Frequently Asked Questions

The green fee is the fee you pay as a guest for a round on a course that is not your own. As a member you do not pay it at your own course — on other courses you do. It covers the use of the course for the booked round.

In Germany it averages 64 € on weekdays and 74 € on weekends for 18 holes (source: golfsportmagazin.de, as of August 2026). Depending on the course, day of the week and season, prices range well above and below that. In the GolfRanger directory you can see the green fee directly on the entry.

Yes. In Germany there are around 400 public golf facilities where you can play without a club membership (source: vcg.de, as of August 2026). In addition, many club courses let guests play for a green fee — guests are expressly welcome at many facilities. In the GolfRanger directory you can filter for courses that can be played without a membership.

Yes. On the driving range and on many short courses and pay-and-play facilities you do not need a course certificate (as of August 2026). For many 18-hole courses, on the other hand, clubs require a course certificate or a handicap. What a course requires is stated in its entry in the directory.

The DGV course certificate (HCPI 54,0) is generally recognised by German clubs; recognition after the course is valid for two years (source: DGV FAQ, as of August 2026). Some courses require a lower handicap. Check the entry in the GolfRanger directory before you travel there.

The certificate itself does not expire. Automatic recognition when you join a club is valid for two years from the date of issue (source: DGV (German Golf Association) FAQ, as of August 2026). After that, a club can require a new assessment.

Payment is usually made before the round at check-in or in the pro shop, or online when booking your tee time (as of August 2026). You receive your tee time with the booking, and the green fee covers use of the course. In the GolfRanger directory you can see which courses can be booked online.

Yes. Every player pays their own green fee, even if you start together in the same flight. There is no group price for the flight. More on this in the green fee guide .

Before the round. You pay either online when booking or on site at the club office or pro shop. How this works is explained in the green fee guide .

Yes. In Germany there are around 400 public pay-and-play courses (source: vcg.de). You book your round, pay the green fee and play. Details in the guide to golf without a membership , and you can find courses in the directory .

Depending on the course format, around 150 to 400 euros (source: fernmitgliedschaft.de). The price depends on whether you take group or individual lessons. You can read what the course includes in the course certificate guide .

Clubs that recognise the DGV course certificate accept it for two years after passing (source: golf.de, DGV FAQ). After that, it is at the discretion of the respective club. If in doubt, ask directly at the club office. More in the course certificate guide .

Yes, it happens. You can repeat the test, usually after a bit more practice. No drama, then. The course certificate guide explains the process.

The course certificate corresponds to a handicap index of 54,0 (source: the DGV service portal). This is the highest value in the system and your starting point. From there you play your way down. More in the course certificate guide .

Not automatically. Some clubs require guests to have a handicap lower than 54,0. Check the requirements before booking in the directory or directly with the club. Where it also works without one is shown by the guide to golf without a course certificate .

On average around 64 euros on weekdays and 74 euros on weekends (source: golfsportmagazin.de, as of 2026). The range is wide, depending on the course and the day. You can find current prices for individual courses in the directory .

The green fee is the price for your round. The tee time is your appointment at the first tee. You book and pay for the two separately. How the two work together is explained in the green fee guide .