Best Time to Buy Golf Tickets on StubHub – Save Big for Majors & More

Golf fans know that scoring tickets to major tournaments like The Masters or the U.S. Open can get expensive fast. But with the right timing and strategy, StubHub can be a goldmine for great deals. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly when and how to buy tickets for 2025’s biggest golf events, so you can enjoy elite-level golf without overspending.

The Masters Tournament presents unique challenges for ticket buyers. Since official tickets are primarily distributed through a lottery system, the secondary market becomes crucial for many fans. On StubHub, Masters tickets command premium prices, with even practice round tickets starting around $1,100. For this prestigious tournament, timing is everything. The best strategy often involves purchasing immediately after tickets appear on the platform. Early purchases provide better seat selection and sometimes lower prices compared to the panic-buying that occurs closer to the event. However, if your budget is tight and you can tolerate uncertainty, monitoring prices in the 48 hours before each tournament day might yield last-minute deals from sellers desperate to recoup some investment.

The Open Championship Sweet Spots

The Open Championship offers more accessible pricing compared to The Masters. Practice round tickets typically start around £42, while final round tickets can exceed £240 depending on demand and venue popularity. For the Open, purchasing windows follow predictable patterns. Initial listings often represent fair value, with prices climbing as inventory decreases. The sweet spot typically falls 3-4 months before the tournament, after initial excitement has waned but before serious fans begin finalizing travel plans. Another opportunity emerges 1-2 weeks before the event when sellers reassess their asking prices against remaining market demand.

U.S. Open Purchase Windows

The U.S. Open ticket market demonstrates consistent patterns year after year. Prices typically spike immediately after venue announcements, stabilize 4-5 months before the tournament, then fluctuate based on player announcements and weather forecasts. Strategic buyers should target the mid-week lull that occurs approximately 3 months before the tournament. During this period, initial enthusiasm has cooled, but the marketing push for last-minute sales hasn't begun. Additionally, monitoring prices after player commitment deadlines can reveal value opportunities, as these announcements sometimes affect market dynamics.

PGA Championship Buying Opportunities

The PGA Championship often presents the best value among major tournaments. StubHub prices reflect this accessibility, with practice round tickets sometimes available for under $100, depending on the venue. Optimal buying windows include the period immediately following the previous major tournament (typically after The Open) when golf enthusiasm remains high but attention hasn't yet shifted to the PGA Championship. Additionally, prices often soften 2-3 weeks before the event as sellers become realistic about market demand, particularly for less prestigious venues.

StubHub's interface offers several technical advantages for strategic buyers. The platform's filtering options enable precise searches beyond basic price sorting. Savvy buyers should utilize the "best value" filter, which balances price against seat quality. Additionally, setting price alerts for specific sections can automate the monitoring process, alerting you when tickets fall below your target price. When comparing listings, pay attention to the seller rating and transaction history. Established sellers with high ratings sometimes offer better overall value, even at slightly higher prices, by providing accurate descriptions and reliable delivery methods.

Timing Your Purchase Based on Platform Patterns

StubHub's marketplace dynamics follow predictable cycles for golf tournaments. Data shows that prices often drop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when weekend planning hasn't yet intensified. Additionally, early morning (6-8 AM) and late evening (10 PM-midnight) typically show reduced activity and sometimes better pricing. The platform also experiences predictable supply fluctuations. New inventory often appears approximately 30 days before major tournaments when travel plans solidify and sellers make final decisions about attendance. This influx can temporarily depress prices, creating opportunities for alert buyers.

Leveraging StubHub Promotions and Discounts

StubHub runs periodic promotions that can significantly reduce final costs. These typically include seasonal sales, first-time buyer incentives, and occasional fee reductions for specific events. Before finalizing any purchase, search for current StubHub promo codes, which can sometimes reduce service fees by 10-15%. Payment method selection also impacts final pricing. Some credit cards offer additional protection or rewards for ticket purchases. More importantly, comparing the total checkout price (including all fees) against other marketplaces ensures you're getting genuine value rather than falling victim to deceptive base pricing.

Practice rounds represent the ultimate value opportunity for major tournament attendance. Beyond significantly lower prices (often 60-80% less than the competition), these sessions offer distinct advantages for true golf enthusiasts. During practice rounds, crowds are smaller and more manageable, providing better visibility of players. Additionally, players are more relaxed, often spending time interacting with fans, signing autographs, and attempting spectacular shots they wouldn't risk during competition. Photography restrictions are also typically more relaxed, allowing fans to capture memorable moments.

Partial Tournament Strategies

Few fans realize that attending specific days of a tournament often provides better experiences than full-tournament passes. Thursday and Friday rounds feature all players before cuts, offering maximum player viewing opportunities. Meanwhile, Monday-Wednesday practice sessions provide access and atmosphere described above. For weekend-only attendance, Saturday typically offers better value than Sunday. While missing the final-round drama, Saturday tickets often cost 20-30% less while still featuring high-stakes play as players position themselves for the final round.

Understanding seller psychology provides advantages in secondary markets like StubHub. Most sellers set initial prices optimistically, with expectations of recovering maximum value. As events approach, different seller categories emerge: investors seeking profit, fans with conflicts who need to recover costs, and desperate sellers facing total losses. This progression creates predictable pricing curves. Patience rewards buyers willing to monitor listings over time rather than purchasing impulsively. Particularly effective is targeting listings that have experienced multiple price drops, as these sellers have demonstrated a willingness to accept market reality.

Avoiding Common Purchasing Pitfalls

Experienced StubHub users recognize and avoid common mistakes that inflate costs. First, always verify total costs, including all service fees, before committing to purchase. These fees can add 15-25% to advertised prices. Second, compare StubHub prices against official sources. For events like The Open Championship, tickets may still be available at face value through official channels even while secondary markets show marked-up prices. Finally, be wary of counterfeit concerns. While StubHub offers buyer guarantees, the inconvenience of ticket issues can ruin a tournament experience. Stick with highly-rated sellers, verify delivery methods, and when possible, select instant electronic delivery options that minimize last-minute complications.

You don’t need a VIP budget to watch the world’s top golfers up close—you just need a solid game plan. By understanding when to buy, how to navigate StubHub’s tools, and where to find hidden value, you can unlock big savings and a better fan experience. Whether you’re eyeing a practice round or a championship Sunday, start tracking prices early—and let strategy lead your swing.