Golf Course Reservations in Korea – Why It Feels Like a War (한국 골프장 예약 전쟁)

 




Golf Course Reservations in Korea – Why It Feels Like a War (한국 골프장 예약 전쟁)


In South Korea, playing golf isn’t the hardest part — booking a tee time is.


As golf has grown massively in popularity, especially among younger generations and weekend warriors, the competition to reserve a spot on the course has become a serious challenge. Tee times during peak hours are often fully booked within seconds of opening. It’s no exaggeration to say that reserving a golf course in Korea can feel like a war.


Why Is It So Difficult to Book a Golf Course in Korea?


1. Limited Supply, Exploding Demand

Golf has seen a boom in Korea, but the number of available courses hasn’t increased at the same pace. This imbalance creates a constant shortage, especially at popular locations.


2. Everyone Wants the Same Time Slots

Weekend mornings — particularly between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM — are the most sought-after. These “golden hours” are often booked out in less than a minute.


3. Automated Reservations and Speed Battles

Most golf courses and platforms offer online booking systems, but tech-savvy users (or reservation bots) dominate the process. If you're not fast enough, you’re out.


4. Reservation Brokers and Scalping

Some third-party services reserve tee times in bulk and resell them at higher prices. This creates further obstacles for regular players and raises fairness concerns.


Does This Sound Familiar?


You coordinated with friends, but couldn't find an available tee time


You set an alarm just to book at the exact opening time, only to miss out


You finally got a spot… on a random weekday afternoon



How to Improve Your Chances


Set alerts for when your favorite golf courses open bookings


Aim for off-peak hours like weekday mornings or afternoons


Use third-party platforms such as T-Screen (티스캐너) or X-Golf, which list multiple courses


Look for 2-player-friendly courses or join services that match individual golfers into a group



Booking a tee time in Korea requires strategy, timing, and a bit of luck. But once you secure your spot and step onto the green, the reward feels even more satisfying — like winning a small victory.



---





댓글

댓글 쓰기

이 블로그의 인기 게시물

Why Are Korean Golf Courses So Expensive?한국 골프장은 왜 그렇게 비쌀까?

이미지
  Why Are Korean Golf Courses So Expensive? 한국 골프장은 왜 그렇게 비쌀까? -- A question many foreign golfers ask the moment they check tee times in Korea. Compared to other countries, green fees in Korea are shockingly high. In Southeast Asia, you can play a full 18-hole round for $30. In the U.S., $60–90 is average. But in Korea? It’s not uncommon to pay $150–300 or more, especially on weekends. So why is golf so expensive in Korea? It’s not just the course itself. Korean golf is a premium service experience — and the price reflects that. --- 1. Mandatory Caddie System (₩150,000 per team) Unlike in the West, you can't play golf in Korea without a caddie. One caddie manages a group of four, helping with club selection, distances, ball spotting, and even reading greens. The fee? ₩150,000 (around $110) per team. This is separate from the green fee, and it’s not optional. In most other countries, caddies are rare and optional. In Korea, it’s part of the cultural package. --- 2. Cart Fee (₩80,000...
자세한 내용 보기

What It’s Like to Have a Caddie in Korea한국 골프장 캐디 문화는 어떤 느낌일까?

이미지
  What It’s Like to Have a Caddie in Korea한국 골프장 캐디 문화는 어떤 느낌일까? --- In Korea, the presence of a caddie is not an option — it's a requirement. If you’re used to self-carrying your clubs or renting a trolley, the Korean system might feel overwhelming at first. But once you experience it, you’ll realize: a caddie in Korea is not just a helper, but a guide, a strategist, and a team leader. Here’s what you can expect. --- 1. You Can’t Play Without a Caddie In most Korean golf courses, each group (usually 4 players) is assigned one caddie by default. Self-play is rarely allowed. The fee is ₩150,000 per group, not including an optional tip. This is paid directly to the club and is mandatory. In Western countries, caddies are rare and optional. In Korea, they’re an integral part of the golf experience. --- 2. Caddies Are Not Club Employees One misconception is that caddies are employed by the golf course. In reality, many work through third-party service companies, and are assigned per te...
자세한 내용 보기

Top 5 Public Golf Courses in Korea (한국의 인기 퍼블릭 골프장 TOP 5)

이미지
  Top 5 Public Golf Courses in Korea (한국의 인기 퍼블릭 골프장 TOP 5) Top 5 Public Golf Courses in Korea (한국의 인기 퍼블릭 골프장 TOP 5) – Where Golfers Keep Coming Back Public golf courses in Korea are no longer just budget options. Many now rival private clubs with well-maintained fairways, great layouts, and impressive scenery. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned golfer, these five public courses have earned strong reputations among locals for good reason. --- 1. Anseong H Club (안성H 클럽 – 경기도 안성시) Course Highlights:  Wide fairways with minimal elevation changes—perfect for beginners.  Fast greens (Speed 2.8–3.1) demand solid putting skills. Facilities:  Modern clubhouse, clean and spacious locker rooms, strong shower water pressure.  Snack house sells basic but satisfying options like kimchi stew and hot dogs. Pricing:  Weekday: 130,000–140,000 KRW  Weekend: 180,000–190,000 KRW  Cart: 90,000 KRW per team / Caddie: 150,000 KRW per team Address:  33, Je2sandan-ro, Miyang-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeong...
자세한 내용 보기