Green fee: What is it, who pays, what does it cost?

The green fee is the fee you pay as a guest for a round on a golf course. It applies per person and per round — not per group.

This is the most common mix-up. If four of you play, each person pays their own green fee. The price depends on the course, the day of the week and the tee time.

Who pays the green fee — and when?

Anyone who plays a course without being a member there pays a green fee.

This affects three groups:

At your own club you pay no green fee as a member. The round is covered by the membership fee.

You pay before the round. Either at the club office, in the pro shop or online when booking. Plan enough time before your tee time. Without a paid green fee you won't get to the first tee.

What does the green fee cost in Germany?

On average you pay in Germany:

| Period | Average price |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | approx. €64 |
| Weekend | approx. €74 |

As of: 2026. Source: golfsportmagazin.de.

These are average values across all courses. The range is wide. A simple rural course sits below that, a well-known championship course well above it.

The weekend surcharge is usual. Saturday and Sunday are the most in-demand days. If you are flexible, you play for less.

What is usually not included in the green fee: golf cart, trolley, rental clubs and range balls. Ask at the club office what is included.

Saving on green fees: discounts, twilight, cards

There are several ways to pay less.

Use weekdays. Monday to Friday is cheaper than the weekend almost everywhere. The difference is often €10 or more.

Twilight green fee. Many clubs offer late tee times at a reduced price. You pay less but have less daylight. For 9 holes on a summer evening that is usually enough.

2-for-1 offers. Two players, one green fee. Offers like this often run in the low season or via promotional cards.

Green fee cards and course networks. Several clubs join together and give holders discounts at all participating courses. Worth it if you play a lot within one region.

Ask directly at the club office. Not every discount is shown on the website.

Green fee or membership — which is worth it?

Base the calculation on how often you actually play.

If you play five or six times a year, green fees are a good deal. You stay free in your choice of course and don't tie yourself down.

If you play every week, the math looks different. At 40 rounds a year, green fees add up quickly. A membership can then be cheaper. Annual fees vary greatly depending on club and region [check current status].

A simple rule of thumb: divide the annual fee by the average green fee. The result is the number of rounds from which a membership pays off.

Also consider: as a member you have home playing rights, but you still pay a green fee at all other courses.

FAQ

Is the green fee per person? Yes. Every player pays their own green fee, even if you tee off together as a group.

When do you have to pay the green fee? Before the round. Either online when booking or on site at the club office or pro shop.

How much does golf cost per round? On average approx. €64 on weekdays and approx. €74 on weekends. As of: 2026, source: golfsportmagazin.de.

Are there discounts? Yes. Weekday rates, twilight green fees for late tee times, 2-for-1 offers and green fee cards in course networks are common.

Do club members also pay a green fee? At other courses, yes. At your own club the round is covered by the membership.

Want to know what the courses near you cost? In the GolfRanger directory you can compare green fees, weekday rates and conditions. Free, no account. Many courses welcome you as a guest — filterable in the directory.