Go midweek, tee off late

Here are a few ways to ensure that at minimum you’ll have enough coin left for that get-you-home tank of gas.

Play twilight. Daylight is at a premium this time of year, and you’ll never get in 18 teeing off at 2 p.m. But snag one of the first available tee slots when twilight rates kick in and you’ll be Jacksons ahead of the game.

Let your fingers do the walking. That’s on the computer keyboard, not leafing through the Yellow Pages. Discount agents like vwww.golfnow.com can typically save you 10% to 30% on select courses, with the advantage of advance booking.

Patience. If you don’t mind not knowing where you’ll play until the day before or the day of, get to know Stand By Golf. The company works with 30 courses and offers discounts of 20% to 60%. Stand By also offers the same spread for 90-day advance reservations at eight courses. Info: www.standbygolf.com, (866) 711-2665.

Stay and play.

Guests of the several properties at Lake Las Vegas get a big cut (about a third off) on the going rate for golf at Reflection Bay and its sister courses, the Falls and in-the-works Rainbow Canyon. The JW Marriott Las Vegas and the Primm hotels partner with courses, so ask about packages.

Save midweek. Besides avoiding the traffic snarl on Interstate 15, midweekers can save $20, $30 or more playing Mondays through Thursdays.

— Ken Van Vechten