GREEN FEES per round?

[Mok]

On average how much do you spend on green fees per round...


I like the $40 range. :)

[mikejb]

$80 is about where I top off for regular run of the Mill course's. I have been known to spend more than that. It all depends on the course and the location.

I would suggest some of the course's outside the GTA and cottage country are just as good as the ones which charge $150 a round, and you can play them in some cases for less than $100. But there are also people out there who will pay the money to play the game.

[Grass Roots Tour]

I will always get a membership cause I could NOT afford to play near enough to maintain any kind of skill unless I play at least twice a week.
I am one of those unfortunate soles thats really competitve so if I'm gonna play I have to play decent. That being said, I'm not blessed with a lot of natural ability so if I'm gonna play well I have to play and practice fairly regularily.

I would never spend over $50 for an average course and if I'm gonna spend more than $80 it had better be an awesome track. This is where Glen Abbey doesn't fit... its too expensive for not enough "really impressive golf course". They won't get my money again.

[noback]

$80 is about where I top off for regular run of the Mill course's. I have been known to spend more than that. It all depends on the course and the location.

I would suggest some of the course's outside the GTA and cottage country are just as good as the ones which charge $150 a round, and you can play them in some cases for less than $100. But there are also people out there who will pay the money to play the game.You guys have to make road trips to Ottawa. Top public courses are Eagle Creek (held CPGA tournaments) $75 & The Marshes $115 includes cart with GPS. I believe there are 4 ClubLink courses here too. ;)
Most public courses with B class conditions are around $40. With my membership to OttawaGolf Club (cost is $249 for over 20 courses) my average round will cost under $20. This does not include road trips and tournaments. But for the rest of the 100 rounds, it does save $$$:D

[noback]

I would never spend over $50 for an average course and if I'm gonna spend more than $80 it had better be an awesome track. This is where Glen Abbey doesn't fit... its too expensive for not enough "really impressive golf course". They won't get my money again. The more I read your posts, the more some of them look like they could mine.:D

When we played Glen Abbey back in 1993 or so, the course was in great shape and a real treet for the money paid. At the time the $90 green fees seemed high for the course but because it was home of the Canadian Open, we paid and thouroughly enjoyed ourselves. We also had the pleasure of playing 2 weeks before the Canadian Open, with immaculate greens and rough that was at least 10 inches thick (because they wait until the last minute to trim it evenly). I must say that round was enlightening to say the least. :cool:

Now with that said, and all the new courses and better courses out there I would certainly not pay that much for it again either.:nono:

[mirak]

I agree with the Ottawa courses. I go there very often because of work, and as long as there's no snow I always bring my clubs. The Marshes is a FANTASTIC course and a great deal for the money. I also play Stonebridge or when not enough time just go to the meadows (round for less than $40.00!!)

[noback]

or when not enough time just go to the meadows (round for less than $40.00!!)We play there most weekends. Great to have 36 holes and being to walk it under 4 hrs. Add in the best pulic course greens in the city and there you go. :cool:

mirak......... how do you like the greens (and pin placements) at stonebridge?:D

[mirak]

I played Stonebridge Tuesday last week, Greens were a bit slow (a bit long still) but the pins were really tough !!

Today I had a tee off at 11 at the Marshes but was cancelled because of the rain, We had the itch and ended up playing 9 at the Meadows (some rain!) Finished just in time to go to the airport, have a couple of drinks at the Launch and head home....

Life is tough!!!

Going to L.A. (anaheim) this weekend to a conference, then Driving to San Diego on Thursday to see a friend (Still devating if I should bring my clubs or not )

[962B]

I played Stonebridge Tuesday last week, Greens were a bit slow (a bit long still) but the pins were really tough !!

Today I had a tee off at 11 at the Marshes but was cancelled because of the rain, We had the itch and ended up playing 9 at the Meadows (some rain!) Finished just in time to go to the airport, have a couple of drinks at the Launch and head home....

