Why Is Golf So Expensive?

Whether you have played or not, you are probably familiar with the idea that golf is among some of the most expensive sports in the world. But you might not be as familiar with the reason why. Essentially, what makes golf such an expensive sport. Well, it’s not just one thing that makes it expensive, in fact, it’s a long list of factors that make golf expensive. In this article we break down all of the costs that go into golf, and why it is such an expensive sport. 

Why is Golf So Expensive? There are 2 main costs that make golf such an expensive sport. From our research golf is so expensive because of recurring green fees and substantial equipment costs (including clubs, balls, attire & accessories).

1. Green Fees

Not surprisingly, most of these golfers are casual rather than competitive golfers. According to the National Golf Foundation, some 80% of golfers mainly play their golf on public access courses, which means that they pay a fee to play on the course. These fees are called green fees. The average green fee at a public course is around $36.

The National Golf Foundation also tells us that the average number of rounds per golfer is 18 rounds a year. So, in a given year, an average golf player will pay just short of $700 in green fees alone.

2. Basic Golf Equipment

So if you’ve decided that you want to take up golf, expect to pay some upfront and recurring costs when it comes to your equipment. Your main equipment fees for golf revolve around these 3-4 items:

• Golf Clubs
• Golf Balls
• Attire & Accessories

Golf Clubs

One cost that you’ll have to pay is on your golf clubs, these will likely be the largest upfront investment you’ll make. Golf clubs are notoriously expensive, and while there are some bargains out there, they still can put a dent in your wallet.

From what we’ve found, you can get a 13-piece set of clubs with a bag included at Dick’s Sporting Goods or Golf Galaxy for roughly $250. While these are not the cheapest on the market, it is advisable not to go too cheap, as you’ll sacrifice quality in the process. According to research, golf clubs can last anywhere from 3-10+ years, depending on well you take care of the clubs. So, while this is somewhat of an upfront cost, an investment in golf clubs will have to be made every so often.

Golf Balls

You can get a durable two-layer distance ball for under $15 a dozen. While they are pretty cheap, you will probably have to buy them quite frequently, especially if you have a tendency to lose them during a round. Golf.com has said that the average golfer loses around 1.3 balls per round. Considering that the average player plays 18 rounds per year, that’s almost 24 balls ($30) annually.

Attire & Accessories

There are a few final costs that ultimately make golf such an expensive sport to play, attire and accessories. Firstly, most courses require you to wear some type of proper attire. Items like a collared shirt, khakis, golf shoes, and a hat are generally required at most public courses. From what we’ve found golf attire will cost you about $76. Below are the costs broken down:

Premium Golf Equipment 

More serious golfers make a more serious investment in the game. This is where it can get expensive. Premium golf balls, such as Titleist Pro V1s, offer distance and feel and are upwards of $50 a dozen.

Name brand (think Ping, Calloway, TaylorMade) steel-shafted irons are $800-1000. They can go even higher. Graphite shafts are lighter and more expensive. You’ll pay at least $1000 for those. Top brand drivers are around $500. Hybrids cost $200-300. Wedges cost over $100 apiece. 

Scotty Cameron putters cost almost as much as premium drivers. Name brand golf bags are over $200. And because many golfers want exercise but can’t easily carry a bag, push carts typically cost over $250.

Now while premium equipment is not necessary to purchase to play golf, it just shows how much more expensive the game can get if you decide that you don’t want to purchase the basic equipment.

How Much Does It Cost To Start Golfing?

Now it’s time to show you just how expensive golf can get. By adding up all of the basic costs that we have calculated, it can cost about $377 just to get started. Once again, some of these costs will vary, but it’s also important to remember that most of these costs are recurring to some degree, so golf is not a ‘one and done’ type of expense.

