Maybe you’ve watched a few tournaments on TV (I write this as the Ryder Cup is well underway myself – what an event!). Or perhaps your friends have taken up the game of golf and are trying to get you to join them – but you’re not sold quite yet.

There are a few big challenges in taking that leap of faith to start golfing – the fact that this sport is hard, the stigma around it (it’s not nearly as snobby as you think), and of course, the cost to golf.

How much does golfing cost, though? Specifically, how much does it cost to start golfing when you need to pick up a full bag of clubs, attire, balls, and other essentials to play that first round?

You’ve come to the right place. We just started golfing in the past few years ourselves (any other ‘pandemic golfers’ out there?). So, we know the golfing costs can be a deterrent – but it’s actually a more affordable sport than you may think.

I picked up a cheap set of clubs for under $300, bought some used balls at a local golf store for $5, and wore an old polo I had with some shorts and my typical tennis shoes. Add a small bucket of balls at the range and your green fees and I think it’s fair to say you can “start” golfing for under $400.

But we’ll take this a step further and unpack all the costs to golf so you can set your expectations and figure out if it’s worth playing golf or not. Spoiler alert: this sport can change your life even if you never break 100. We’ll help you get started on the right foot so you can appreciate all that this incredible game has to offer.

Is Golf an Expensive Sport to Play?

Golf might seem like a sport with a steep price tag at a glance. After all, it’s often associated with luxury resorts and high-end clubs. This reputation has been damaging to the sport of golf as it’s kept many from ever investigating further.

Because when you delve deeper, you’ll find that, like many hobbies, the cost can be as much or as little as you make it. While there are certainly premium experiences available for those who want them, golf can also be enjoyed on a modest budget. 

Why is Golf an Expensive Sport?

So, why is golf an expensive sport? There are a lot of things you need to get started, and every time you play, you’ll incur additional costs. The golfing cost is derived from:

• Equipment: Good quality clubs, bags, and balls aren’t cheap. Manufacturing precision golf gear requires quality materials and advanced technology, factors that drive up the price.
• Course Maintenance: Golf courses are vast stretches of manicured land. The maintenance, including landscaping, watering, and daily care, is a continuous expense that’s reflected in green fees.
• Training and Lessons: Mastering golf often requires professional guidance. Lessons from certified instructors ensure you’re learning the right techniques from the outset, but these lessons come at a cost. Are golf lessons worth it for beginners? Find out in our guide covering the average golf lessons price. And remember as you factor your budget – you may need multiple golf lessons.
• Exclusive Membership: For those looking for a premium experience, exclusive golf clubs offer pristine courses, luxury amenities, and networking opportunities. These experiences come with membership fees that contribute to golf’s reputation as an expensive sport.

Can You Play Golf Without Being Rich?

Absolutely! While golf has its luxury side, it’s also a sport of the people. Here’s how to enjoy golf without emptying your pockets:

• Public Courses: Many cities and towns offer public golf courses with reasonable green fees. They might not have the prestige of private clubs, but they’re great for a casual round.
• Second-hand Equipment: Consider starting with used clubs. They’re perfect for beginners and can be found at a fraction of the price of new ones. You can upgrade your gear piece by piece as you progress.
• Group Lessons: Instead of private lessons, look for group sessions or clinics. They’re often more affordable and can be a fun way to meet fellow golf enthusiasts.
• Play During Off-Peak Hours: Some courses offer discounts for twilight rounds or during weekdays when it’s less crowded.

We’ll talk about reframing the way you look at the cost to golf later on. First, so how much does golfing cost? Let’s get into the specifics below.

How Much Does Golfing Cost?

So, how much does it cost to start golfing? It can be as affordable or as exorbitant as you make it. 

If you’re not sure you’re going to stick with the sport or you simply cannot justify spending thousands of dollars right now, you can easily get going for just a few hundred dollars like I did myself.

But, the truth is you can save money in the long run by purchasing high-quality gear from the start. It all comes down to setting a budget and sticking to it. That being said, let’s look at how much each piece of gear and other essentials cost below.

