(FORTUNE Magazine) – As the game of golf grows ever more popular, getting a convenient tee time at a desirable public course is growing ever more difficult. Many courses will not accept reservations far in advance, and some golfers have resorted to lining up at the gates at the crack of dawn to secure a spot--a funny flashback to those long-ago campouts in record-store parking lots waiting to buy rock concert tickets. Well, it just so happens that Ticketmaster noticed the similarity too, and has joined forces with Jack Nicklaus's Golden Bear Golf company to produce a new service that will enable golfers to purchase tee times nationwide up to a year in advance. The nice part for travelers is that they can call the service and get information on what courses and times are available in a particular city or area, as well as the courses' difficulty ratings. Then they can buy their tickets and relax, knowing the game is a done deal.

The service, Ticketmaster Golf, will begin this June in the Orlando area and will be available at courses open to public play that charge green fees of $35 or more; there are 2,500 such courses nationwide. A 10% to 15% service fee will be charged per ticket. Golfers will be able to reserve dates by calling or hitting a planned Website. For more information, call 407-423-GOLF.