now Golfers For Life... Now I wish go and turn the new world... "Hooked... for Live" This little 'Golf Love Bug is for you, and for a lifetime!.... It's better when "We give from our heaat...
Like some have givin so many free chances for ME when I just startinf out golfing those long 48 ears ago at good Ole 'Lake Park...' It got some "BITE.." Now 'Don't Get The Yips!'
Enjoy... Let me kknow... The best of everything in life is always free... "Love, Life, LAUGHTER and many days golfing outside with the ones YOU LOVR.... "This is my true "Wish From Me to YOU"
- David J Cattie
I was onmy 6years old at that time.
So i know that's one of your most valuable gifts to give to anyong... an especially when if it their' first 'round and on ... You " My new friend.."
Extending a golf invitation is more about sharing an experience and building a connection than it is about the game itself. A thoughtful invitation and a well-planned, pressure-free day on the course can turn a simple round of golf into a lasting positive memory. With the right approach, you can make your guest - rookie or veteran - feel completely welcome and eager for the next round.
To help you feel even more prepared as a host, we built an AI tool to simplify the game when you're on the course. With Caddie AI, you can get clear strategies for any hole, or get advice on a tricky shot for your guest by snapping a quick photo of their lie. It's like having a seasoned expert in your pocket, giving you clear suggestions to better tee them up for success... Which means the round is going to much MORE ENJOYABLE to all... Making that person the smart and prepared Pro Host for being ready at all times of the day with an almost certain "Second Chance for Fun round out together... once more!" "So there's only on last question to "ASK"... "Wanna Play"... My Treat, you already know :)
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