Welcome to Tee Time
Your Guide to the Fairways of Central Kansas
There’s something timeless about the game of golf, the early morning tee shot cutting through still air, the quiet focus of a long putt, and the camaraderie shared between friends walking the fairway. Whether you’re a seasoned player chasing par or a newcomer picking up a club for the first time, Tee Time is here to bring the game closer to home.
The idea for Tee Time actually started back in January, when I sat down with our advertising representatives to map out special section ideas for the year ahead. During that conversation, Doug Barrett threw out the idea of a golfing guide. It didn’t take long to see the potential. It’s safe to say this publication exists thanks to Doug’s love of the game.
Now, that does raise an important question—do you all know Doug? More importantly… can he even really golf? We may just have to investigate that in a future issue. For now, we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and thank him for the inspiration.
Inside, you’ll find coverage of local tournaments, from charity scrambles to competitive amateur play. There are tips for golfers looking to sharpen their skills, along with insight into what it takes to play well on Kansas courses.
At its core, Tee Time is about connection—connecting golfers to courses, players to events, and communities through a shared love of the game. So grab your clubs, line up your shot, and join us on this journey.
3. The fundamentals of a strong swing
4. Claflin Golf Club / Pros and Cons of walking the golf course
5. Great Bend Rec golf course update
6. Grove Park Golf Club
7. Lake Barton Golf Course
8. Larned Golf Course / A guide to golf etiquette
9. Lyons Public Golf Course
10. Russell Municipal Golf Course
11. Golf gear for beginners / How to play and gear up without breaking the bank
The fundamentals of a strong swing
Consistency is vital for golfers. When golfers can be consistent with their swing and approach, the end results are more likely to be successful.
Seasoned golfers and even those relatively new to the sport likely know there’s no shortage of advice regarding how to swing. Whether it’s the golf pro at a local club, a neighbor with a passion for the game, or the myriad weekend warriors at golfbased entertainment centers like Topgolf®, plenty of people are ready and willing to offer their own unique views on how to master the fun and often frustrating game of golf. While advice is often wellmeaning, constant tips can cloud golfers’ heads, particularly in regard to their swing. The PGA of America notes the fundamentals of a golf swing include grip, stance, posture, and alignment. Remembering those fundamentals and what each entails can help golfers develop a consistent swing in the hopes of producing a better round the next time they take to the links.
GRIP
Grip refers to how golfers hold their clubs in preparation for a shot. Though that sounds simple, golfers can grip their clubs in a number of ways. Some hold their clubs tightly, weakly or relatively neutral. Grip also refers to how golfers position their hands. Some prefer to interlock their fingers, while others adopt an overlap grip in which the pinkie finger of their top
hand overlaps the index finger on their bottom hand. The baseball grip is another style that mirrors how baseball players hold a bat when they get into the batter’s box.
STANCE
Stance refers to how golfers position their feet to the ball and to one another. A square stance is marked by a golfer’s toe line being parallel to the ball line. An open stance is marked by one foot being slightly closer to the ball than the other foot. A closed stance refers to instances when a golfer’s front foot is slightly closer to the ball than his or her back foot.
POSTURE
Posture is another fundamental component of a gold swing. A consistent posture has a welldefined start position and end position. Posture will involve how the knees flex, how golfers bend at the hips, how straight their back is, and where their hands and arms are positioned.
ALIGNMENT
Alignment refers to the position of a golfer’s body relative to the target. A strong alignment facilitates an effective swing path. Feet, hips and shoulder positioning are all part of alignment. When alignment is off, golfers may be more likely to slice and hook.
Novice golfers and more seasoned players can benefit from a routine refresher course on the fundamentals of a strong swing. Golfers new to the game are urged to work with a golf pro to develop a swing that incorporates these four fundamentals.
Claflin Golf Club
Rural small-town golf, pure and simple
In the quiet community of Claflin, where the population hovers just over 500 residents, golf isn’t about prestige or packed tee sheets—it’s about simplicity, accessibility, and a deep-rooted connection to community life. That spirit is on full display at Claflin Golf Club.
