Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
As a former membership director, I have always heard about how much more expensive country club golf is than public golf. I agree. I grew up playing public course golf, and it’s much easier to keep pricing in check than it is when dues assessments are coming your way at a private country club. However, being a golfer is still expensive. Here’s how much it costs to be a public course golfer in 2024.
How Much Does A Public Course Golfer Spend in a Year?
A public course golfer playing once per week spends between $3600 and $7000 per year on their golf game. This does not include lessons or instructions, and it assumes a variety of factors. Let’s break each of these factors down.
Golf Balls (Annual cost: $250 to $335)
Playing once per week, using two golf balls per round, requires about 100 new golf balls per year. The average golfer buys a dozen balls in the $30 to $40 price range.
Pro Tip: If a golf ball does not have a scuff or mark on it, you can use it for several rounds (6 or 7) without impacting performance. Avoid those cart paths and trees; you can spend less than $250 a year on golf balls. However, don’t sacrifice the quality of the original golf ball you purchase; it directly impacts your game.
Golf Clubs ($167 to $700)
This will depend on the individual player and the upgrades they want to make with their golf clubs. Let’s face it: if you walk into PXG and ask for everything brand new tomorrow, you’ll be in that $5000+ category.
However, most players need a new wedge, maybe a hybrid or even a used putter. In addition, new grips can fall into this category, and they usually cost between $50 and $150 for the set, depending on who installs them.
Pro Tip: Alternate your big club purchases. Buy a driver one year, irons the next wedges the next, etc. You’ll end up with new equipment in your bag at all times and no large bills for a new set of clubs.
Cart Fees ($1300-$1500)
The average cost of a golf cart per round is $26. If you play once per week, this brings the annual costs to $1352. Walking could leave you with enough money for that new set of irons.
Also, let’s not forget that walking the course also burns more than 500 calories per round. In a year, that’s a lot of extra calories and maybe even more reason to invest in your golf game.
Greens Fees ($1300 to $3120)
Here’s where the majority of the money is spent for golfers. We broke this down into three different categories to make estimating easier.
Municipal courses are those where you may get a reduced rate because you are a resident of the town or city. These may not always have the best conditions, but this is not a universal rule (some are actually better than other public courses).
The municipal courses are usually around $25 per round or about $1300 per year.
If you step that up a notch to mid-level courses, the average cost per round is about $40. Remember, this is without the cart fee. The total annual costs here are a little over $2000.
Finally, we have the more premium public courses. These are usually around $60 per round for an annual total of $3120. Yes, we know some public or even resort courses cost over $100 for the greens fees, but you likely won’t play those every week.
Pro Tip: Most public golf courses have premium tee time windows, typically in the 8 to 12 range. Golfers like that early morning start; they can come in and grab lunch at the clubhouse. If you can wait to go out until after 2 pm (you’ll have enough daylight most of the year), the course will be less crowded, and you’ll typically spend 50% less on greens fees. Don’t play less golf; play smart golf at the right times!
Miscellaneous Fees and Expenses
There are still a few more fees to consider. Most golfers go through a pair of golf shoes every year, especially if you are playing 52 rounds in them. They cost anywhere from $50 to $300 per season.
You’ll spend money on things like golf clothing, tees, gloves, and maybe even a golf bag every few years. If you use a golf GPS, there can be fees associated with it, but there are also free options.
Of course, there are those hats in the pro shop and the 19th-hole visits that you have to account for. Miscellaneous spending typically ranges from $300 to $1000 yearly.
Summary of Annual Costs
If we look at our total costs, including miscellaneous spending, cart fees, greens fees, and golf balls, we arrive at the following figures.
- Municipal Courses: $3,609 to $3,492
- Mid-Level Courses: $4,389 to $4,922
- Premium Public Courses: $5,389 to $6,080
This is for playing golf 50 times per year. Figures will vary considerably depending on how much or how little you play. Have you ever done the math, how much do you spend?
