I have got to get a job to support my golf game.  I have to laugh at myself everytime I hear these words come out of my mouth.  As a child, my father relentlessly attempted with minimal success to get me into the game but sports like soccer, baseball, tennis and basketball always seemed like a better option for me.  I wanted to run faster, jump higher, slam winners and make diving catches, all of which are absent in golf.  There wasn’t an option to play golf at recess after lunch nor was anyone requesting to play golf over dodgeball in gym.  Even with all of said obstacles, at the end of the day I just didn’t have the patience for the game.

Now I’m getting older, my soccer career lived the longest through four years of varsity college soccer and now I’ve found myself looking for a new athletic challenge.  It wasn’t until last year when I decided to pick up the sticks and give the links a real go.  Living in the uppereastside concrete jungle doesn’t necessarily lend itself to propelling your golf game onto the PGA Tour, but with a little extra effort and an income to support my newest addiction, I was able to discover a handful of options in the area that would allow me to get my swings in.

As you most likely know, my income came to a screeching halt post-downsizing in December, making it ever so difficult to continue improving my game.  I love golf, I’ve caught the proverbial bug, but it is not the least expensive sport or hobby by any means.  Now more than ever I’m feverishly searching for cheap ways to get on the green.  Cheap golf? Sounds like an oxymoron but with a bit of preparation and planning, it’s a little more of a reality.

Lucky for me my father is a member of a golf club up in Massachusetts where I can play with him on occasion after a quick trip via the Bolt Bus (under $34 round trip to Boston with wifi).  When he’s not grilling me about my job search it’s quite enjoyable.  Regardless, it’s definitely worth the comp’d greens fee and the quality father-son QT.

When I’m not up north I turn to the local courses in the New York area for the most part.  Surrounding golf courses in Queens and The Bronx can be found by clicking [here], including Doulgaston Golf Course, Flushing Meadows Golf Center, Forest Park Golf Course, Kissena Golf Course, Van Cortlandt Golf Course.  While these courses can get swamped on the weekends, they’re fairly open during the week if you’re in need of an escape from the exhaustion of job hunting/soul searching/praying to the job gods.

The good news is if you know you’re going to play ahead of time, the clubs run specials on specific tee times for rates that can save you up to $30 on greens fees, plus if you sign up online you get a free birthday round.  Be sure to check GolfNYC’s tee time specials here.  If those times don’t work out for you make sure to research your local club’s twilight rates (for play later in the day ie. off-peak).  Playing later in the day shouldn’t be a problem for the downsized, assuming you schedule it around an interview you may have (wink-wink).

If you’re not ready for a full commitment of 18 holes perhaps it’s best to stick to the golf range to get your swing in order.  Unfortunately the local range at Chelsea Piers Golf Range is a bit pricey and you can find yourself waiting for over an hour to get on a preferred tee.  If you’re willing to lengthen your commute you can hit the same amount of balls for about half the price elsewhere.

Randalls Island Golf Center is a cheaper option, especially if you have a car.  If you do not have a car like most of us you can hitch a ride on their $14 round trip shuttle ($10 on weekdays), which runs up 3rd avenue making stops in the uppereastside every hour.  If you’re on a super tight budget mass-transit will get you there via the 4, 5, or 6 Lexington Ave. trains to 125th St., then transfer on the NW corner of 125th St. and Lexington Ave. for the M35 bus to Randall’s Island.  It’s the first stop on Randall’s which drops you off right in front of the golf center.

Here’s a hint: On your return make sure you catch the bus on the other side of the street so you don’t have to ride through the entire island, which lays home to an insane asylum amongst other various craziness.

The Randall’s Island Golf Center also has a free outdoor wifi lounge. Hit some balls and stay connected with your job hunt all at the same time. Brilliant!

If you have a car there are a couple other ranges nearby, including Alley Pond Golf Center in Douglaston, NY (directions) and The Bronx Golf Center, which both charge favorable rates.

After all of my worry I am relieved that there are cheaper golf options around the city.  Although I’m still able to run across the street and shoot hoops with the locals for free, picking up a new sport as technical as golf allows me to challenge myself both mentally and physically while providing a sense of reward and accomplishment with every drive down the center of the fairway or chip onto the dancefloor.  In a time where accomplishments are not abundant by way of my career, I need a place where I can feel good about conquering new hurdles.  I may not be Tiger Woods, but my father was right, all it takes is that one good shot that keeps me coming back.

-By Garrett Dale, Founding Member, Music Industry Professional & Online Marketing Expert