Established in 1970, this 9-hole public course reflects the essence of rural Kansas golf: unpretentious, welcoming, and quietly rewarding.
A Course Built for Everyone
Claflin Golf Club is not long by modern standards, stretching roughly 2,500–3,000 yards depending on tees and layout, and playing to a par between 34 and 35. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for in playability.
Open fairways give beginners room to breathe, while compact bentgrass greens demand precision as players get closer to the hole. It’s a course where iron play and short-game skill matter more than
overpowering drives—a refreshing change in an era of distance-focused golf.
Wind, a constant companion on the Kansas plains, adds another layer of challenge. Even seasoned golfers quickly learn that club selection and trajectory can make or break a round.
One of Claflin’s defining characteristics is its walkability. With no driving range and minimal frills, the focus here is squarely on the game itself. Golfers carry or pull their clubs, take their time, and enjoy the rhythm of a slower round.
There’s something nostalgic about the experience—no distractions, no rush. Just fairways, greens, and the occasional conversation between neighbors. Affordable and open to the public, the course serves players of all ages and skill levels. It’s where beginners learn the game, where families spend summer evenings, and where longtime golfers return again and again—not for challenge alone, but for connection.
Shoring up in the short game
Every golfer loves to hit a booming shot off the tee. Such a strike can be impressive and inspire confidence. But estimates indicate that as many as 65 percent of the shots the average golfer takes in a typical round are chip shots or putts. So while it can be fun to let it rip from the tee box, data suggests golfers would be wise to direct more focus on their short game. Strengthening a short game can benefit golfers immensely. The following strategies can help novices and experienced golfers shore up their short game.
• Let loose a little. Letting loose and letting it rip might seem like
advice for a long drive, but in this context letting loose refers to grip. Many golfers, perhaps due to nerves, grip their clubs too tightly when chipping or putting. Soft hands and an easier grip can ease tension and thus lead to better results.
• Document your shots when practicing. The PGA of America recommends working on a short game by setting up 10 balls around the green from five different lies. Use two balls from each lie, which include shots from the fairway cut, rough, a tight lie, a slight downhill chop, and a bunker-edge pitch. Document your results after play-
when pitching around the green. Rotating ensures solid connection with the ball. Rotate the body back and through to the finish.
ing each shot. Documenting will help you identify your miss pattern, which may be you’re hitting too short, too far, or missing to one side or another.
• Create a triangle with upper body when chipping. The PGA of America recommends creating a triangle with arms hanging down and shoulders across while chipping. Rock that triangle back and through evenly and consistently.
• Emphasize rotation when pitching around the green. Rotation is often alluded to when working on driving, but it’s just as important
• Take a deep breath. Taking a deep breath as you ease your grip can calm any nerves you might have as you prepare to chip, pitch and putt. A deep breath can help to create a less excited acceleration that’s vital when playing closer to the pin.
• Practice more. Driving ranges are loaded with golfers practicing their long range shots. But practice also is vital for a strong short game. Take to a driving range to practice chipping and pitching as well. Practice putting on practice greens, too. A strong short game requires attention to detail and practice. But the vast majority of shots golfers take are short, which underscores how beneficial it can be to strengthen your short game.
Great Bend Rec Golf Course Update
A new era for Golden Belt golf and recreation takes shape
Great Bend is moving forward with plans for an 18-hole public golf course at the former Stone Ridge Country Club site, located at 1438 24th Street. The project, designed by Quitno Golf, envisions a new clubhouse, expanded parking, and a significant pickleball component, all with an eye toward a soft opening in late 2027 and full operation in spring 2028.
Key features under development
• Clubhouse: A 3,500–4,500 square-foot facility overlooking the 18th green, with views toward the 1st and 10th tees.
• Parking: Up to 175 spaces to accommodate players and visitors.
• Pickleball: A new building—either 120 by 70 feet (four courts) or 180 by 70 feet (six courts)—to support year-round recreation alongside golf.
• Irrigation and greens: Bids for irrigation are expected soon, with local contractors to be selected afterward. Construction will begin on greens and fairways after site work.
