Green fee
The green fee is the fee you pay as a guest for a round — per person.
The green fee is the admission price for playing golf at other facilities. You pay it per person and round, usually for 18 holes, often also as a 9-hole variant. The price depends on the day of the week, the season and the standard of the facility. On weekdays it is almost always cheaper than at weekends. Discounted evening times are called twilight. For members of your own club the green fee does not apply; it is the classic guest fee. Some facilities sell day tickets instead of per-round prices.
In practice you book the green fee together with your tee time, online or at the club office on site. Example: you are planning a round on Saturday morning. The facility charges more at weekends than on Tuesdays. If you pay on site, the higher price often applies; online many clubs give a discount. Whether guests are welcome and up to which handicap is stated in the club's guest rules. You can find the current prices directly on the facility's website or via the profiles in the golf course search.
Those who regularly play on different courses should know the savings options. Weekday discounts, second-course rates and course alliances reduce the costs noticeably. The guide on saving on green fees shows the usual models. Those who want to play entirely without a membership should read the article on playing golf without a membership. Both help with planning your golf season.
FAQ
How can I save on the green fee?
Play on weekdays instead of at weekends, because prices are then almost always lower. Evening times are often discounted as twilight, and many clubs give an online discount compared with the price on site. Course alliances and second-course rates are worthwhile if you regularly play different facilities.
Is the green fee included in the day ticket or in the tee time?
That depends on the facility. Many clubs sell the green fee per round for 18 holes, some as a day ticket with as many rounds as you like. You usually book it online together with your tee time or pay at the club office on site — check the facility's website in advance.
As a club member, do I still have to pay a green fee at other courses?
Yes. Membership exempts you from the guest fee only at your home facility. At other courses you pay the full green fee as a guest, unless your club belongs to a course alliance with partner conditions.