The average round of golf will be around $35-$40 at your average public golf course. If you want to play golf at a premiere course you might spend between $60 and $100 dollars. You can also go to the highest level and play up to $500 for a round of 18 holes.
Golf can be an expensive sport to play.
There are the costs of the clubs, the shoes, the golf balls and even the apparel. One might lead you to believe that golf is expensive and the average person might not be able to afford it.
While golf can be expensive there are ways to play golf for less money. We all want to be out on the beautiful golf course in the great weather playing a game that can be addicting.
We will provide you with an overview of the different costs associated with how much it costs to play golf and show you some workarounds to save money and play golf as often as possible.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Your Round of Golf
The prices do range, but do know that there are inexpensive options and ways to reduce the amount of money you are spending on a round of golf.
We would compare playing golf to eating food out. You can eat at Taco Bell for under $5 or you can eat at an expensive restaurant for over $100 per person.
Regardless, you get to eat but your overall experience might be different. Golf has different ranges from municipal courses, to public courses, to semi private all the way up to the private and then the private elite clubs throughout the United States and the world.
Below we will help you out by answering key questions and providing an overview on how much it costs to play golf. Our goal at golfjourney365 is to help you play golf as often as possible and to play your best golf when you do play. Key questions and topics include:
- Ranges of Golf Courses and Cost
- Ranges of Golf Clubs and Cost
- Ranges of Golf Balls and Cost
- Golf Simulator Options
- Related Questions
BONUS: Cost Saving Tips can be found at the end of every section
Ranges of Golf Courses and Cost ($20-$500)
As mentioned above we know there are different ranges of restaurants from the cheap fast food, to the moderate family restaurant, all the way up to the expensive steak and seafood restaurant. Golf courses have different ranges. We would break the golf courses into the categories below.
| Course Level | Cost |
| Municipal Courses | $ ($20-$40) |
| Public Courses | $$ ($30-$60) |
| Elite Public Courses/Semi Private | $$$ ($60-$120) |
| Famous Public Courses | $$$$ ($120-$600) |
| Private Country Club | $$$$$( $200-$2000 per month) |
Depending on what you are looking to get out of the round of golf and what your monthly budget is will impact the level of golf course that you pick. Here are golfjourney365 we have played at the first four levels listed, but play the majority of our golf at the public course setting.
Many courses in our area used to be private country clubs, but are now run as a public course. On occasion, maybe 2-3 times a year, we will go play the Elite Public Course/Semi Private course if we are fortunate enough to have a connection. On the rare occasion we might be invited to play a Private Country Club, which is usually a wonderful experience.
Our take is to enjoy golf regardless of the location and find a way to make the most out of it. People golf for different reasons that include the following:
- Social activity
- Exercise
- The Challenge
- They Enjoy the Outdoors
- They want to play college golf someday
- There are dreams of playing at the highest competitive level possible
Depending on what your reasons are for playing golf, you can match this up with the level of course that you want to play. I know many seniors that enjoy the municipal or public golf course scene because it is about exercise, being outdoors and the social connections that take place.
Plus, the public, cheaper courses are sometimes flatter and easier to score at. Walking vs riding will not only save you money, but provide an opportunity to get additional exercise.
The cheaper the course, typically the worse the conditions and the layout are. As you get to the semi prive and more elite level public course the layout is usually fantastic, the conditions are phenomenal and the amenities are first class. Once again, it comes down to what you want to get out of it all.
Cost Saving Tip:
Check out golfnow for discount tee times. If you are willing to play on a Monday or a slower time at a golf course, you can often save anywhere form 30-50% on non premium tee times. If you want a Saturday or Sunday morning tee time you will pay the full price.
If you are someone that has some versatility in your schedule, make sure you check this opportunity out. Also, if you are someone with extra time have your considered volunteering or getting a part time job at a local golf course. Many places are looking to hire and will provide some version of free or reduced golf.
In my area many seniors or youth golfers will go this route and get a chance to play a ton of golf, typically for free. Growing up I worked maintenance at a course and played close to 1000 rounds of free golf with my father as a teenager and then as a college student. Hard to beat free golf!
Ranges of Golf Clubs and Cost (Free to $2000)
If you are brand new to golf and are looking to pick up a set of golf clubs, there are plenty of options to get you going in the game of golf. Chances are we all know someone that loves to golf.
Even a better chance that they have an older set of clubs that might help you get started in the game. If you have some money and are looking to get started in the game, understand there are different ranges of golf clubs and below we chart out what you can expect to buy.
| Set Description | Money and Quality (Scale 1-10) |
| Donated Set | Free with the Quality Ranging |
| Complete Beginner Set | $250 with a Quality of 3 |
| Low Level Irons | $200 with a Quality of 3 |
| Pre Owned Irons – Name Brand | $300-500 with a Quality of 8 |
| Pre Owned Driver – Name Brand | $100-$200 with a Quality of 7 |
| Brand New Irons and Driver – Name Brand | $1500-$2000 with a Quality of 10 |
Use the chart above to see what your best option would be to start the game of golf. Know that the free option might be best if you are not sure if you will stick with the game.
Or it might be a good option to test out what works for you and what might best fit your game. You can go get fitted for clubs or at least to a place where you can test the clubs out on their simulator. Regardless, it will give you time to figure out what set is best for you and your game.
Cost Saving Tip:
Check in with someone that really loves the game. Most golfers love to help beginner golfers get started in the game of golf. They will be overly generous and help answer many of your questions and they may even allow you to borrow or have some of their old clubs.
In our opinion, we love to help others and we would rather see these clubs used then collecting dust in our basement or garage.
