Golfing with young son, how do you handle rates?

[Greggap]

Got a question, my son is 9.  He's been taking lessons, he is really showing some improvement.  He however doesn't like to play every hole, he likes to just drop a ball every now and then.  Should I pay full price or expect some sort of junior rate, this isn't offered on Golfnow, etc.   How do you all handle this?  Heading to Tucson in a few weeks..

[JayAreOhh924]

I'm in Tucson and have seen several courses discount (or even free) for jr golfers. With my buddy and his 10 year old, he generally calls the course and books over the phone, or will call after booking (but not after paying online) and advise he has a junior and checks to see if they will work with him. 

 

Really the worst that can happen is they say no. 

[Abh159]

I don't recall ever going to a course that didn't offer Jr rates. I think your issues is that you're trying to book via golfnow. Instead just call the course and they'll be able to help.

[theothertwo]

yeah most courses have a junior rate which is really almost nothing...have fun...

 

[Phreddy]

The four things I learned about playing with young children (boys or girls): 1) Quit while it is still fun.  You can turn golf into drudgery by trying to finish 9 holes because you paid for 9 holes even though they have checked out after 6.  2). Use twilight rates at a muni.  Generally the course is close to empty, you can hit extra balls, skip holes..3)  Walk.  It lends itself to conversation.  I learned more about what was going on with my kids given the cadence of an evening walk on a golf course than I ever learned at the dinner table.  4) Ice Cream.  Time with Dad/Mom is priceless.  Talking and joking about the round after over an ice cream cone often led to "Hey, when can we play again?"

 

Phred

[nlinneman20]

I take my son (he's 4) to a local course and play 9 with him and a buddy after work.  Try and do it once a week.  The course doesnt charge me anything and the place is wide open. He does the same thing....some rounds he wants to hit a shot every time I do, one round we went he didn't hit a ball I don't think, would just wander around while my friend and I hit.  He loves it.

[aloha b.]

Check out youth on course which is available in all states and what courses participate. Kids can play for $5.00 or less and in NorCal they can play some nice courses.

[golfandfishing]

Agree on the calling the course. If you book on Golfnow you will need to book and pay for 2, otherwise when you show up you might/probably will be paired up and your unaccounted for son will be the odd man out. You could book 1 online and call the course right after to see if they can add your son at a junior rate. 

[Tim_Gavrich]

I'd recommend joining Youth on Course. Really great and growing organization. https://youthoncourse.org/

[Medson]

On 5/7/2021 at 8:01 AM, Greggap said:

Got a question, my son is 9.  He's been taking lessons, he is really showing some improvement.  He however doesn't like to play every hole, he likes to just drop a ball every now and then.  Should I pay full price or expect some sort of junior rate, this isn't offered on Golfnow, etc.   How do you all handle this?  Heading to Tucson in a few weeks..

 

I thought this might be helpful for you. There are 2 types of junior rate. 

• YOC. It is nation-wide program. There is a $10 or $20 annual initiation fee. Then you play the course for $5. YOC tee time is usually late in the afternoon, e.g. twilight. Good enough for 9-hole usually. 
• Junior rate offered by golf courses. These junior rate is discounted but still more expensive than YOC. On the other hand, junior rate usually has less or no restrictions on tee time. 

As someone mentioned, the best thing to do is to call individual course and ask about their junior rate. 

[Medson]

Oh one more thing I forgot to mention. I have also seen some courses that let kids play for free if adult pays the full rack rate. 

 

You just have to ask. 

 

It does get a little bit hectic as you try to navigate all these tee times and rates. 

[hangontight]

All Kids Play FREE in Charleston, NO STRINGS ATTACHED.  No paying adult required, no sign up. Just call day of play for tee time.   Gaining lots of traction....”Swing it Forward” , check it out and get it started in your area.

 

https://www.firstteegreatercharleston.org/swing-it-forward/

 

As others have said, call course directly.  Most have junior rates, others don’t officially  

but most will give you a break, especially later in the day. 

 

Edited May 11, 2021 by hangontight