Cost of Golf Clubs

It goes without saying that this will be the biggest expense in your budget as you start golfing. No – you don’t need a full set of new Callaway Paradyms or Taylormade Stealths. In fact, if you’re just starting to golf, I’d advise against this.

Instead, you can do what I did and buy a cheap set of Wilson Ultras (pitching wedge to driver) for $279 – bag included! Now, I ran through these pretty quickly – denting the club face with solid contact at first before the clubs breaking altogether. 

But by that point, I knew I was in love with this sport and ready to upgrade to a full fitted set (I went with the Callaway Rogue Pros and I love them still more than a year later). That being said, how much do golf clubs cost?

• Beginner Sets: These sets are aimed at those just starting out and typically include the essential beginner golf clubs to get you going. Prices can range from $150 to $400, depending on brand and quality.
• Intermediate Sets: You might consider an upgrade as you get more invested in the game. These sets usually fall between $400 and $800.
• Professional Sets: These are top-of-the-line clubs crafted for precision and performance for the serious golfer. They can start at $1,000 and go upwards of $3,000. I paid right around $1,500 for my set of Callaway Rogue Pros – and that included a discount through my country club.

Cost of Golf Attire

Take a deep breath and relax – the clubs are really the only big expense. You may only need one pair of pants/shorts and a polo to start golfing, but having at least 2-3 outfits is a good start. You can slowly add to your wardrobe over time.

Like the cost of golf clubs, specific brands (Peter Milar and Rhoback, for example) are super costly. I started out with cheap Adidas and Walter Hagen polos, and I golfed in my Chubbies shorts (they’ve got a belt loop so they can get by, but they’re definitely not considered “golf shorts”). 

I started out golfing in just my typical Adidas trainers but bought myself a cheap pair of Adidas golf shoes for around $60 after deciding to commit to the sport.

Eventually, I began upgrading to higher-end stuff – and I can confidently say that you get what you pay for. My Peter Milar and Rhoback polos are worth every penny not just because they feel better, but because they look better too. Look good play good, right?

Here’s a rundown of what you can expect to pay for some of the essential attire on the links:

• Shirts & Trousers: A basic golf polo might cost $25 while high-end brands can run you as much as $110 each. A pair of shorts range from $40 to $60 and a pair of pants might cost a bit more at $50-100.
• Shoes: Golf shoes are for grip and stability – and they also save your daily wears from getting dirty on the course. They too vary greatly in price, from affordable options at $50 to premium brands that can reach $200+.
• Gloves: A decent glove, aiding in grip, can be purchased for $10 to $30. This isn’t necessarily attire (you only wear it while swinging a club, after all), but we’ll put it here nonetheless. 

Cost of Other Golf Gear 

What about the rest of the things that go into your golf bag – balls, tees, and perhaps even the bag itself? Many of these are recurring costs (especially when first starting out as you’re going to lose a ton of golf balls – AKA go with cheap balls!). Here are some ballpark figures:

• Golf Balls: While prices vary based on brand and technology, expect to pay between $15 to $50 for a dozen balls. I don’t suggest you buy ProV1’s or Callaway triple-tracks. Even buying Srixons or Taylormades doesn’t make sense for new golfers. The truth is, you’re going to suck at first (embrace it!). So save yourself the money and buy a bucket of top flites at Dicks. Buy better golf balls when you can consistently keep the ball in play and only lose 1-2 balls a round.
• Tees: A pack of tees is relatively inexpensive, costing around $5 for a pack of 100. You can oftentimes just grab a handful of tees from the range or starter before teeing off, though.
• Golf Bag: Depending on features and brand, a golf bag can range from $50 for basic models to $500 for high-end, feature-rich versions. If you buy a cheaper set of clubs you’ll often get a bag with your clubs.

Cost of Green Fees/Membership

This is one of the toughest pills to swallow for new golfers – the idea of spending hundreds of dollars a month on green fees. You’ll have to pay for every round you play at a public course – which can obviously depend on the quality of the course itself and the area you live in.

For example, Southern California or Arizona is going to be EXPENSIVE no matter what course you play – think well over $100 for a round in best-case scenarios. Don’t be surprised to pay $200+ per round in peak season at pristine courses.

