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Imagine a magic coupon that would let you play the best U.S. public golf courses for nearly 88 percent off the rack rate.
Sounds like a dream, right?
It's not for some lucky golfers overseas. A new initiative called The Drive is offering hundreds of Scots the chance to play some incredible discounted rounds at The Home of Golf. The first phase of the program earlier this year saw more than 14,000 applications submitted to the St. Andrews Links Trust for discounted rounds on the Old Course and Eden Course. A total of 324 golfers were successful in securing a tee time, with 44 golfers teeing it up on the Old Course for just £42.50 (normally £340), while another 280 enjoyed rounds on the Eden Course at just £9.50 (normally £75).
A second phase of The Drive just wrapped up and will eventually provide 392 more Scottish golfers the chance to experience St. Andrews this fall at a fraction of the cost, with tee times priced at £22.50 for The Castle Course (normally £180) and £18.75 for the Jubilee Course (normally £150). That's a staggering 87.5% off.
Jealous yet? I am.
I applaud the St. Andrew Links Trust, the non-profit that manages the courses for the local council, for their creativity and foresight. Every golfer wants to play the Old Course or, for that matter, any course in St. Andrews. Unfortunately, so many can't afford the trip, let alone the green fees. This unique program will give a few of those dreamers that chance.
Will offering a few discounts derail the bottom line of the Links Trust? I doubt it. That's why I'd love to see a few iconic American golf resorts offer the same thing.
If an uber-famous, uber-expensive resort or course in America decided to pursue a similar discount program, I'd love for the tee times not to be randomly selected. The person who applies must prove they make a modest salary that will never be able to afford the experience and be required to write a letter explaining why they deserve the opportunity. I envision veterans, teachers, police officers, fire fighters and blue-collar workers - the people who deserve to win what amounts to a golf lottery - being rewarded first and foremost. These stories would be great PR for the resort and create interesting storylines for golf writers. Everybody wins, as they say.
Which U.S. golf courses should provide a select few golfers some big discounts?
I can think of at least a hundred highly-regarded public golf courses that could participate. Which ones do I want? The big boys, of course. Here are my five nominations. Maybe, somehow, I can nudge them into giving back to the game, one very affordable green fee at a time.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Imagine playing Pebble Beach Golf Links for $86.88. Sure, some lucky golfers did that 40 years ago. Today's rate is, gulp, $695, plus more if you want a caddie or a push cart. I'm guessing anyone who wins this honor would shed some tears on the first tee or 18th green. Maybe both.
Shadow Creek
This uber-exclusive golf oasis on the outskirts of the Las Vegas strip delivers one of golf's swankiest experiences. Golfers must stay at an MGM property and hitch a ride in a limo to reach the course, which was carved from the desert by Tom Fazio. All this comes with a healthy $1,250 price tag. Playing it for $156 would make any golfer giddy.
PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass
Although you can play the famed Sawgrass for somewhere around $300-$400 in the off season, costs to play the home of the PGA Tour's PLAYERS Championship have shot past $900 in high season. Some of the money saved on a discounted $112 tee time would be spent on balls before the round and souvenirs after.
Pinehurst No. 2
To reciprocate the good will coming from Scotland, it makes sense that the "Home of American Golf" would do the same. The Village of Pinehurst boasts similar charms to those in St. Andrews, including great history, shops, golf museums and historic courses designed by legends. Rounds at Pinehurst No. 2 normally cost between $450 and $600, depending on the season and package. Wouldn't the walk be more enjoyable if you paid between $56 and $75?
Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Two of golf's most dramatic moments have played out on the Atlantic shores of the Ocean Course: America's heart-stopping 1991 Ryder Cup win and Phil Mickelson's shocking 2021 PGA Championship victory at age 51. The course's stunning beauty and beastly qualities playfully co-exist, making for a memorable walk with a caddie. Kiawah Island is all about luxury, which makes its nearly $500 tee time unattainable for most. A tee time costing $60 would feel like golf's greatest steal.
If you could play one of America's most famous courses for a steep discount, which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments below.
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