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What to Look for in a Golf Course

When it comes to choosing a golf course, it can be difficult to determine which is best for you. There are many factors to consider about each course, including price, maintenance, and staff.
There is a type of golf course for every different type of golfer. This is especially true in many popular tourist destinations, so you may have multiple courses to consider when trying to plan a game.

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For some people, choosing a course depends mostly on price. The cost for a round can vary quite a bit from one place to the next, but the more expensive courses are not always the best quality. There are some pricey courses that operate at a much higher standard, but that is not necessarily always true.

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To ensure you are getting good quality for your money, you can start by looking for customer reviews of the places you are considering. You may be surprised to find some pleasant accounts from customers who visited a less expensive golf club. Some clubs do not charge nearly as much as others, but still provide an excellent golfing experience.

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To find a good golf course, you must first decide what matters most to you. Some people prefer the exclusivity of more expensive private clubs or resorts, while others are far more interested in finding a low price. You will need to decide on a budget first, and then search for courses within that budget. You might also want to consider the various factors that affect the price at your destination.

Islay Gigha Jura and Cara from Machrihanish Clock by Machrihanish

One such factor is the climate of the area. In the US courses located in cities with hot summers and mild winters, like Arizona or Florida, tend to offer deals in the winter. Courses in the Midwest, where winters are extremely cold and snowy, may not even be open during that time of year. In addition to climate, tee time can also affect price. Several courses offer low prices for early tee times or for advanced reservations.

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Once you have narrowed your search to those golf courses within your budget, you will want to check the actual condition of the courses. Rich, green fairways that are perfectly maintained not only look better, but are also better for your game. The course you choose should be kept in the good condition. Look out for patches of dead grass and divots left by previous players. Even if you do not mind the way it looks, this kind of poor maintenance can negatively affect your game. In addition to the course condition, you may want to look for a course with beautiful surroundings. Mountains in the distance or vibrant plant life and trees can make your golfing experience more memorable.

When you visit a golf course or speak to a representative on the phone, you may want to ask several general questions to test the staff. Especially if you may need some assistance, you will want to find a course with friendly and helpful personnel. The pro shop staff and instructors should be able to answer any questions you might have. You may also want to see how often a staff member will be available to provide drinks and snacks during your game.

There are many other factors that can affect your experience, and you may think of additional things to check for during your search for a good golf course. It is best to decide what variables matter most to you and get as much information as you can before you pick a course.

Originally printed: Entertainment Articles | September 13, 2013