Private, Public, or Semi-Private? Spilling the Tea on Where to Play Golf Like a Pro Queen
Ladies, we need to chat. No, not because it's almost time for the *The Golden Bachelorrette* premiere (though we’re obsessed), but about something equally glorious: where to play your next, or maybe even your first, round of golf. You’ve got your Sierra Madre Golf gear on lock, now it’s time to get a feel for the lay of the land—literally. Let’s break down the differences between private, public, and semi-private golf courses so you can book your next tee time like the queen you are.
Private Courses: The Gucci of Golf
First up, private courses—the VIP section of the golf world. Imagine this: perfectly manicured greens, exclusive locker rooms, and the kind of privacy that even the Kardashians would envy. These courses are members-only, meaning you’ve got to know someone on the inside to get in. But once you’re in, honey, you’re in. It’s all about the luxe experience—think rain shower heads, a happy hour with a view, and the kind of service you always knew you deserved.
How to Play: Unless you’re ready to commit to a membership or you’ve got connections, your best bet is to snag an invite from a member. Slide into those DMs, girl—networking is key!
Public Courses: The People’s Playground
Next, let’s talk about public courses—the OGs, the everywoman’s golf course. These are where the masses mingle and the vibes are casual. Our kind of place. Public courses are open to anyone and everyone, so if you’re just starting out or don’t want to deal with all the exclusivity drama, this is your spot. Sure, they might not have the swank of a private course, but they’re affordable, accessible, and an absolute vibe if you hit ‘em with the right mindset.
How to Play: It’s as easy as booking a table at your favorite brunch spot. Just hop online, choose your tee time, and you’re set. You can also go old school and call a golf course, they’ll take care of booking your tee time. Many public courses even offer discounts for booking in advance, so plan ahead and save some coin. Word to the wise and especially the shy, get 3 other girlies (or dudes, we don’t discriminate) to fill your tee time. That’ll ensure you don’t get paired with a stranger. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, book a tee time solo and maybe make a new friend. There are some cool people in this world.
Semi-Private Courses: The Best of Both Worlds?
Finally, we’ve got semi-private courses—the mullet of golf. These hybrids offer some of the exclusivity of private courses with the accessibility of public ones. Some tee times are reserved for members, but many are open to the public, usually at a slightly higher rate. It’s giving Goldilocks.
How to Play: You can often book these through the course’s website or by giving them a call. Pro tip: semi-private courses sometimes have memberships that are way less pricey than full-on private ones, so if you’re into the idea of regular access, it’s worth looking into.
Where to Play: Our Fave Public Courses
Now that you’re well-versed in golf course lingo, let’s get to the good stuff—where to play. We’ve already rounded up some of the *vibiest* public courses in the U.S. (check out our post), so consider this your Bad Madre golf course bucket list. Whether you’re aiming for a casual day out or pulling up with some skills to show off, these public courses are where it’s at. And between crossing off bucket-listers, check out the courses in your area and let us know which ones deserve to be on the list. Book your tee time, get your squad together, slay the day, etc.
So there you have it, queens. The next time you’re eyeing a round of golf, you’ll know exactly where to go and how to book it like the boss you are. Now, get out there and show those greens who’s boss. And don’t forget about your fit while you’re at it—after all, we may not be playing tennis, but we’re always serving looks.