Comments on: The cost of golf in America

By: David Cunningham

David Cunningham — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 00:25:15 +0000

The large hole is a stupid idea any one can letn to put. Its the rest of the game.

By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 03:37:58 +0000

Excellent post, Dan. Nice to read comments from abroad as well. Cost will likely always be an issue for many, so those who want to remain in the game will have to make adjustments. For me, I find the nine-hole option satisfying and certainly less time-consuming. Also, for me (a senior golfer still in reasonably good health), walking nine holes provides plenty of exercise while saving the cart fees. A while back I read an article about how some courses are experimenting with six-hole designs — three courses of six holes each which would allow for rounds of different lengths (6, 12′ or 18) and three price levels. I like this concept and think it could encourage more people to try the game without committing to four-plus hours and pricier 18-hole fees.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 17:53:33 +0000

I agree with you on the points you made in your article. I am really surprised by the prices people are reportedly paying in other countries for golf at top courses, I pay more for less than full membership here in CT. I don’t get to play much with people my age (Late twenties) mostly because they find the prices absurd. I’m addicted, so I paid it. I hope it changes soon, but I’m afraid that if the decline of golf isn’t a big enough catalyst to initiate a price cut, almost nothing will…..perhaps a bigger decline?

By: Duncan Castles

Duncan Castles — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 15:55:24 +0000

Dan. The sums you are paying at Riverside are ridiculous. The cost of living is considerably cheaper in South Africa, but an unlimited golf membership at Royal Cape, the country’s oldest club, comes to 14,400 rand a year, currently $1345.
The climate in Cape Town allows you to play all year, and Royal Cape is a championship course that hosts an annual Sunshine Tour event. It has had 10 South African Opens, the last one in 1996.
Unlimited golf at Glendower in Johannesburg, which has this year’s SA Open, costs around $2000. I suspect there are only a handful of super-elite clubs that charge more than that. As a visitor, you can play Royal Cape or Glendower for around $25 and $35 on a weekday…

By: Mischa

Mischa — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 11:19:45 +0000

It’s unbelievable how expensive it has become. If you don’t have time to play everyday, then it doesn’t seem like you are getting your moneys worth at all. I am in my late twenties and I have been struggling to find enough money to join a club.

By: Bryon Robbins

Bryon Robbins — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 20:48:49 +0000

Dan,
We have had many state championship teams here in Monmouth IL. The public course is a great course with many other courses around to play at. The cost of living here is cheap and I pay 800.00 for the year and that includes the cart, green fee and unlimited range balls. They also have a putting area with multiple holes that they change. Todd Hamilton is from this area and we have many golf pro’s running golf courses all over the county. You receive a card when you get your membership that allows you to play many courses very cheap. I spend the winter in Roatan Honduras and play at Pristine Bay which is a Pete Dye course. I pay $240.00 per month for unlimited golf there and they have a driving range included in that price.
The cost of living on the island is cheap compared to other parts of the world for what you get. If you rent a house or room for longer than three months that is considered long term and you get great rates.

If you are ever interested just let me know.

Have a great day!

Bryon

By: Mad Dr

Mad Dr — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 20:30:00 +0000

Dan, I grew up outside of NYC on Long Island during the 60′s which was then the land of private golf clubs and very few affordable public courses. Never even tried to play at Bethpage since you had to wait inline at 5:30 AM to get a spot. Later I moved up to north central CT outside of Hartford and found many public courses available for very reasonable prices. Generally you now will pay $40 to $50 per round with a cart on the weekends but you can easily get deals on-line for less than $30 during the week. A few years ago we actually played at a municipal course for only $6 with a cart!

These days I play on Sundays at a public course just outside of Springfield, MA for only $25. This price does not include a cart but I enjoy the walk. Some of us use pull carts; some hoof it with a light carry bag. And the course is easily walkable with no long distances from green to next tee. We generally tee off between 7 and 8 AM and are able to finish in less than 4 1/2 hours. Not bad for weekend golf!

During the week (I am now retired) I play at my town’s municipal course (Wintonbury Hills) which offers unlimited green fees and cart to residents for only $1400/year. This price also includes $200 of driving range credits.

When I was working I belonged to a weekday afternoon 9-hole league for over 20 years! By the time I was ready to retire they were having trouble filling out their 30 man roster. Most prior years we had a waiting list. These days there were not a lot of young people interested but of course there were not a lot of new young employees being hired as well.

The real problem up here is December, January, and February! Although in 2010 I was actually able to play a round in every month.

I don’t know what to say about the future. Although an avid golfer myself, none of my 3 kids play or seem remotely interested. When they were younger I would take them out on the course but of course they were mostly interested in driving the golf cart!