Benefits
A tee time is like a dinner reservation for golf. No matter how crowded the course, you and your playing partners will have a spot on the first tee at the designated time. Players that arrive at a popular course without a tee time may have to wait hours to play, if they can get on the course at all.
Scheduling
Tee times can be reserved by calling the course directly or visiting its website. An employee in the pro shop can book your tee time and provide insight on ideal playing times, pace of play, course conditions and green fees. Course websites allow players to view and choose from all available times.
Reservations can also be made through online tee-time services.
Policies
Always be aware of course policies on check-in and cancellations. Generally, courses request that groups check in at the pro shop at least 30 minutes prior to its tee time. A group that violates the reservation policy may lose its tee time.
Cancellations are typically expected at least 24 hours in advance. Since tee times are usually held by a credit card, courses may charge a fee for late cancellations.
Cost
Some courses charge a reservation fee of $2 to $5. This fee is often included in special discounts or off-peak rates.
Misconceptions
Not all courses offer tee times. Most nine-hole and executive courses operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
About The Author
P.J. Chass has been freelance writing since 1997. His work has appeared in "The Daily Orange," "The Fischler Report," MSGNetwork.com and in several New York community newspapers. In 2008, he created Golf On Long Island, a website dedicated to public golf in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Chass graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