But if you live in a more affordable area and have municipal courses you can often walk on for less than $50. It’s all about doing your research and finding out where you can get the best value.

Again – you don’t need to be shelling out for bucket-list courses as a new golfer. You won’t be able to appreciate them, and you’ll find yourself pissed off for paying hundreds of dollars to play poorly.

If you are serious about getting started golfing it’s often worth it to become a member at a course near you. There are a few reasons for this:

1. The cost per round often goes down. My membership in Northern California is about $400 a month. If I play twice a week (I sometimes play more), that’s $50 per round. Not only is that cheaper than the rate at my public courses, but there is a multitude of benefits of belonging to a country club. 
2. Speaking of secondary benefits, private courses have much better practice facilities – from the range itself to the short game area. You can speed up the timeline of how long to learn golf and save money on range balls.
3. You can meet lifelong friends and develop connections by joining a club. Some of the coolest people I’ve met were at the range at my club, and it was one of the best decisions I made. 

I joined a country club within 6 months of starting golf (I was hooked from the start, what can I say?). I suggest you do the same if it fits your budget and goals for the game. It makes more financial sense and it also improves your experience playing the great game.

Cost of Lessons

One of the best things you can do is invest in professional lessons right from the start. Now, you can spend a few months learning how to connect with a golf ball first and getting some skill development. 

But here’s the reason lessons are worth it: you’ll start loving the game at a much faster rate. The truth is that starting to golf can be frustrating. You are exhausted from swinging the club so many times and you’re angry with yourself for not getting better.

I picked the game up fast and started breaking 100 within 6-8 months. But then I hit a wall and couldn’t get into the low 90s. I paid for my first lesson and went from an 18+ handicap to a 14 handicap within a month.

I then got a second lesson and went from a 14 handicap to 7.5 in the next year. Within 3 years of golfing, I can go out and have a chance to break 80 on any given day. In this sense, lessons are worth every penny.

But how much do golf lessons cost? I was lucky enough to get a Christmas gift of golf lessons so I technically didn’t pay, but my family paid $150 for three lessons I think. That’s an absolute steal. You can probably expect to pay a bit more for in-person lessons, likely around $75-150 for a one-hour session.

Of course, virtual online lessons are cheaper – but they lack that physical touch. If you’re trying to save money they are a great choice though.

Other Hidden Costs of Golfing

We’ve covered most of the costs to golf – but let’s look at a few other contributing costs you may need to budget for:

• Travel: If you’re journeying to various courses or attending golfing events, factor in transportation or even accommodation costs.
• Refreshments: Many golfers enjoy a meal or drinks during or after their rounds. This can add up, especially at more upscale courses.
• Maintenance: Over time, clubs might need re-gripping or other small repairs. These periodic costs, though minor, should be budgeted for.

So, How Much Does Golfing Cost? What You Can Expect to Pay to Get Started

So, how much does golfing cost? Specifically, how much does it cost to start golfing and pick up all the gear? As you can see, this sport has a misconception of being super expensive. 

Is it going to be as affordable as basketball or soccer or tennis? No. But, sports like hockey or lacrosse are even more expensive. In all, you can get yourself started for as little as $300. 

I’ve probably spent well over $10,000 in the past 3 years that I’ve been golfing, and I’ve played some of the most amazing courses in the world (with a Bandon trip coming up soon). I am a member at a country club and I play 3 times a week usually.

That being said, let’s stop talking about the cost to golf from a monetary standpoint. Because, ask any seasoned golfer – this sport is worth it.

Rather Than Looking at the Cost of Golf From a Monetary Standpoint, Reframe Your Thinking…

Money is an essential part of our lives, and naturally, we weigh the pros and cons of our expenses. However, golf, is an experience, a journey, and for many, a way of life. 

Instead of seeing the cost to golf as the dollars you’re putting down, consider what you’re gaining in return. Because sometimes, the true value is in the experiences, growth, and memories you collect.

