Back to Table of Contents
Back to Archives Main Page
Section: Life & Leisure
Fall Into Great Golf Deals
By Anthony Chabala
As George Harrison once sang, “All things must pass,” and so must the 2008 golf season. But with the season’s close come many great opportunities to play some stellar golf courses at highly discounted rates, lower prices on equipment and a chance for you to learn from this year’s experiences and apply this newfound knowledge going forward.
First off, here is a sample of some of the brilliant deals to be had at season’s end. This list features just a few local golf courses (including Canada) that are public and considered among the region’s finest.
• LochNess Links (formerly Hunter’s Pointe), Welland, Ontario: Starting October 13 you can play 18 holes for $45 with cart or $35 to walk. When looking at the big picture of WNY public golf courses, this is our St. Andrews — a pure, amazing course. You need every shot in the bag, and the conditions are normally pristine. To play this course for the cost of a tank of gas is a no-brainer. (905)346-2664.
• Diamond Hawk Golf Course, Cheektowaga: As you read this, the Monday to Friday rates have been dropped to ridiculous prices. Before 9 a.m., you can play (with cart) for only $30; between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for $35; and here’s the true gem, after 2 p.m., play with a cart for only $25. This layout is second to none in WNY. Their amazing food and friendly staff make this a course you must visit. Plus, I’ve played the fastest rounds of golf of my life there, and that is something you cannot put a price tag on. 651-0700.
• Harvest Hill Golf Course, Orchard Park: Harvest Hill’s rates were not announced as we went to press, but I can tell you from experience that this is every country club employee in WNY’s worst nightmare. Why? Because the course is so great that people are leaving the private sector to hit the public links. The price is right, the layout and conditions are incredible, and there are no hidden country club fees like a dining minimum and the like. The people of Harvest Hill took on a project and did it spot-on. Well done on their part, and now it is your turn to go play it. 662-1980.
If ever you are going to buy a top-of-the-line piece of golf equipment, fall is the time. One word for you (no, not plastics): demos. One would be crazy not to buy clubs used nowadays. These clubs are made of the hardest metals on earth, so who cares if they’ve been hit before? Now that next year’s are being ordered, it is time for pro shops and stores alike to unload their demo clubs from yesteryear and this means greats things for the consumer.
Also, eBay can be your greatest asset. Once you know what loft and shaft your swing requires, try looking into how much a used Callaway FT-5 or FT-i driver would cost. Now is the time to purchase a used driver at a scary low price. Look into a set of used Ping irons with graphite shafts. You can find them now for such great prices that it is foolish to not upgrade.
You know you are going to need golf balls next year. If you know of a certain ball you really love to play, then take advantage of end-of-season sales and stock up. Golf balls vary so little from year to year that you have to jump on a great buying opportunity when you see one.
Lastly, the end of the season is by far the greatest time of all to be truly reflective in regard to your strengths and weaknesses. Only you know where you can really save strokes on the golf course. Replay your average round in your mind and figure out one thing that would make you a better player. Do you top the ball off the tee? Do you slice the ball horribly? Do you chunk your chips? Can you not make a putt outside of four feet?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you need help with your game. Get lessons over the winter and work on that one issue until it is an issue no more. Also, vow to keep better records of what you do on the golf course. This will allow you to better narrow in on where your flaws really are.
back to top
back to table of contents
|
|
|
