By Rex Grayner, SVP Business Development at Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
If you’ve got a kid playing junior golf, you already know how fast the costs pile up.
Tournament fees. Travel. Hotels. Meals. Equipment. It all adds up.
And if you’re not careful, it can get out of hand before you realize it.
But here’s the thing. You don’t have to choose between giving your child great opportunities and keeping your family budget healthy. You just need to plan ahead, ask the right questions, and get creative when it counts.
I’ve spent 25 years working with youth sports families. I’ve seen smart budgeting help kids play more tournaments and stay in the game longer. And I’ve seen poor planning force young families to step away too soon.
Let’s keep that from happening to you.
Know What You’re Really Paying For
The first step is to see the big picture. A lot of families only think about the entry fee when they sign up for an event. But the entry fee is just the start.
Here’s what you should factor in:
- Tournament registration
- Practice rounds
- Hotels or rental homes
- Gas or flights
- Food for you and your player
- Extra costs like gear and equipment
It helps to list every expense for one event. Multiply it by the number of events you plan to play. Now you have a realistic number. Many families skip this. Don’t.
Pick Events That Make Sense
One of the biggest ways to invest wisely is playing in events that move your child forward. Every tournament should have a purpose. Ask:
- Does this event offer a valuable experience?
- Will this event impact our college golf journey?
- Is this event good for confidence or just extra stress?
More isn’t always better. Sometimes six well-chosen events do more than twelve random ones.
Travel Smart
Travel is where costs balloon. A few small choices make a big difference.
Book Early: Hotels and flights cost more the longer you wait. When the schedule comes out, start booking.
Use Rewards: Hotel and airline rewards points help. Sign up for free loyalty programs. They add up over a season.
Share Costs: Carpool with other families. Share a rental house instead of booking two hotel rooms. Many families do this and cut travel costs in half.
Equipment: Buy Smart, Not Often
Golf gear can drain your wallet. But you don’t have to buy brand-new every year. Unless your athlete is growing fast or changing swing speed, clubs can last 2–3 seasons.
And this is where your HJGT membership can really help you stretch your money. Our members get exclusive deals on top brands like Mizuno and Srixon, up to 45% off MSRP.
To put that in perspective:
- A new set of custom irons can run over $2,000. Members can save nearly $900 on that alone.
- A new custom driver easily costs $600+. Knock 45% off, and you’re putting $270 back in your pocket.
When you add in discounts from Bushnell Golf, Foresight, and other partners, families can save thousands on equipment they’d buy anyway.
Ask your coach for honest advice before buying. Some kids want the latest driver because their friends have it. But it won’t lower scores if the swing isn’t right.
If new clubs exceed your budget, consider gently used gear, too. Many good pro shops have used sets that work just fine as backups or travel sets.
Pack Your Own Food
It sounds small, but it adds up. Buying breakfast, lunch, and snacks at the course is expensive. Bring a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. Keep water bottles in the car.
Over a season, this can save hundreds.
Talk to Other Families
Some of the best money-saving ideas come from other parents. If you’re new to the tour, don’t be shy. Ask veteran parents how they cut costs. Many are happy to share tips about hotels, local restaurants, or the best places to stay near a course.
Set a Realistic Budget
Sit down before the season starts. Pick the events. Map out your expected costs. Decide what you can spend. Build in a cushion for surprises.
Stick to it. It’s easy to say yes to an extra night at a resort hotel. But if it blows up your budget, it may not be worth it.
Teach Your Golfer About Costs
Kids don’t always know how much this sport costs. You don’t have to make them feel guilty, but help them understand that travel and gear aren’t free. Many families give their junior golfers a small budget for extras. If they want the new golf shirt or extra sleeve of balls, they can use that.
It builds respect for what you’re doing for them.
Use Member Discounts and Partnerships
This is where membership really pays off. Besides huge tournament registration perks, HJGT families get access to big savings that add up fast. Mizuno and Srixon discounts alone can cover the cost of membership, and then some.
Families also use partner deals for Bushnell Golf rangefinders, Foresight launch monitors, and more. These items aren’t cheap. But with the right discount, you get premium gear for a lot less. Over a season, that can mean thousands saved.
Before you buy anything big, check what your HJGT membership covers. Odds are, there’s a partner deal ready for you.
Final Thoughts
Junior golf is an amazing path. It teaches responsibility, patience, and how to handle pressure. For many kids, it paves the road to college. It’s an investment in your child’s game, character, and future.
But you don’t have to break the bank to give your player great memories and good opportunities. You do need a plan. Take the time. Do the math. Tap into your HJGT membership perks. Talk to other families. And stick to the plan.
Your budget will thank you. So will your golfer.
See what the membership can do for your family:
Check our what membership unlocks: https://www.hjgt.org/membership/