The project is privately funded, with fundraising initiatives led by the GBRC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that can accept donations on behalf of the golf course and pickleball project. The Rec Commission is managing the project.
The Friends of Great Bend fundraising group continues to solicit donations to support irrigation and related improvements.
Site work and progress
Tree removal and land shaping are underway to prepare greens and fairways, including ponds and cart paths. Approximately 1,000 trees have been removed, leaving about 8,000 trees on site.
The project has faced questions about lot placement for holes six and seven, with a priority on protecting adjacent homes and reducing risk in the housing danger zones.
Future facility vision
In addition to golf, the plan includes a recreational hub featuring golf simulators in a dedicated space within the pickleball complex. These simulators aim to extend the facility’s usability year-round, even in winter weather.
A small restaurant is being explored as part of the clubhouse complex, potentially expanding the site’s appeal and revenue opportunities.
Staffing could include a general manager, a golf professional, food-and-beverage staff, and a superintendent to oversee maintenance, plus grounds crews.
Timeline
Soft opening targeted for late 2027, with full operation in 2028 as weather allows and a healthy stand of grass established.
Community and contractor involvement
The contractor right now is JRO Construction from Sterling, doing some dirt and demolition work. “They actually invested back into the project,” said Chris Umphres, GBRC executive director. “They’re donating some time and labor into the project itself. ... And they’re going to start putting the dirt back, matching the architect’s drawings. So I do think that they’re vested in this
community project, just like anybody else, and they’re really keeping us on budget and doing a good job.”
What this means for the community
The project is positioned as a major recreational and economic asset for Great Bend, bringing new year-round recreational opportunities with golf and pickleball, and potentially drawing visitors from surrounding counties.
For more details and updates, follow the Great Bend Recreation Commission releases and local coverage as the project approaches its milestones toward the late-2027 soft opening.
Grove Park Golf Club
Built for the love of the game
Tucked into the heart of central Kansas, Grove Park Golf Club in Ellinwood has been welcoming golfers since 1926. Nearly a century old, this beloved 9-hole course combines small-town charm with a well-maintained layout that keeps players coming back season after season. Whether you’re a seasoned member or a first-time visitor, Grove Park offers an unhurried, enjoyable round in a setting that feels genuinely one of a kind.
The Course
Grove Park is a 9-hole, par 32 layout stretching 1,985 yards from the longest tees. With a course rating of 32.1 and a slope rating of 110, it strikes a satisfying balance — approachable enough for casual players, yet engaging enough to keep better golfers honest. Strategically placed hazards reward thoughtful shot-making, while the lush, meticulously maintained greens provide a consistently smooth putting surface throughout the season.
One of the course’s most appealing qualities is its walkability. The compact, gently rolling layout is ideal for golfers who enjoy carrying their bags or pulling a cart at their own pace — a refreshing contrast to larger, more sprawling courses. Scenic views of the surrounding Kansas landscape add to the experience, making each hole feel like a little retreat of its own.
Green Fees
Grove Park is open to the public with straightforward, affordable pricing:
Weekday 18 holes: $20
Weekend & holiday 18 holes: $25
Unlimited holes (all day): $30
Please note: golf carts are not included in green fees.
Membership Options
For those who want to make Grove Park their home course, the club offers four membership types to fit a variety of lifestyles and budgets:
Full Membership — ideal for avid golfers who want unlimited access and full club privileges
Social Membership — perfect for those who love the clubhouse atmosphere and want to participate in events without a full golf commitment
Junior Membership — designed to get young golfers on the course and growing the game
Out of County Membership — a great option for golfers who live outside the immediate area but love playing at Grove Park
Members and guests are both welcome to participate in most of the club’s tournaments — just call ahead to confirm availability and get details on upcoming events.
Clubhouse & Amenities
The Grove Park clubhouse is more than just a place to grab a cold drink after your round — it’s a genuine gathering spot for the community. A full bar is available, along with snacks to fuel your game. The dining room can accommodate up to 100 guests and is available for private event rentals, making it a popular choice for banquets, reunions, and celebrations. Outside food may be catered in for events, while all drinks are handled through the club.
