Maybe you’ve just started learning to play golf, had a few rounds, absolutely loved it and want to join a golf club? Maybe you’ve been playing for years and want to take the next step and join your local club? Whatever the reason, becoming a member of a golf club has loads of benefits. But the big question is how much does it cost?
Well very much like buying a car or house, there isn’t a single answer we can give you. But we are going to help you to understand the rough price of a golf membership.
What are the different types of golf club memberships?
Golf clubs come in different tiers, and so their fees reflect that. For those that are looking to play on a budget, it is worth exploring the different types of golf club memberships, so that you can ensure you are getting the best deal. Membership categories vary between clubs, however there are five common types of golf membership.
Full membership
A full playing rights membership is the most expensive option as it offers unlimited access to the course, with no restrictions on when you can play and no additional green fees to pay. This type of membership also includes every privilege associated with being a member of that particular club, such as better guest rates, free children’s passes or discounted lessons. Make sure to check in with the club you are thinking of joining so you are aware of what is included in the membership.
Country Club Membership
If you’re joining a country club, they typically provide discounted rates for their members, and you get access to other benefits too, perhaps spa and gym access for example. However, they also tend to have a hefty price tag due to their exclusive status luxury benefits, depending on their location and prestige.
Limited Access or Tiered Memberships
One of the cheapest membership options is the limited access option or a tiered membership. Members on a limited access membership may only be able to play at certain times. Those on a tiered membership will pay less up front, but will have to pay some degree of green fee each time they play. Both are good options if you are unsure how much you will play each year, but still want the benefits of membership, like playing in club competitions.
Green fees
Nearly all courses offer green fees where you pay per round, rather than signing up to a monthly or yearly contract. These are ideal for golfers who don’t want any long-term commitment, or if you only play occasionally throughout the year. The cost of green fees will vary from club to club, and will depend on the time of day, the day of the week and the season that you are trying to play in – but they are certainly the cheaper way of playing just a few rounds a year.
Corporate or guest passes
Certain clubs and courses provide corporate membership. If you are a business owner that wants to offer golf to your customers, this is a great option. You typically will get a four ball pass every day, and potentially other incentives such as a free or discounted golf day, to which you can invite your customers. Check in with local clubs to find out their rates.
What costs are associated with joining a golf club?
So, now that you know the different membership options that you may be able to choose from, you probably want to know what you’re likely to be charged for each one? While this may vary dramatically, depending on where you’re looking to join and the prestige of the course, we have undertaken some research to take some of the guessing games out of it for you!
Joining Fee
Joining fees are a one-time expense that are often required to become a member of a golf club. The average joining fee is around £250, but it can vary significantly depending on the location and prestige of the club, and whether it is full or not. In some cases, joining fees for more exclusive or renowned clubs can be a lot higher, even reaching into the thousands of pounds. For example, Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey charges £125,000 to join!
However, less exclusive or community-based golf clubs, such as Chilwell Manor Golf Club in Nottinghamshire, may have lower or even no joining fees at all. And it’s becoming more and more common at the moment, with the cost of living crisis slashing the number of new sign ups, for more prestigious golf clubs to get rid of the joining fee altogether too. For example, Upavon Golf Club in Wiltshire have temporarily waived their joining fee in order to attract new members.
It’s important to ask about the specific joining fee when considering membership at a particular golf club. Some clubs offer flexible payment options, allowing members to spread the joining fee over several months or even years, which can make the initial cost more manageable.
Membership cost
In addition to the initial joining fee, golf clubs require a membership payment from their members on a yearly basis. This can be paid upfront in full or monthly to help spread the cost. As with other fees, this cost can vary widely and depend on factors such as the club’s location, the amenities it offers, and the type of membership you hold.
On average, full golf club memberships are around £830 a year, which is just under £70 a month. However, some premium clubs, like Wentworth, may charge substantially higher monthly fees, even exceeding £500. These fees are essential for maintaining the golf course, looking after the facilities, and paying the staff, as well as covering operating costs.
Members on an off-peak, midweek membership may have significantly lower monthly membership costs, averaging at almost £30.00. As well as this, social or non-playing members may have significantly lower costs, ranging from £20 to £100, depending on the club’s policies.
Green Fees
As, we said above, depending on the level of your membership, golfers may still be required to pay (a normally discounted) green fee when playing a round of golf. Green fees can vary depending on the day of the week and the time of day.
If you are not a member, you can just choose to pay and play by paying a full price green fee each time. But if you just pay and play, you do not have any of the benefits of membership, like playing in club competitions.
The average cost of playing 18 holes is £35.08, with premium courses typically charging more. Some golf clubs offer discount packages or seasonal rates.
Golf Cart Fees
Many golf clubs provide golf carts for players who don’t want to walk the entire course. Cart fees are usually charged separately and can range from £16 to £35 per round, depending on the type of cart used.
Locker and Storage Fees
Some clubs offer lockers to store your golf clubs and various other equipment as an additional fee – typically between £10 to £60 a year, depending on its size and location.
Food and Beverage Minimums
Some golf clubs have a food and beverage minimum spending requirement for members. This means that members have to spend a certain amount each month at the club’s restaurant. The minimum spending requirement can vary significantly, ranging from £20 to £100+ per month, depending on the club’s dining facilities.
Other Fees
Depending on what you want from your golf club, there may be other fees that you are required to pay. These can include tournament entry fees, booking fees for certain events, and guest fees.
How Cash Fore Clubs can help
Joining a golf club can be a significant financial commitment. It’s important to evaluate the full costs of the club you’re considering and ensure that it aligns with your budget.
With the annual investment being quite high, especially in the first year, you may want to purchase your golf clubs second hand, rather than buying them brand new. If you want to sell some of your old clubs and put the money towards your membership fee, Cash Fore Clubs can help you with that too.
Contact us today to discover how we can help you.