The Physical, Mental, and Social Benefits of Golfing

• Physical Gains: Golf isn’t just about hitting a ball. It involves walking several miles, often over hilly terrains, swinging, bending, and maintaining postural balance. All these together contribute to cardiovascular fitness, muscle toning, improved balance, and enhanced flexibility.
• Mental Boost: Each stroke in golf is a lesson in focus, patience, and strategy. It trains your mind to stay calm under pressure, improves concentration, and offers a sense of accomplishment with every well-played hole. Moreover, being outdoors and connecting with nature can significantly reduce stress and elevate mood.
• Social Connections: Golf is as much a social sport as it is an individual challenge. Whether you’re playing with old friends or making new ones on the course, the camaraderie and networking opportunities are vast. Business deals have been struck, friendships have been forged, and countless memories are made with shared laughter and challenges on the greens.

The Cost to Golf is Well Worth it – You’re Investing in Yourself!

In our opinion, the cost to golf is an investment in yourself. If you are in the world of business you can typically write off many of your rounds or get your company to pay for them as you take clients out for sales meetings.

Even if you can’t write off the cost of golfing, it’s going to transform your life for the better. You’re worth investing in – so discover how to lower the golfing cost below with tips on making the sport more accessible! 

How to Afford to Play Golf: Advice on Lowering the Golfing Cost While Still Enjoying the Experience to the Fullest

The golfing cost may be daunting, even at the low end of $300-$500. You’ve got other responsibilities to worry about – so how can you justify the cost of golfing? Here are some ways to lower the golf cost accumulation and get started cheaply.

Buying Used Equipment

Golf clubs, like cars, depreciate the moment they’re first used. Buying second-hand can slash prices considerably, often getting you high-quality gear for a fraction of the original cost.

Local sports consignment shops, online marketplaces, and golf forums are great places to find gently used clubs. Also, some golf shops offer trade-in programs where older equipment is sold at reduced prices.

Always inspect used clubs for signs of excessive wear or damage. A little cosmetic scuffing is okay, but you don’t want clubs that have structural issues.

Leveraging Discounts and Sales

Many golf retailers have sales during specific seasons, especially at the end of summer or after major golf tournaments. You can probably save a few hundred dollars by stocking up on attire, balls, and buying yourself a set of clubs during Black Friday or other annual sales.

Items like golf balls, which you’ll need in abundance, are often cheaper when bought in bulk. Better yet, buy these used as well. Local golf shops often sell refurbished balls at a fraction of the price. If you’re in a real pinch, grab a few range balls before you head to the first tee (we won’t tell if you don’t!).

Joining Golf Associations for Special Rates

Associations often partner with courses to offer discounted green fees for members. But that’s not all. Being part of an association also brings networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with other golf enthusiasts who might have the inside scoop on deals or private events.

And, many associations offer special rates for younger and older golfers, so take advantage if you fall into these categories.

Practicing at Public Courses or Ranges

Public courses provide a more affordable option compared to private clubs. While they might be busier and slightly less pristine, they offer a genuine golfing experience.

Spending time at the driving range can be a cost-effective way to improve your game. You get to hit many balls in a short time, focus on your technique, and only pay for the balls you use.

Play during non-peak hours, such as weekday mornings or twilight hours, to enjoy reduced green fees.

Golf, at its core, is about the thrill of the game, the serene environment, and the joy of self-improvement. These budget-friendly tips ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can partake in this timeless sport and reap its myriad benefits. 

After all, it’s not about how much you spend but how much you enjoy every swing and putt. With that being said, it’s time we wrapped up this guide on the cost to start golfing.

Final Thoughts on the Cost of Golfing

There you have it – everything you need to know about the cost to golf. So, how much does golfing cost? It can be as cheap as a few hundred dollars or as much as a few thousand. No matter your budget you can probably make the cost to golf work.

So, if you decide that the cost of golfing is worth it, take the next steps here on our blog. You can learn how to start golfing in our complete guide or read up on best way to learn how to play golf or beginners. We have tips on when kids can start golfing and a list of golf terminology for beginners. 

We’re passionate about the game of golf because it’s changed our lives forever. Some of the most amazing connections I have now are a result of my decision to bite the bullet and start golfing. It’s made me emotionally stronger and physically healthier. And it can do the same for you.

That being said, the cost of golfing is nothing in comparison to what it has to offer. So, pay the cost to golf yourself and see what this incredible game has to offer – we’re confident you won’t regret it!