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How to Book a Tee Time at a Golf Course

Tap each step to see exactly how to book a tee time at a golf course.

  1. Check which booking system your course uses

    Membership golf courses tend to run reservations through a members-only system, while public courses usually take bookings through a separate booking platform or their own website, so confirm which applies to the course you want to play.

  2. Search for your course, date, and tee time

    Search the course, date, and preferred tee-off window to see which slots are still open.

  3. Decide on group size and whether to join a group

    You can book as a full group of your own, or if you're short on players, join a group round with golfers you haven't met before to fill out a foursome.

  4. Check the green fee and other costs

    Green fees, cart fees, and caddie fees can vary a lot by course, day of the week, and time slot -- weekday vs. weekend, early morning vs. twilight -- so check the total cost before booking.

  5. Pay a deposit and confirm your booking

    Many courses require a deposit to lock in a reservation, and you'll typically get a confirmation text or notification once payment goes through.

  6. Check the course's rain cancellation and no-show policy

    Refund rules for weather cancellations and penalty fees for booking a tee time and not showing up vary by course, so it's worth confirming both before you book.

Membership and public courses don't book the same way

At membership courses, tee times are largely reserved for members and their guests, while public courses are generally open to anyone through a booking platform or the course's own site. Knowing which type of course you're dealing with up front saves you from searching the wrong system and assuming a course is unavailable.

A little golf vocabulary goes a long way

Terms like green fee, join booking, and tee time come up constantly once you start booking rounds. Getting comfortable with the basic vocabulary before your first round makes both the booking process and the round itself much less confusing, especially if you're playing with people you've just met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a join booking safe?

Playing a round with golfers you've just met can feel unfamiliar at first, but many booking platforms track etiquette ratings or reviews for repeat players, and join bookings are a common, generally well-regarded way to fill out a group.

What happens if my group size changes after booking?

Policies vary by course, but falling below the minimum required group size can sometimes mean an added fee or an adjusted reservation, so it's best to contact the course directly ahead of time if your numbers change.