Plan Your Visit
Before heading out, it’s always a good idea to call ahead to check course availability, especially around tournament days or busy weekends.
Grove Park Golf Club
407 W 3rd St, Ellinwood, KS 67526 (620) 564-3123
Come see why this little gem of a course has been drawing golfers to Ellinwood for nearly 100 years. Whether you’re playing a quick 9 or settling in for an all-day round, Grove Park is the kind of place that reminds you why you love the game.
Lake Barton Golf Course
2026 Tournament Schedule
A Century of golf along the prairie
Just north of Great Bend, nestled in the quiet landscape of central Kansas, Lake Barton Golf Course has spent more than a century proving that great golf doesn’t need grandeur—it needs heart.
Established in 1916 and designed by noted golf course architect Harry Robb, Lake Barton Golf Course has long been a cornerstone of recreation in Barton County. Over the decades, it has shaped not only the local golf scene but also generations of players who first picked up a club on its fairways.
The 18-hole, semi-private course reflects a classic design that blends seamlessly into the natural Kansas terrain. Tree-lined fairways—many shaded by mature oak trees—challenge golfers to focus on accuracy rather than distance. Small, elevated greens demand careful approach shots, while strategically placed water hazards and bunkers add just enough difficulty to keep players engaged without discouraging newcomers.
Stretching just over 5,500 yards from the back tees, Lake Barton isn’t about overpowering the course. Instead, it rewards thoughtful play. Golfers quickly learn that placement matters more than power, and that success often comes from knowing the subtle nuances of each hole—
the breaks in the greens, the roll of the fairways, and the ever-present Kansas wind.
For many, however, the course’s greatest strength isn’t its layout— it’s its legacy.
Lake Barton has long served as a gathering place for the community. Families have introduced children to the game here, friends have competed in local tournaments, and countless summer evenings have been spent walking its fairways under expansive prairie skies. The course’s affordability and welcoming atmosphere make it accessible to golfers of all skill levels, reinforcing its role as a true community hub.
At a time when many courses are defined by exclusivity and highend amenities, Lake Barton offers something refreshingly different: authenticity. It’s a place where the traditions of the game remain intact, where relationships are built one round at a time, and where the love of golf is passed down through generations.
More than 100 years after its founding, Lake Barton Golf Course continues to embody the spirit of small-town Kansas—steady, welcoming, and deeply rooted in community.
Larned Golf Course
Where fairways and community come together
LARNED — Edwards Park Municipal Golf Course, operated as the Larned Country Club, is a 9-hole course established in 1956. This well-maintained course features small and sloped bentgrass greeens with bluegrass and perennial rye fairways. The course includes sloping, dog-legged fairways and tree-lined water hazards. It plays to par 35, at 2,747 yards, with a course rating of 35.9 and has a slope rating of 106.
The Edwards Park course driving range now features a brand new golf ball dispensing machine. This new and exciting addition to the golf course driving range allows golfers the convenience and experience of using the driving range as it is meant to be used. Instead of spending time picking up balls to hit you can now spend that time improving your game, working on your swing or just warming up prior to a round.
Clubhouse hours
Monday-Friday 1-8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.
8 p.m.
(weather permitting)
Green fees
Weekdays $20
Weekends & Holidays $25
Cart rental per 18 holes $20
Driving range hours
Weekdays and Weekends
A guide to golf etiquette
6 a.m.-12 a.m.
(The Driving Range is ligh ed)
Membership $125 per year
Ball buckets
Large $5 per bucket
Small $3 per bucket
Memberships run from March 1 of the current year to March 1 of the following year. Driving range cards may be purchased at the Larned City Office, 417 Broadway, Larned.
Pin High Bar & Grill
Upstairs in the clubhouse is home to the Pin High Bar & Grill. This restaurant is the embodiment of comfort, community, and delicious dining.