Life is tough!!!

Going to L.A. (anaheim) this weekend to a conference, then Driving to San Diego on Thursday to see a friend (Still devating if I should bring my clubs or not )
Hey Mirak: Debating whether or not you should bring your blades to San Diego is like wondering whether or not you should bring cash to Vegas! You gotta do it! San Diego has a fantastic golf scene, go for it brother.:)

[Mule56]

On average how much do you spend on green fees per round...

Memberships are the way to go. You'll have to ask me at the end of the year what I paid per round. I know it will be lessthan $30.00.
In my neck of the woods, there is only one golf that charges more than $55.00 during prime time. No memberhsips at that one. That course is just opening this year.
Mule

[pudubny]

Torrey Pines! Public, not cheap but public!

[el tigre]

Another Ottawa Golf member with an average round cost under $20. Even when you factor in the membership cost, it comes in under $25 for my 50 rounds per year. There's a Central Ontario version for those that live in the Barrie/Georgian Bay area. Best way to save a few $$$ of green fees while still playing a variety of courses.

[Jaydog]

me too. walking keeps the costs down and is very enjoyable to boot.

On average how much do you spend on green fees per round...


I like the $40 range. :)

[Jaydog]

Another Ottawa Golf member with an average round cost under $20. Even when you factor in the membership cost, it comes in under $25 for my 50 rounds per year. There's a Central Ontario version for those that live in the Barrie/Georgian Bay area. Best way to save a few $$$ of green fees while still playing a variety of courses.

is there a GTA version somewhere? $25 bucks a round seems unreal with the prices asked for in this neck of the woods.

[Greywolf]

I would be in the $50 and up range most of the time, memberships are not for me at this time, I like the variety of playing many courses. I usually play in the Guelph, Cambridge, Waterloo area.

[OOBs]

Greywolf - what courses do you like in that area? I'm just starting to get out more often this year, haven't played much for a few years and am looking for a few decent courses in the Guelph/KW/Cambridge area. I'm with you on trying to play different courses, variety is great, and a little cheaper west of GTA.

[Greywolf]

Greywolf - what courses do you like in that area? I'm just starting to get out more often this year, haven't played much for a few years and am looking for a few decent courses in the Guelph/KW/Cambridge area. I'm with you on trying to play different courses, variety is great, and a little cheaper west of GTA.
Hi OOBs,

Savannah Golf Links, Cambridge
Guelph Lakes, Guelph
Victoria Park East, Guelph
Grey Silo, Waterloo
Copetown Woods, Copetown

I have played all of those many times, also looking at going to Wilds Winds, north of Guelph later this year.

There are so many to choose from, I have played at Paris Grand once, very nice course where I believe Grass Roots Tour is a member. Whistle Bear is also really good but now at $100 per round. Another course that I really like is Forest City National in London, On, quite a drive but worth the experience.

[OOBs]

Thanks Greywolf,

You confirmed a few that I'd already circled to play this year. I'll have to check out Copetown Woods. I was at Paris Grand a week and a half ago, nice course, and good spring rate right now too ($35). GRT has it good there!

[Grass Roots Tour]

It seems to me as though the game of golf was built on membership play. Years ago almost all serious golfers and a bunch of less serious guys were members and thats how the golf biz stayed afloat.
The golf biz lately (last ten years or so) has seen a huge influx of interest and that got the golf course owners eyes lighting up with dollar signs. It didn't take long for them to figure out a select few players were playing enough that the price per round was under $10.
That fact didn't set well with the owners because the green fee players were paying $40 and up for the same tee times or sometimes even later, less desirable times.
They quickly learned that if they dumped the members (who built the business) and stuck with gren fee players only, they could make more money.
Then the green fee passcard was born. With this new fancy invention the owners could get your cash upfront (like a membership) but limit your play to 50 rounds or less.
Players got the idea to play more different courses rather than pay all that cash upfront and not get the benefit of inexpensive golf.
I think golf course owners in our neck o the woods are seeing more competition then they bargained for with the golfers thinking "I can play a different course every week, but I can now only afford one round a week.... at best".

