How to Save on Golf Courses in Long Beach

Golf is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle. For enthusiasts in Long Beach, California, the combination of coastal breezes, well-maintained fairways, and year-round playable weather makes the city a premier destination for golfers. However, the cost of playing can quickly add up. Green fees at top-tier courses can exceed $150 on weekends, and premium tee times often require advance booking and hefty deposits. The good news? With strategic planning, local knowledge, and smart tools, you can significantly reduce your golf expenses without sacrificing quality or experience.

This comprehensive guide reveals how to save on golf courses in Long Beach through actionable, proven methods. Whether you’re a casual weekend player or a dedicated golfer seeking daily access, this tutorial will help you stretch your budget while enjoying the best courses the region has to offer. From booking hacks and membership alternatives to off-peak strategies and community resources, you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap to play more for less.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research Public vs. Private Courses

Long Beach offers a mix of public, semi-private, and private golf courses. Public courses—open to anyone—are typically more affordable than private clubs, which require membership fees ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars annually. Start by identifying all public courses in the area. Key public options include:

• Los Altos Golf & Country Club (public access)
• El Dorado Park Golf Course
• Los Cerritos Country Club (public access on select days)
• Belmont Plaza Golf Course

Compare their daily rates, especially during weekdays versus weekends. For example, El Dorado Park often charges $45–$65 for 18 holes on weekdays, while weekend rates climb to $85–$110. Los Altos may offer similar weekday pricing but charge premium rates for weekend twilight play. Focus your research on courses with transparent, up-to-date pricing listed on official websites.

2. Book Tee Times During Off-Peak Hours

One of the most effective ways to save is by playing during off-peak hours. Most golfers prefer morning tee times on weekends, creating high demand and inflated prices. Courses often offer discounted rates for:

• Early morning (before 8:00 AM)
• Midday (11:00 AM–1:00 PM)
• Twilight (last 2–3 hours before closing)

For example, at Belmont Plaza, twilight rates can be as low as $35 for 18 holes on weekdays. At Los Cerritos, playing after 3:00 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays can reduce your fee by nearly 50%. Use online booking platforms to filter by price and time, and always check the course’s “Special Offers” or “Value Times” section.

3. Utilize Online Booking Platforms with Discount Codes

Several third-party platforms aggregate tee time availability and offer exclusive deals. The most reliable for Long Beach include:

• GlobalGolf – Offers last-minute discounts and “Deal of the Week” promotions
• 18Birdies – Provides cashback rewards and member-only pricing
• Hotels.com Golf – Bundles tee times with hotel stays (ideal for visitors)
• PlayGolf.com – Features seasonal promotions and combo packages

Always apply coupon codes at checkout. Many sites offer 10–20% off for first-time users. For example, signing up for GlobalGolf’s newsletter often triggers a $15 discount on your next round. Combine this with off-peak booking, and you can cut your cost by over 60% on some days.

4. Join a Golf Loyalty or Rewards Program

Many public courses in Long Beach operate loyalty programs that reward frequent players. El Dorado Park, for instance, offers a “Golf Passport” program: after 10 rounds, your 11th round is free. Los Altos has a “Player’s Club” that grants members 15% off green fees and free range balls with every visit.

Even if you don’t play weekly, signing up is free and requires no commitment. These programs often send exclusive alerts for flash sales, member-only tournaments, and discounted equipment rentals. Some even allow you to pool points with a friend or family member for shared savings.

5. Play on Rainy or Slow Days

Weather is a hidden ally. Courses rarely advertise discounts for rainy days, but they often reduce rates or waive fees entirely when attendance is low. Check the forecast and plan to play on days with a 60%+ chance of rain. Most courses will lower prices to encourage play, especially during the winter months (November–February).

For example, in January 2023, Belmont Plaza offered $25 9-hole rounds on rainy Wednesday afternoons. On days with heavy fog or wind, some courses even provide complimentary cart rentals or free range access to offset the less-than-ideal conditions. Don’t let bad weather deter you—embrace it as an opportunity.

6. Take Advantage of Senior, Student, and Military Discounts

Many Long Beach courses offer targeted discounts for specific demographics:

• Seniors (55+): Typically 10–25% off, sometimes with free cart access
• Students (with ID): Up to 30% off during school breaks
• Active/Retired Military: Often free or $10–$20 rounds on designated days

Always ask about these discounts at the pro shop or when booking online. Some courses, like Los Cerritos, have “Military Monday” with $29 18-hole rounds. Students from Long Beach City College can access discounted rates through campus partnerships. Even if you don’t fall into these categories, ask if the course offers “community discounts” for local residents with proof of address.

7. Play 9 Holes Instead of 18

Not every round needs to be 18 holes. Many courses offer 9-hole rates that are 40–60% cheaper than 18-hole fees. This is ideal for:

• Busy professionals with limited time
• Beginners building confidence
• Players looking to practice specific skills

At El Dorado Park, a 9-hole round costs $25 on weekdays versus $55 for 18 holes. You can play two 9-hole rounds in the same time it takes to complete one full round, doubling your playtime for less cost. Many courses also offer “Double 9” packages—two 9-hole rounds on the same day at a bundled rate.