Ranges of Golf Balls and Cost (Free to $48/Dozen)
The golf ball industry has plenty of options for consumers. If you want a brand new golf ball and are new to the game you can pay as little as $15-$20 per dozen.
We would recommend starting here and figuring out the game before you increase and move your way up in price. As you move up in price, you will find the ball to be a higher quality and would be considered a high performance ball.
The more inexpensive golf balls have a firmer cover and might even fly a bit further because they are typically harder. The more expensive the ball, the more spin typically and the more playability for the highly skilled player. Here is a chart below of your options:
| Ball Type | Sample Ball | Cost Range |
| Variety | Any Type | Free |
| Distance Ball | Taylor Made Distance + | $ |
| Distance and Feel | Callaway SuperSoft | $$ |
| Player Feel | Callaway Chrome Soft | $$$ |
| High Level Player | Titleist Pro V1x | $$$$ |
The easiest way to get free golf balls is to find a course you can walk the perimeter in the woods and look for lost golf balls. You will find a range of golf balls from the cheapest all the way up to the best golf balls that the pros play.
As you advance in your skill level, you will find a golf ball that works for you. I have a range of three golf balls that I prefer based on the course conditions and the weather outside. I do prefer the high level player ball when the wind is blowing and the course is firm.
I find the Pro V1x to be excellent in the wind and provides enough spin to stop the ball on firm greens. However, I also use both Callaways listed above in softer conditions.
Cost Saving Tip:
Being a ball hawk and finding golf balls when you are hiking through certain places or even looking for golf balls as you play might be a great way to keep the expense of golf lower.
There are plenty of options and I know people who have never paid for golf balls because they walk a course, live next to a course or have a fantastic ball retriever and hit every pond on the course. Just make sure not to hold up play if you are one of these people!
Golf Simulator Options
There are two options for golf simulators. You can either pay to play in a golf simulator or possibly build your very own golf simulator. I chose to build my own golf simulator several years ago and have now played over 500 rounds of simulator golf. I have close to 20 posts on all things golf simulator related. You can check out those posts, here.
| Golf Simulator Options | Cost |
| Rent by the Hour | $25-$40 |
| Low End Golf Simulator Purchase | $1000 Package for Optishot |
| Mid End Golf Simulator Purchase | $5000-$7000 Package for SkyTrak |
| High End Golf Simulator Purchase | $10,000 and Above for Commercial Grade |
Cost Saving Tip:
If you are looking to install a home golf simulator, doing it yourself and putting it together will save you money. I was able to piece everything together myself and the people at Rain or Shine golf were fantastic in making sure I had everything I needed. The package deals help save money.
Overall – Cost to Play Golf
As you can see from the charts above, you can get started in the game of golf for relatively cheap. There are free options in all of the areas where golf typically can cost a significant amount of money.
Now there are some sacrifices in the level of course you might get to play or the quality of the equipment or golf balls, but at the end of the day if you are looking for social time, an opportunity to get outside and exercise then there are some great options for you!
Related Questions….
What is the cost to play golf at pebble beach?
The fee to play Pebble Beach is now up to $575 for an 18 hole round. Pebble Beach is an amazing course and one that is on our bucket list. The views are amazing and the course overall is impressive and challenging. It has hosted an annual tournament in addition to the US Open on several occasions.
What is the cost to play golf at St. Andrews?
You can expect to pay around $250 for an 18 hole round. The difficulty of getting on the course can be challenging, but it is the home of golf! This is also on our bucket list due to the links style golf and the history behind St. Andrews.
What is the cost of a public golf membership?
The cost of a member at a local public course can range from around $600 on the low end up to $5000 on the high end. These packages usually allow you to play as much golf as you can and provides some preferred tee times.
Depending on the quality of the course, you can expect to pay the range above. Many people are looking to maximize their money invested for their total amount of golf they can play.
What is the cost of a private golf membership?
This cost can range greatly. The lower end private club may be as little as $300 per month with little to no initiation fee. On the high end, one might expect to pay an initiation fee up to 6 figures with a monthly total cost of between 2000-3000 dollars.
The amenities and quality of the course drive this. Also, the location plays a major role in the total price. Many enjoy the status of being a member at certain courses and is typically only afforded by the most wealthy.
How much does it cost to golf at Augusta National?
One cannot just simply play Augusta National and pay a certain green fee. There are very limited ways to play golf there and even the most wealthy have to receive an invite to become a member.
It is one of the most exclusive and sought after memberships in all of golf. The course is truly amazing and it would be a lifelong dream to play this course someday. The chances are low, but one can always dream!
Why Buy a Golf Simulator?
The ability to play golf year round in the climate where the winter weather is terrible and full of days below 30 degrees with plenty of snow is difficult to beat.
The access to amazing courses such as St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, Whistling Straits and Augusta make it special. I can tee up at any time of day regardless of the weather. I do not have to wait on slow play and it is actually quite realistic.
The bonus is it only takes me 30-45 minutes to play 18 holes of golf. My game has improved and my stress levels have decreased.
How much does it cost to buy a golf simulator?
You can expect to pay anywhere between $1000 and $40,000. With a realistic amount of between 6-8000 dollars. Here is a full post on how much it does to build a golf simulator.
And Finally…
Golf is an amazing game. The opportunities to build friendships, get some exercise and challenge yourself physically and mentally is difficult to match with just about any other game.
Plus you get to be outside enjoying the great landscape while taking in fresh air and the sun. The game has been amazing to us at golfjourney365 and we hope it can be amazing for you. We have provided a wide range of posts to help you in all areas. Make sure you check out some of our other content.
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