Other Hidden Fees

While most costs in golf are pretty obvious, you may run into these once you start playing a bit more. We didn’t include these in our overall cost calculation, but figured they were worth mentioning so you are not caught by surprise. Some other expenses you’ll have to pay when your golf is:

• A tip for the beverage cart driver
• Food costs
• Another tip for the cart attendant
• And another tip for the caddy

If you like to bet, you may also find yourself throwing some money on the game too. It might cost five or ten bucks a person, sometimes more. If one person birdies or eagles a hole, the pot gets divided up by the number of times that happens (skins). They may also sell mulligans (do overs) for five or ten bucks a person. And 50-50 raffles. You don’t have to engage in these enterprises. There is always someone who doesn’t.

Is Expensive Golf Equipment Worth The Cost?

The short answer is, yes expensive golf equipment is worth the money. There is no aspect of the golf industry that isn’t affected by supply and demand. Golf equipment is no exception. Golfers of all ability levels feel the need to have the most technologically advanced driver and premium golf balls. 

Marketing costs are built into equipment costs, but the main effect of marketing is to create demand for the industry’s latest, greatest products. But despite marketing claims, golf equipment “improvements” haven’t really made us into good golfers. The average golf score is 96. Golfers want to be seen in their $60 Adidas shirts, carrying their $250 Titleist golf bags.

Is it worth it to buy a $500 driver? Sure. But wait a bit. Don’t buy it at the beginning of the season. Wait until mid-season, and it will cost $150 less. Or wait a year and buy it as a second generation club. Then hold onto it for a few years. The technology won’t change much, and you probably don’t play enough to wear out the shaft or face of the club. Apply the same strategy to all your clubs.

You’re Outfitted for Golf, Now What?

Now that you have purchased all of your gear, it’s time to start practicing. A good way to get into golf is with the occasional scramble outing or weekly league. These have their costs. Included in the fee will be use of the golf course. Sometimes cart fees are included. Sometimes meals are included. When carts aren’t included, there might be an expectation to rent one to keep up pace of play. 

Since both scrambles and leagues tend to have shotgun starts, carts are strongly suggested. A shotgun start means everyone starts at the same time from a different hole. That means you likely start from out on the course. It may be a hilly course as well. Expect to pay $15-20 for a cart for 18 holes, less for a nine hole league night.

As for food, the course knows they’ve got a captive clientele, so the food can be expensive, even snacks. Don’t be afraid to store snacks in your bag. There’s nothing worse than trying to play golf with low blood sugar. 

Private Memberships

Like we mentioned before, only 20% of the golfing world uses private courses, so chances are if you are reading this, it won’t apply to you. However, if you do find yourself interested in a private course membership, they can be much more expensive.

The average cost of a membership can start at $3000 per year, but can run up to close to half a million dollars per year too, for the more exclusive courses. Much of the golfing population is upwardly mobile. And the upwardly mobile have opportunities to play private clubs. You may find yourself invited to a private club. A good thing to know is how a golf club differs from a country club. A golf club offers just golf. Augusta National Golf Club and Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida are two famous examples. A country club offers other sports, typically tennis and swimming. Some clubs are called country clubs that really aren’t.

Supply and demand applies to the private club experience too. Well-to-do golfers demand meticulously maintained course conditions. Some of these golfers like their fees to be high enough to keep out what they feel are undesirable elements. Five figure, even six figure, initiation fees and four figure monthly fees are not uncommon.  You might also have monthly dining room minimums and assessments for special club projects. Pro shops charge quite a bit for golf apparel and can get it because tournament prizes and skins are often in the form of pro shop credit.

But economic realities have hit private clubs. The over abundance of daily fee courses has depressed the value of private club memberships. Many private clubs have reduced or eliminated their initiation fees.

There are private and semi-private courses that offer deeply discounted memberships to long distance members, figuring they won’t play much. You can save quite a bit, but you’ll have travel expenses. Juniors and young adults tend to have much lower dues as well. Cost should not be a deterrent to taking up golf. Yes, the game can be expensive. But there are ways to keep it reasonable.