Utilizing Golf Value Cards to maximize your experience in top destinations

Troon North

There are few things in life that feel better than getting a good deal.  We’ve all had that conversation with a friend who tells you all about how he worked the car dealer past the point of no return to get that exceptional deal on a new car, or how he played hard-ball when buying his new house by walking away from the table just to have the seller budge and give into his demands. 

It’s a basic human desire to get as much value as we can for as little money as possible.  Golf resorts tend to be great at giving into these desires for us as most stay and play packages come with some level of discount for setting up a multi-round and multi-night stay at your favorite resort. 

In addition to these great offers, thousands and thousands of golfers ever year turn to the benefits of annual golf cards in their local markets to find exceptional deals at their favorite courses in their hometown.  But this got us wondering, what about using the value of these cards during travel? 

As we began to research this process, we were amazed at how many different options there are in this space.  You can pretty much Google any state name, sometimes even a city, followed by “golf card” and you’re likely to find at least one option available in that market.  Covering all of them would take forever, so we decided to focus on two brands that we found exceptional value with during our research.

The Phoenician

Troon Card 

You may not realize it, but you and your friends have likely played several Troon-managed golf facilities throughout your years of teeing it up together.  Troon is the world’s largest golf course management company that provides golf courses with a vast knowledge of expertise in all areas of running a golf operation that includes everything from facility management, marketing services, revenue management, purchasing, agronomy best practices, and so much more.  The company focuses on providing top-level service to their member clubs while also utilizing economies of scale in order to pass along savings to their courses.  What does this mean for you?  It means that the courses can invest those dollars into other areas of their business creating an exceptional experience that you and your crew will want to enjoy time and time again. 

One of the benefits of utilizing the largest management company in golf as your card provider of choice is that they are large enough to give you a myriad of options when it comes to selecting the card that best fits your needs.  Cards available for purchase to get you discounted rates of up to 50 percent off your round as a twosome or a foursome, and some of the options include: 

  • Arizona Card: Troon has a massive footprint of courses in the Arizona market, and as a top travel market it could very well save you major dollars on your next desert getaway. 
  • National Card: For the golfer who travels all the time, the National Troon Card may be your best bet as it gives you full access to all of the participating Troon Card facilities all with one card. 
  • Regional Troon Cards: If you are a traveler who tends to jump in your car versus hopping on a plane, then the Regional Troon Card might be your best bet.  Regional Troon Cards are available in the Southwest, Southeast, West Coast, and Northeast. 
  • State Troon Cards: In addition to the Arizona card, Troon also offers state cards in Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas/Missouri, and New York.  If you’re looking to travel to these markets, take a look at these cards as they could save you some nice money on an extended golf getaway.
  • Additional Cards: Troon has also the Patriot Troon Card and the Inspire Troon Card, two options that give further discounts to active and retired members of the military, first responders, teachers, and medical personnel as a thank you for their services.  A nice touch if you ask us from a world-class organization. 

To see a full list of all the courses available to you in each market as well as the level of discount offered, visit here.

You may be wondering what additional benefits are included with your Troon Card.  The advantages of membership include: 

  • Reserve tee times within 3 days of your desired date of play at discounts of up to 50% off. 
  • Want to book earlier than 3 days?  Book any standard online rate and receive 15% off that rate at check in. 
  • 2 for 1 Golf offers.  Details are listed here. 
  • $25 replay rates at participating courses 
  • And much more.  For all benefits, see link here. 

There’s a lot to love about the Troon Card program, and hopefully one of these options can help you and your crew out on your next golf vacation.

Sterling Grove Golf + Country Club

Big Summer Golf Card 

The Big Summer Golf Card has been around for decades in South Florida, and the idea for the card originated from the concept of helping golfers enjoy discounts during the summer months when many of the snowbirds have headed back North and the courses needed additional play.  The concept was a huge success, and the team at Big Summer Golf Card has continued to expand their footprint throughout the state to bring golfers discounts throughout the summer, and in some cases all year-long. 

In addition to great access to top-level public golf courses, Big Summer Golf Card also provides access to select private golf courses as part of its membership.  For a full look at which facilities this includes, see the following link.

Your Big Summer Golf Card membership also includes the Big Summer Golf Tour which features over 45 play dates at top public and private courses year-round for golfers to enjoy at venues such as The Quarry Course at Black Diamond Ranch. 

The best part of the Big Summer Golf Card is that it is only between $40 to $60!  The amount of value that you receive from this card is exceptional, and their team is constantly adding in new courses for you and your crew to enjoy. 

If you live in Florida or if you are planning on a vacation here anytime soon, be sure check out www.bigsummergolf.com before you book as this may be the best $40 to $60 you spend all year. 

Black Diamond Ranch

Recommendation

Discount golf cards can be a great way to enhance the value of your next golf getaway, and when you and your crew are planning your next trip don’t be afraid to do a quick Google search to see if there are some options available in your desired destination.  We’ve highlighted two of the cards that we know deliver a lot of value, and there are plenty of other great options out there so with a little research you may find yourself with some extra money in your pocket to enjoy some more great golf.