The Rising Cost of Golf

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the more unexpected success stories was golf. As millions across the globe found themselves stuck at home during lockdowns, many turned to outdoor activities, and golf became one of the few sports available to be played safely. With its natural social distancing and outdoor setting, golf was among the first to return, and it did so with a bang.

Golf courses and clubs, many of which were struggling pre-pandemic, saw a massive surge in interest. For months, the fairways were packed with both new players—those who picked up a club for the first time—and returning golfers eager to dust off their gear. This unexpected boost led to a remarkable uptick in golf participation, with the R&A’s 2023 Global Participation Report revealing that 39.6 million golfers are now active worldwide, a 34% increase from 2016. Golf had found a new lease of life.

But as the game enjoyed its moment of revival, an alarming trend began to emerge: the rising cost of playing. Golf, a sport that had long been known for its accessibility, was becoming increasingly expensive, putting it out of reach for many golfers—old and new alike.

The Surge in Demand: A Blessing and a Curse

The increase in golf participation post-pandemic was a welcome development for the sport. More players meant more rounds, more memberships, and more equipment sales. For golf courses, this was an opportunity to bounce back from years of stagnation. However, the success story came with a price: green fees began to climb.

It’s not just top-tier courses that are hiking their prices. Golf Monthly’s recent reports show that even mid-range public courses have raised their fees. Before the pandemic, a round at many of these courses cost around £20–30. Now, it’s not uncommon to pay upwards of £50 for a similar experience. While some of these courses may have had their fees frozen for years before the pandemic, the post-lockdown demand has prompted an inflationary spike, and the golf industry seems keen to capitalize on it.

At some of the world’s most prestigious courses, green fees are skyrocketing. Turnberry, for example, announced a £1,000 green fee for non-hotel guests at peak times—an extraordinary cost that can alienate the casual golfer. A round at a top 100 course is now routinely over £200, with many charging even more. But it’s not just the high-end venues raising their prices; even “run-of-the-mill” clubs are pushing their green fees past £50, a significant jump for many of these courses that once had modest fees.

The Danger of Short-Term Thinking

While it’s true that inflation, rising operational costs, and supply chain issues all contribute to higher prices, the question remains: are these price hikes truly justified, or is the golf industry simply capitalizing on the post-Covid boom with an eye on short-term profit?

Several industry experts argue that pricing hikes have not been proportionate to the actual costs that golf clubs are facing. Yes, inflation has impacted everything from the cost of fuel to the price of raw materials, and golf courses must pass on some of these costs to their customers. But many golfers, especially those who are relatively new to the sport, are starting to notice the sharp rise in prices and may find it hard to justify the expense.

For some golf courses, the new pricing strategies may seem like an opportunity to make up for lost revenue during the pandemic. However, it’s also possible that these hikes are setting a dangerous precedent. Golfers are not immune to price sensitivity. If clubs continue to raise fees without maintaining the quality of their courses or offering more value to their patrons, many golfers may begin to feel that the sport is no longer worth the cost.

It’s important to note that this price inflation is not just about high-end or championship courses. Even local public pay-and-play courses, once the affordable option for casual golfers, have raised their fees substantially. As one Golf Monthly reader noted, some courses that once offered discounts to attract players are now charging significantly more—sometimes more than £70 for a round at courses that weren’t previously considered “premium.” This makes it harder for people to enjoy the sport without breaking the bank.

Accessibility vs. Exclusivity: Striking a Balance

One of the most concerning aspects of this trend is the impact it could have on the future of golf. If the cost of playing continues to climb, golf could risk becoming an exclusive pastime, only accessible to the wealthy. Golf has always prided itself on being a game for all ages and abilities, but with rising costs, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for the average person to participate.

The price of entry may be limiting the next generation of golfers. The accessibility of golf to families, newcomers, and part-time players is what helped the sport thrive in the past, and pricing itself out of the market could ultimately harm the sport’s future growth.

The question we must ask ourselves as an industry and as a community is this: will we allow golf to become a sport for only the privileged few, or will we find a way to keep it accessible for everyone? If the current trend continues unchecked, we risk losing the very thing that made golf so appealing in the first place—the joy of the game, the camaraderie, and the opportunity for all to play.

Looking Toward the Future

It’s not all doom and gloom, of course. Many golf courses are trying to adapt to the changing landscape. Some have introduced discounted rates for juniors, families, and off-peak times, while others have implemented loyalty programs to keep regular golfers engaged. However, the bigger question remains: Can the golf industry find a sustainable balance between growing the game and keeping it affordable?

In the coming years, it will be critical for golf course operators to think beyond short-term profits and consider the long-term health of the sport. As golf continues to grow, it must remain a game that everyone can enjoy. The future of golf depends not just on the rise in participation but on ensuring that all golfers, regardless of their background or financial situation, can afford to keep playing.