Secure Your Austin Tee Times: How to Plan a Golf Day

Texas is one of just seven U.S. states with over a million golfers, and Austin is one of the most popular destinations for golfers to enjoy this sport. The city abounds with luxury resorts and pristine golf courses designed by some of the world's best golfing experts, like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Fazio.

So, whether you're visiting Austin on vacation or a long-time resident wanting to try your hand at this popular sport, you'll find no shortage of choices for a great day out. Step one in planning your outing is booking the best Austin tee times for your needs.

Keep reading to learn more about how tee times work and how to plan a golf day in the sunny state of Texas.

 

Understanding Austin Tee Times 

A golf tee time refers to the time slot you reserve to start your game of golf at an Austin golf course. Players usually book these slots well in advance and must stick to them to avoid inconveniencing other players. 

How Do Tee Times Work?

Whether you're playing nine holes or 18, you only get one tee time per round. Golf courses usually begin scheduling these start times from 7:30 in the morning, with the last tee time at about 4 pm.

If golfers tee off any later than 4 pm, they may not finish their round before the course closes for the day or night falls. Usually, tee times at this time of day aren't as strict, so you can often book a quick round of nine holes if you prefer. 

It's important for golf courses to space tee times so that golfers have enough room to maneuver around each other. If groups teed off one after the other, they'd get in each other's way around the course.

Tee times can be staggered at any interval, but the more tee times a golf course schedules, the more money they make. Depending on their past experiences, golf courses may schedule times anywhere from nine to twelve minutes apart. 

Dynamic Pricing at Austin Golf Courses

Golfers pay for their round of golf based on the tee time they select, as some times are more in demand than others. This type of pricing is called dynamic pricing and is loosely based on the principles of supply and demand as adopted by airlines and hotels.

As such, the cost of your tee time may vary depending on:

• Current demand levels for tee times
• Day of the week and time of day
• Availability
• Weather conditions and seasonality
• Local events and peak vacation seasons

When golf courses implement dynamic pricing, they work from a base rate calculated according to historical data and adjust this accordingly. They may also adjust prices according to the player's membership status and how far in advance they make their booking.

 

Tips for Planning a Golf Day

Before you can commit to a tee time, you need to rally the troops and decide which one of Austin's excellent golf courses to try out. Most golf games consist of a four-ball, that is, four players per tee time, so you'll need to find another three willing participants before you start planning your day.

If you have more or less than four players, you can combine with another group to make up the numbers. Single golfers can't play by themselves on busy days, but the course may accommodate them if there aren't many bookings for that day.

Comparing Austin Golf Courses

Texas is acknowledged as the 18th-best state in the country for golfing. These rankings are based on:

• Number of golfers
• Frequency of play
• Rounds per golfer
• Total number of courses
• Number of Golf Magazine Top 100 courses
• Number of native players
• Prestige of tournaments
• Overall vibe

There are 33 golf courses located within 15 miles of Austin. These include 18 private courses and 14 public ones. Most of Austin's golf courses have 18 holes, but there are four with a nine-hole layout.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Golf Course

Assuming you want to play 18 holes, you've got a lot of research to do when deciding on a course for your golf day. The first consideration is between public and private courses.

Most private courses are expensive and restrictive about who they allow to play. In most cases, you'll need to sign up for a membership at these elite facilities or get a member to accompany you on your round.

More expensive and exclusive golf courses aren't always better courses. Austin boasts many exceptional public courses where you can enjoy a round of golf without having to jump through hoops first.

Next, take a look at the facilities offered at the golf club. These will enhance your enjoyment of time spent at the golf course and could even help improve your game.

Some desirable amenities include:

• Putting greens
• Driving ranges
• Golf academies
• On-site pro golfers
• Restaurant and bar
• Equipment hire or a golf shop

Finally, do some research about the course. Most golf club websites will have course layouts and information about the challenges on offer.

You should also read reviews and visit the venue before the time to get a sense of the overall vibe. 

Managing Your Golf Tee Time Booking

Once you've found a scenic and welcoming place to enjoy your game of golf and consulted with your friends, you can book a tee time that suits your needs. Some things to consider include:

Course Difficulty

It will take longer to get around a difficult course, and you'll need more time to deliberate your shots. If you're taking on a challenging 18-hole course, try to book a time slot during a quieter time so you don't feel rushed by players coming up behind you.

Skill Level

If you're new to golf, you'll benefit by playing during a quiet time of the week. With fewer players around, you'll feel less self-conscious and have more time to focus on improving your game.

Your Schedule

Most golfers prefer to book an early slot, as there's no risk of running out of daylight before you complete the course, but there's no point in booking a 7:45 slot if you can only arrive at 7:45.

If you don't make it to the tee box in time for your slot, you could lose out. You'll also need time to compose yourself before you start your round.

Be sure to cater for breakfast, equipment hire, and unexpected delays when planning your tee time.

 

Booking Your Tee Time at an Austin Golf Course

You can book your tee time either online or by calling the golf course. Most courses allow you to book as many as eight days in advance without additional cost.

If you want to book earlier than that, you'll likely need to pay a small fee that increases according to the number of days you book in advance. Advance fees are not refundable; they will be charged to your credit card at the time of booking.

When combined with a threesome, single players must share their carts with other players; they can't book an individual cart. This is to ensure there are enough carts to accommodate players who are booked as a foursome. 

Some courses allow spectators to book golf carts, but this is always based on availability. Golfers take preference over spectators when it comes to golf carts.

When you book online, you will need to create an account that you can use for future reference. Make a note of your username and password, or save it on your computer. 

You will be prompted to provide your credit card information when you book your tee time. This number is saved to your online booking account for future convenience. 

All credit card information is encrypted. As soon as you've made your reservation, make a note of it on your calendar.

Common Austin Golf Course Cancellation Policies

Most Austin golf courses charge cancellation fees based on how much advance notice you give them. They usually require 24 hours' notice if you want to change your tee time or cancel it.

If you don't give them sufficient notice, they can charge your credit card for the full amount owed for all the players in your four-ball.

You can change your reservation online or call the course to make arrangements. Be sure to call the golf course right away if you are running late; they will do their best to accommodate you. 

 

Enhancing Your Golf Experience

It's best to arrive at least an hour before your allocated tee time so you have plenty of time to settle before starting your game. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy breakfast, warm up, and familiarize yourself with the course rules and golf etiquette.

These preparations ensure you arrive for your tee time relaxed and ready to play at your best. 

 

Have a Great Day Out in Austin

Booking your tee time is an important consideration when planning a golf day and can have a profound effect on how much you enjoy your round. Be sure to take all the above variables into account when booking your tee time so you don't end up missing your round or paying a cancellation fee.

At Plum Creek Golf Club, we are committed to providing a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for Austin golf enthusiasts, and we will do our best to accommodate you at a time that suits your needs. 

Book your Austin tee times at Plum Creek Golf Club today and start planning an enjoyable day out.