Its inviting atmosphere paired with reliable WiFi makes it not just a food destination but also a perfect spot for those who might want to catch up on work or enjoy quality time with friends. When it comes to food, the menu offers a delightful range of options that cater to many tastes. The burgers, in particular, have garnered rave reviews for their quality and affordability. If you’re a fan of a good steak, you’ve struck gold here. In summary, Pin High Bar & Grill offers good food, great service, and a welcoming local vibe. It’s a spot where you can truly relax, savor your meal,
Golf is often referred to as a gentleman’s game. That descriptor is not meant to slight the millions of women golfers who love the game as much as men, but rather serves as an allusion to the decorum golfers are expected to embrace when stepping onto a course.
According to the R&A 2025 Global Participation Report, golf’s reach has expanded to
around 108 million people worldwide. This surge is driven by the traditional appeal of the game, but also growing interest in alternative formats, including virtual golf, and entertainment centers like Topgolf® where golf is the main focus.
As more and more people turn to golf, it is key to know the rules of play, but also the unwritten rules of the game. Golf etiquette is essential to ensuring a pleasant experience for all on the course.
Keep the pace
According to TPC Danzante Bay, slow play is a grievance of seasoned golfers.
and maybe even catch up on that work project, all while indulging in a fantastic burger or a perfectly grilled steak. The flavors and ambiance here will likely keep you coming back for more.
To keep the game moving, many groups now embrace hitting when you are ready rather than waiting for the person furthest from the hole to arrive. It’s also proper etiquette to consider others around you. If your group falls more than one hole behind the players in front, or if a faster group approaches from behind, Hideaway Hills Golf Club says to let them play through.
Respect the course
Golfers should remain stewards on the course during their rounds. That means replacing divots on the fairway, repairing ball marks on the green, and raking the bunkers to smooth out footprints. Leaving a clean surface
for the next player is respectful.
Emphasize safety Safety is essential on the course. It’s important never to swing until you are certain the group ahead is well out of range. If a ball does veer close to another player, it is customary to shout, “Fore!” That is the universal indicator to take cover. Also, it’s key to respect any quiet zones by avoiding talking or standing in a player’s line of sight while they are working on a shot, advises Sunday Golf.
Golf etiquette is part of the game. Adhering to established etiquette shows mutual respect and contributes to the growing number of participants who enjoy the game.
Lyons Public Golf Course Lyons’ quiet green gem on the plains
In the welcoming community of Lyons, the Lyons Public Golf Course quietly delivers one of the region’s most enjoyable municipal golf experiences. More than a place to play a round, it’s a cornerstone of community life — a course where neighbors become regulars and visitors leave wishing they lived a little closer.
A Century of Golf in Rice County
Originally opened in 1924 and designed by Dewey Longworth, Lyons Public Golf Course carries with it the kind of history that only a hundred years of play can build. Over the decades, it has hosted generations of golfers — from kids swinging a club for the very first time to seasoned players who have walked these fairways more times than they can count.
That deep-rooted connection to the community is part of what makes Lyons special. The course has grown and evolved, but its spirit has remained constant: golf the way it was meant to be played — accessible, relaxed, and genuinely fun.
The
Course
Lyons Public Golf Course is a 9-hole, par 35 layout stretching just over 2,900 yards from the longest tees. Modest in size, but don’t let that fool you. With a slope rating of 119, there’s more challenge here than meets the eye.
Tree-lined fairways frame the layout throughout, demanding accuracy off the tee and rewarding players who think their way around the course. A variety of hole lengths keeps things
interesting — no two holes feel quite the same — and the mix of open and tighter stretches ensures that both power and finesse have their moments.
Beginners find the course welcoming and manageable. Experienced players find it strategically satisfying. That rare combination is exactly what a great municipal course should deliver, and Lyons gets it right.
More Than a Golf Course
Locals often describe Lyons as something beyond just a place to play. It’s a gathering place — a social hub where early morning rounds, evening leagues, and lazy weekend outings all contribute to a sense of community that’s harder and harder to find. There’s an ease to the atmosphere here. No pretension, no rush. Just good golf among good people, in a setting that feels genuinely welcoming from the moment you arrive.
