Golfers across Great Britain & Ireland have become familiar with a troubling trend: rising green fees. In the last decade, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of playing golf has surged at many courses, from prestigious links like St. Andrews to local pay-and-plays. But with prices climbing year after year, golfers are left wondering: how much is too much to pay for a round of golf?
Why are we seeing an increase in green fees?
Several factors have played a part in the rise of green fees in Great Britain & Ireland, with increased demand lying at the heart of the issue. The COVID-19 pandemic, which limited other recreational activities, saw a substantial increase in new golfers taking to the course.
Golf clubs, from members to local pay-and-play facilities, suddenly became busier than ever, creating a higher demand for tee times. This unexpected surge catalyzed courses to raise their fees, knowing they’d have no shortage of players willing to pay.
At the same time, courses have faced rising operational costs, such as costs for equipment, staffing, electricity, fuel, and essential course upkeep. Inflationary pressures have further exacerbated the situation, with costs rising across all industries and making golf no exception. Naturally, these expenses are passed onto the consumer.
Some might argue that these price hikes are justified by the investment many clubs have made in improving facilities — upgrading practice grounds, making course developments and enhancing their clubhouses to provide the ultimate service. However, these projects come with a price tag, and once again, it’s one that golfers are expected to pay off through inflated costs.
What the numbers say
To truly grasp the scope of the green fee inflation, it’s best to look at the figures. The Old Course at St Andrews is now charging £320 in high season, a staggering 64% increase from its 2021 price of £195. Royal Birkdale — another Open Championship venue — has pushed its fees from £275 to £370 (£400 on Sundays). Royal Portrush now demands £340 up from £240 and Royal St George’s has climbed from £240 to £330. Between the four clubs, it’s an average increase of 44% since 2021.
But it’s not just the exclusive clubs hiking their prices. While pay-and-play courses have traditionally offered more affordable rounds to the everyday golfer, prices have increased by 30-50%.
In the last ten years, three courses I used to frequent have seen significant rises in green fees. At Sunbury — the course I grew up playing — a weekday round that cost £23 in 2014 will now set players back £35, while a weekend round has spiked from £27 to £41. Hoebridge has seen a similar trend, with a weekday cost rising from £28 to £39 and a weekend fee costing £49 up from £38, while Pyrford Lakes has seen their weekend fees rising from £45 to £67.
The numbers paint a clear picture: green fees are rising across the board, and for many golfers, it’s starting to feel like a barrier to entry.
Exclusive or out of reach?
For some golfers, paying top dollar for a round at a world-renowned golf course is part of the allure. Playing the likes of St Andrews or Turnberry is often viewed as a bucket-list experience, but are we reaching a tipping point? Are the given green fees — some of which are now north of £400 — still reasonable for the average golfer?
According to a poll by National Club Golfer in 2023, only 22% of respondents said they had paid over £200 for a round of golf, which suggests a growing resistance to inflated prices. As the costs continue to rise, clubs may very well find themselves pricing out a large segment of golfers who can no longer justify paying out-of-pocket for a single round. If that’s the case, we may soon reach a breaking point.
What impact will this have on the game?
The rapidly rising cost of golf in Great Britain & Ireland raises important questions about the future of the sport. Golf has long been a game of tradition and somewhat accessibility, with a healthy mix of public courses, members, and exclusive private clubs.
Diversity and improved accessibility within the sport are supposed to be at the forefront of positive changes, shaking off the “rich person’s game” stereotype. But with green fees continuing to climb, the sport is at risk of becoming increasingly elitist and out of reach for many casual or beginner players.
Sustainability is also an issue. As more courses invest millions of pounds in high-end facilities and improvements, it’s likely the costs will continue to rise to justify it. Yet, with growing resistance from everyday golfers, the sustainability of these inflated fees is in question — which circles me back to my previous point. Can we expect to see a plateau or even a drop off in green fees in the near future, as courses attempt to strike a balance between profitability and accessibility?
Going forward
It’s clear that green fee inflation isn’t just a passing trend, it’s a fundamental shift. But the main question is how the sport will navigate this change — will we continue to see price hikes year after year, or will courses find ways to offer value while keeping costs in check?
For golfers, the decision remains a personal one: do the price increases justify the experience on offer, or are they pushing the game beyond reach?