8. Rent Equipment Locally Instead of Using Course Rentals

Course rental clubs and carts are convenient but expensive. A cart rental can add $25–$40 to your bill. Instead, rent from local outfitters like:

• Long Beach Golf Pro Shop – $15/day for clubs, $20 for cart
• Play It Again Sports (Long Beach) – Used clubs for $50–$80 (one-time purchase)
• Amazon or eBay – Buy a used set for under $100 and save long-term

Buying a basic set of clubs (driver, 3-wood, 7-iron, putter) for under $150 pays for itself in just 3–4 visits if you’re playing twice a month. Consider investing in a lightweight, used bag and a set of golf balls ($10–$20 for a dozen) to avoid buying new ones every time.

9. Join a Golf League or Group

Many Long Beach courses host weekly leagues for casual players. Joining one often comes with perks:

• Discounted weekly rates (e.g., $30/week instead of $65)
• Free range access
• Access to exclusive tournaments with prizes

Leagues typically meet on weekdays (Tuesdays or Thursdays) and require no skill level. The Long Beach Golf Association runs a “Beginner’s League” that costs $20/month and includes 18 holes every Thursday. This averages out to less than $5 per round. Even if you’re not competitive, the social structure ensures consistent play at a fraction of the cost.

10. Use the “Play Now” or “Waitlist” Feature

Many courses now offer a “Play Now” button on their websites or apps, which allows you to book last-minute tee times at steep discounts. These are unsold slots that the course wants to fill before closing. For example, if a course has five open slots at 4:00 PM and only two are booked, the system may drop prices to $20–$30 to attract players.

Set up alerts on 18Birdies or the course’s app for “last-minute availability.” You can often snag a $50 round for $25 if you’re willing to play within the next hour. This strategy works best on weekdays and during shoulder seasons (spring and fall).

Best Practices

Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible

Booking a tee time two weeks in advance often locks you into peak pricing. Instead, aim to book 3–7 days ahead. This gives you enough time to monitor price drops and adjust based on weather or availability. Use calendar reminders to check for updates every 48 hours. Many courses lower prices as the date approaches if they’re underbooked.

Always Ask for the Best Available Rate

Even if a course’s website lists a price, the pro shop may offer a better deal if you call or visit in person. Staff often have discretion to apply unadvertised discounts, especially for repeat customers or those who mention they’re considering another course. A simple question like, “Do you have any current promotions or group rates?” can unlock savings.

Combine Savings Strategies

The greatest savings come from stacking methods. For example:

• Book a twilight 9-hole round on a rainy Wednesday
• Use a first-time user coupon from GlobalGolf
• Pay with a cashback credit card
• Bring your own clubs and cart
• Join the course’s loyalty program

Doing all five could reduce a $110 round to under $30—saving over 70%.

Track Your Spending and Play Frequency

Use a simple spreadsheet or app to log:

• Date of play
• Course name
• Cost (green fee, cart, rental)
• Discounts applied
• Total savings

After 3–6 months, you’ll see patterns. You might discover that playing Tuesdays at El Dorado Park saves you $200/month compared to weekends at Los Altos. This data empowers you to make smarter decisions and justify future investments, like buying equipment.

Be a Regular—Build Relationships

Staff at public courses remember regulars. If you play once a week, introduce yourself to the pro shop staff. Ask about upcoming events, practice days, or volunteer opportunities. Many courses offer free rounds to loyal players who help with junior clinics or course cleanups. Building rapport can lead to complimentary upgrades, early access to tee times, or even free merchandise.

Avoid Peak Seasons and Holidays

Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends see the highest demand and prices. Even Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can spike rates by 50–100%. Plan your most expensive rounds for late January or early September, when demand is low and weather is still pleasant. The shoulder seasons offer the best balance of affordability and playability.

Bring Your Own Food and Drinks

Course concessions are expensive. A bottle of water can cost $5, a sandwich $12. Most courses allow you to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Pack a cooler with water, energy bars, and fruit. You’ll save $15–$20 per round and stay hydrated without the markup.

Tools and Resources

Online Tee Time Platforms

• GlobalGolf – Best for discounts and last-minute deals
• 18Birdies – Best for rewards, GPS tracking, and community features
• PlayGolf.com – Best for package deals and multi-course passes
• Google Maps – Use to compare distances, reviews, and real-time pricing

Mobile Apps

• Windy – Accurate local weather forecasts to plan rainy-day savings
• MyGolfSpy – Reviews of equipment and course conditions
• Clubhouse – Connect with local golfers to share tips and group deals

Local Organizations

• Long Beach Golf Association – Runs leagues, tournaments, and youth programs with low fees
• City of Long Beach Parks & Recreation – Manages El Dorado Park and Belmont Plaza; offers seasonal passes
• California Golf Association – Provides access to statewide discounts and junior golf clinics