A Must-Play for Travelers
For those passing through Rice County on their way across Kansas, Lyons Public Golf Course is well worth a detour. Affordable green fees and an open, public-friendly atmosphere mean there’s no barrier to stepping off the highway and onto the first tee.
It’s the kind of course that reminds you why you fell in love with the game — simple, honest, and quietly rewarding from start to finish.
Lyons Public Golf Course, Lyons, Kansas
Come for the golf. Stay for the community.
Mini golf is understandably characterized as a family-friendly recreational activity. But a round of mini golf might be able to help novice golfers young and old fine-tune some important skills that can be applied on traditional courses. While a round of mini golf won’t help golfers sharpen their long games and add distance to their drives, it might help them bolster their short games. Mini golf courses can help golfers learn to analyze the slope and speed of a green and
can help them work on their grip and touch, both of which are very important for players’ short games. Mini golf also might help golfers learn to work around obstacles. While golfers are unlikely to encounter any clowns or windmills on a traditional course, learning to strategize when confronting such obstacles on a mini golf course may teach novice golfers the importance of playing patiently and strategizing when confronting obstacles like trees and bunkers at their local courses.
Russell Municipal Golf Course
A small course with a big experience
Nestled within the scenic grounds of Memorial Park, the City of Russell Municipal Golf Course is one of central Kansas’s finest public golf destinations. With lush bluegrass fairways, pristine bent grass greens, and a welcoming atmosphere, this nine-hole gem offers an experience that punches well above its weight — and keeps golfers coming back all season long.
The Course
Russell Municipal is a 9-hole layout featuring bluegrass fairways and bent grass greens — a combination that delivers some of the most consistently green and well-maintained playing surfaces you’ll find on a municipal course in the region. Dedicated cart paths from green to tee box keep the fairways in top shape and make the transition between holes smooth and easy. What sets Russell apart from a typical 9-hole track is its thoughtful design for extended play. Several holes feature an additional tee box, effectively transforming the course into a fresh 18-hole experience. The alternate tees change distances, angles, and strategy, giving players who want a full round a genuinely different look on the back nine. It’s a smart, practical touch that adds real value for golfers who want more than a quick loop.
Facilities & Amenities
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM
– 5:00 PM
The course opens when the temperature reaches 42°F. The clubhouse opens when the windchill is 42°F or above.
Membership Options
Russell Municipal offers a range of membership plans to fit individuals, families, and juniors alike.
Family Annual Membership
Two household members can purchase a family membership for $490. Additional household members under 18 can be added for $60 per person, and full-time student household members 18 and older residing at least part-time in the home can also be added for $60.
Russell Municipal is well-equipped for a full day on the course. The pro shop carries golf essentials along with snacks and beverages, so you can gear up or refuel without leaving the property. A putting green and driving range are available for warming up before your round or working on your game after. Golf cart rentals are also on-site for those who prefer to ride.
Hours of Operation
The course keeps generous hours throughout the year, with seasonal adjustments to account for Kansas weather.
In-Season (April 1 –September 30)
Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM
– 8:00 PM
Off-Season (October 1 –March 31)
Single Annual Membership
Individual annual memberships are available for $365 — a straightforward option for the dedicated solo golfer.
Junior Membership
Young golfers 18 and under can join for just $85. Junior membership play is available Monday through Friday and after 4:00 PM on weekends and holidays.
Monthly Membership
Prefer flexibility? Monthly memberships are available for $100 and run from the first to the last day of any given month, purchasable at any point during the year.
Trail Fees
Golfers who prefer to bring their own cart are welcome on the course with the following trail fees:
Annual trail fee: $90 per cart
Daily trail fee: $10 (cash) / $12 (card) per cart
Trail fees are required for all personally owned golf carts on the course.
Memberships and trail fees can be purchased at the City Clerk’s Office, located at 133 W. 8th St., Russell, KS 67665.
