Stay-and-play packages bundle accommodation and golf, and often extras such as breakfast, carts and dinner, into a single price. Resorts, hotels and golf destinations use them to attract golfers, and they can offer excellent value. But not every package is a bargain. Here's how they work and what to check.
What packages typically include
- Accommodation for a set number of nights.
- Rounds of golf, often one per night or a set total.
- Cart hire at some courses.
- Breakfast and sometimes dinner.
- Practice balls or range access.
- Extras: lessons, spa credits or club storage.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Often cheaper than booking separately | May restrict courses or tee times |
| Simple to book | Unused rounds are usually lost |
| Guaranteed tee times at some resorts | Weekend surcharges may apply |
| Extras included | Less flexibility to play elsewhere |
What to check
- Which courses are included, and any surcharges for premium courses.
- Tee time availability: are times guaranteed or subject to availability?
- Carts: included or extra?
- Cancellation and weather policies.
- Single supplements if travelling alone. Read solo golf travel.
- Taxes and resort fees.
- Extra rounds: discounted replay rates?
Comparing value
- Price the same trip separately: room plus green fees plus carts.
- Consider convenience: on-site golf saves transport time.
- Check reviews for course condition and service.
Read how to choose a golf resort and golf trips on a budget.
Finding the best deals
- Off-peak and shoulder seasons. Read best golf destinations by month.
- Midweek stays.
- Group packages. Read golf trips for large groups.
- Direct with resorts or through tour operators. Read golf tour operators.
Types of package
- Resort packages: accommodation and golf at the same resort, often with breakfast and practice balls.
- Multi-course packages: a hotel plus rounds at several nearby courses, sometimes with transfers.
- Unlimited golf packages: as many rounds as you like on the resort's courses, subject to availability.
- Tour-operator packages: flights, transfers, accommodation and pre-booked tee times. Read golf tour operators.
- Short-break packages: one or two nights with a round each day. Read golf weekend breaks.
Worked example: is it good value?
Imagine a two-night package costing $520 per person, including two rounds, two nights' accommodation and breakfast.
| Item | Bought separately |
|---|---|
| Two nights' accommodation (shared room) | $260 |
| Two rounds of golf | $240 |
| Breakfasts | $40 |
| Range balls | $15 |
| Total | $555 |
The package saves $35, but only if you would have chosen that accommodation, those courses and those tee times anyway. If you'd prefer a cheaper hotel nearby, or a twilight rate on the second day, buying separately might be better. Always compare like for like.
Hidden costs to look for
- Cart fees not included in the golf price.
- Resort fees and local taxes.
- Single supplements if you're travelling alone. Read solo golf travel.
- Tee-time restrictions, such as afternoon-only times.
- Peak-season surcharges.
- Cancellation terms, particularly for weather.
Questions to ask before booking
- Which courses and tee times are guaranteed?
- Are carts, range balls and transfers included?
- What happens if the course closes for weather or maintenance?
- Can tee times be changed?
- Is there a group discount, or a free place for the organiser?
Who packages suit best
- First-time golf travellers who want everything organised. Read your first overseas golf trip.
- Groups, where a single booking simplifies payments. Read golf trips for large groups.
- Golfers who want to play a lot of rounds at one resort.
Independent booking may suit experienced travellers who want flexibility or the cheapest options.
Frequently asked questions
What is a stay-and-play golf package?
A package combining accommodation and golf, often with extras like breakfast and carts.
Are stay-and-play packages cheaper?
Often, but compare with booking separately.
Can I change courses on a package?
Sometimes, often with a surcharge. Check the terms.
What happens if it rains?
Policies vary; some offer rain checks or refunds. Check before booking.
Are stay-and-play packages refundable?
It depends on the provider. Read the cancellation terms, and consider travel insurance.
Can non-golfers join a stay-and-play package?
Usually, yes, at a lower non-golfer rate.
The bottom line
Stay-and-play packages can be great value and convenient, especially at resorts with on-site golf. Check what's included, the tee time terms and cancellation policies, and compare with booking separately. For more trip planning, read golf weekend breaks.