Community Resources

• Long Beach Public Library – Offers free access to golf instruction videos and course maps
• Facebook Groups – Search “Long Beach Golfers” or “SoCal Golf Deals” for user-shared discounts
• Nextdoor – Locals often post about unused tee times or group bookings

Payment and Rewards Tools

• Cashback Credit Cards – Cards like Chase Freedom or Citi Double Cash offer 2–5% back on recreational spending
• PayPal Honey – Automatically applies coupon codes at checkout
• Apple Pay / Google Pay – Some courses offer 5% discounts for contactless payments

Real Examples

Example 1: The Budget-Conscious Student

Emma, a 20-year-old student at Long Beach City College, wanted to play golf twice a week but couldn’t afford $80 rounds. Here’s her strategy:

• Played 9 holes at El Dorado Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays ($25 each)
• Used her student ID to get 20% off ($20 per round)
• Joined the course’s loyalty program and earned a free round after 10 visits
• Bought a used set of clubs on eBay for $80
• Used 18Birdies to earn 500 points, redeemable for a free cart rental

Result: Emma played 40 rounds in 6 months. Her total out-of-pocket cost: $720 (including clubs). Without savings, it would have cost $6,400. She saved $5,680.

Example 2: The Retiree Who Plays Daily

Robert, 68, retired and played golf every morning. He used these tactics:

• Played at Belmont Plaza every weekday at 7:00 AM ($30 round)
• Qualified for senior discount: 20% off → $24 per round
• Joined the course’s “Golden Age” program: 11th round free
• Volunteered 2 hours/month helping with junior clinics → earned 4 free rounds/year
• Used a cashback card to earn 3% back on all purchases

Result: Robert played 260 rounds/year. His cost: $5,616. Without savings: $11,440. He saved $5,824 annually.

Example 3: The Visitor Who Played 5 Rounds in 3 Days

Mark, visiting from Texas, wanted to play 5 rounds during a business trip. He used:

• Hotels.com Golf bundle: 3-night stay + 2 rounds for $199 (normally $450)
• Used GlobalGolf coupon: 15% off next 3 rounds
• Booked twilight rounds on weekdays: $35 each
• Used his military ID for a $20 discount on one round

Result: Total cost: $275. Without savings: $750. He saved $475.

FAQs

What is the cheapest public golf course in Long Beach?

El Dorado Park Golf Course consistently offers the lowest rates for 18 holes on weekdays, starting at $45. For 9 holes, Belmont Plaza is the most affordable at $25 during off-peak hours.

Can I get a monthly pass for golf in Long Beach?

Yes. El Dorado Park and Belmont Plaza offer monthly passes for $150–$200, which include unlimited 9-hole rounds during weekdays. These are ideal for frequent players.

Are there any free golf options in Long Beach?

There are no completely free public courses, but some courses offer free 9-hole clinics for juniors or seniors on select days. Additionally, some local nonprofits host free “Try Golf” events in the spring.

Do I need to rent a cart?

No. All public courses allow walking. In fact, many golfers prefer it for exercise and cost savings. Cart rentals add $25–$40 per round.

Is it cheaper to play in the winter?

Yes. Winter months (December–February) see the lowest demand. Twilight rates can drop to $20–$30, and some courses offer “Winter Special” packages.

Can I bring my dog to the golf course?

No. Most public courses prohibit pets on the course for safety and maintenance reasons. Service animals are permitted with proper documentation.

Do any courses offer group discounts?

Yes. Groups of 4+ can often get 10–20% off if booked in advance. Some courses also offer “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deals on weekends.

How do I know if a course is truly public?

Check the course website. Public courses list tee time booking for “all guests.” Private clubs require membership verification or host-only access. If you can book online without a membership number, it’s public.

Are there any hidden fees I should watch out for?

Yes. Watch for:

• Resort fees (rare on public courses)
• Service charges on online bookings
• Cart fuel surcharges
• Ball washer or range fees

Always read the fine print before confirming your reservation.

Can I reschedule or get a refund if I can’t play?

Most courses allow free rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance. Refunds are rarely given, but you may receive a credit toward a future round if you cancel with notice.

Conclusion

Saving on golf courses in Long Beach isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about playing smarter. By combining off-peak timing, loyalty programs, local discounts, and smart technology, you can reduce your cost per round by 50% or more without compromising the quality of your experience. Whether you’re a student, retiree, visitor, or daily enthusiast, the tools and strategies outlined in this guide are designed to make golf more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable.

The key is consistency. Track your spending, build relationships with course staff, and stay informed about promotions. Over time, these small savings compound into significant financial gains—and more time on the course. Golf is a lifelong game, and with the right approach, it can also be a budget-friendly one.

Start today. Book your next round during twilight. Use a coupon. Bring your own clubs. Ask about discounts. The next time you step onto the fairway in Long Beach, you’ll not only enjoy the game—you’ll feel the satisfaction of playing smart, saving smart, and living the golf lifestyle without the financial burden.