Plan Your Visit
Russell Municipal Golf Course
• 1054 East 2nd Street, Russell, KS 67665
• (785) 483-2852
• russellgolfclubks@gmail.com
Whether you’re a local member or a traveler cutting across central Kansas, Russell Municipal Golf Course offers a complete and affordable golf experience in a beautiful park setting. Come for the green fairways — stay for everything else.
Golf gear for beginners
Startingany new activity can seem overwhelming at first because of the learning curve that comes along with doing something new. Novice golfers, for example, may be led astray by which gear is required and what might be a luxury. While golf requires a lot of equipment, most people only need a few essentials to get started on the first round.
• Clubs: Most beginners do not need to have a full set of 14 clubs to start. Golden Oaks Golf Club says most novices are successful with a starter set, otherwise known as a half-set. This set can include a driver, a fairway wood or hybrid, a few irons, a sand wedge, and a putter. Clubs that have cavity back designs are more forgiving for beginners.
• Balls and tees: There’s no need to buy premium options right now, as beginners are bound to lose many balls as they
are starting out. Also, softer golf balls are designed for a slower swing speed and offer better forgiveness and distance.
Standard wooden or plastic tees will be sufficient. Performance plastic tees with height markers also can help with consistent ball placement, says Grady Golf.
• Golf bag: Golfers will need a way to carry their gear. A lightweight stand bag is ideal because it will remain upright on the grass and won’t be a challenge to carry.
Something called a “Sunday Bag” also might be an option. A Sunday Bag is good for a driving range or short courses and is lightweight.
• Apparel: Golfers need a certain
Golf
attracts millions of enthusiasts every year.
How to play and gear up without breaking the bank
golfers upgrade their gear annually, so high-quality options from just two or three years ago may be readily available on local listing sites for a fraction of the original cost.
• Tryout: out the options in clubs and other gear gives golfers a feel for what may work before they commit to purchasing clubs. That means a golfer can price out what works and avoid wasting money on ineffective gear.
• Discount retailers: high-end pro shops have a bevy of great apparel and gear, there are less expensive alternatives. Most modern courses have relaxed dress codes, meaning golfers can pick up polo shirts or athletic slacks at any retailer. Shopping online for bulk recycled or overrun balls means not paying a premium for balls.
amount of attire. Shoes that offer good traction and stability are advised. Many spikeless golf shoes look like sneakers and can be worn comfortably off the course, too. Gloves help maintain a secure grip and prevent blisters, especially as new golfers are spending many hours practicing. My Golf Spy says that most courses frown upon denim and athletic shorts, so golfspecific shorts, slacks and a collared polo shirt are safer bets.
• Sun protection: It’s essential to protect the face and body from the sun. A hat or visor will shade the eyes, and golfers always should wear sunblock. Golf attire also may feature sun protection. Novice golfers can be overwhelmed as they try to figure out the gear they need to get started. A few basics can get people out on the links relatively quickly.
financially to indulge a love for the game of golf. Various strategies can help people enjoy the game at an affordable rate.
According to the USGA 2025 Golf Scorecard, a record 82 million rounds were posted in 2025 — marking an 8.2 percent year-overyear increase. More than 94 percent of those rounds were recreational.
For some time, golf has had a reputation as an expensive hobby exclusive to the wealthy. But golf has evolved in recent years and is now more accessible to people from all walks of life.
People thinking of taking up golf
likely do not need to be country club members or invest thousands into top-of-the line clubs. Here is how to get the gear you need without breaking the bank.
• Package sets: Often it is more cost effective to purchase a complete package set instead of buying individual clubs. The Golfing Lad says a quality set can be had for between $250 to $350.
• Pre-owned: The “new to you” mentality applies to golf clubs just as it may a pre-owned vehicle. Many
• Public courses: courses offer discounted rates compared to private clubs. Many municipal courses also offer mid-week specials, helping to keep round costs minimal. Similarly, beginners may want to do a nine-hole round of golf, which is cheaper than traditional 18 and less intimidating for beginners. There is no need to sink oneself
Big things are on the horizon… Our golf course is currently undergoing exciting improvements and will be reopening in late 2027!
We can’t wait to welcome you back to a revitalized course. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to opening day!