All these factors have golfers playing less and less rounds. I can't think of one person I've spoken to that says they are playing MORE golf. Everyone I talk to says they are playing far less golf.

I think the golf industry has a weak future if the course owners don't reinstate pros for the golf shops and bring back full memberships at reasonable rates.
What do y'all think?

[Grass Roots Tour]

Thanks Greywolf,

You confirmed a few that I'd already circled to play this year. I'll have to check out Copetown Woods. I was at Paris Grand a week and a half ago, nice course, and good spring rate right now too ($35). GRT has it good there!
You guys could play our tournament at Paris Grand on May 21st.
:D

[noback]

is there a GTA version somewhere? $25 bucks a round seems unreal with the prices asked for in this neck of the woods.Not yet but if you want info i can pm you a contact name for maybe franchising in the GTA:cool:

[snafu]

On average how much do you spend on green fees per round...


I like the $40 range. :)Well, what I spend on average and the range that I'd like to spend are 2 completely different ranges.

Average.. $80+

Ideally... $45 or less would be nice :D

But without forfeiting the quality or difficulty of the courses..

[mirak]

Golf is a Business, although memberships are great for the people that can afford them (and use them) it's in my opinion pain silly to buy one if you are only going to play 1 round a week. If courses stick to memberships, they would be limiting their market. Their market should include all potential players, good or bad that are willing to pay a fee to use the facility. all those guys that are new to the sport, the ones that can only play a couple or a few rounds a year, the ones that only go because the company pay, or because they have a customer that want's to play. All those would not be there if the courses were memberships only.

As a "consumer" it makes almost no sense to buy a membership unless you are going to play really a lot (at least in the GTA) , you can afford to spend $120 a round and play 50 times a year (that's twice a week from May to October) and it will still be cheaper than many current memberships/annual dues/minimum bar tab/Car fees

[Focker Singh]

Would prefer to pay in the $30-$50 range so I look for deals everywhere. Whether its twilight or a hidden gem an hour away from TO, I will go if its worth it. I don't pay the $100 rounds cause its just too darn expensive, especially when you play once or more per week. Then again, if you told me Taboo or Eagles Nest was having a special for $100, I would probably go too.

[OOBs]

:sad: I drive past Eagle's Nest every day on the way to work, almost brings tears to the eyes when I see the prices there, but the course looks great!

[pudubny]

Golf is a Business, although memberships are great for the people that can afford them (and use them) it's in my opinion pain silly to buy one if you are only going to play 1 round a week. If courses stick to memberships, they would be limiting their market. Their market should include all potential players, good or bad that are willing to pay a fee to use the facility. all those guys that are new to the sport, the ones that can only play a couple or a few rounds a year, the ones that only go because the company pay, or because they have a customer that want's to play. All those would not be there if the courses were memberships only.

As a "consumer" it makes almost no sense to buy a membership unless you are going to play really a lot (at least in the GTA) , you can afford to spend $120 a round and play 50 times a year (that's twice a week from May to October) and it will still be cheaper than many current memberships/annual dues/minimum bar tab/Car fees
Mirak,
Please keep in mind that Golf Club membership is not about what you pay per round for golf for many members. Many club members are not even passionate about golf, they just like it. They love the "club" and I mean that in a very positive sense. It is a lifestyle choice where you always show up and have friends, never have to wait for a tee-time and is usually the centre of your social life. For many it like having a reserved seat at your neighbourhood bar.
For others it is a business proposition where they can proudly entertain clients with an exclusive experience.
When you have decided that your business could use this perk or you have earned the private club membership for your lifestyle, cost per round is not the issue.
I love golf, so a membership to me is only an added bonus to my love of the sport. But anyone who has played alot of private golf will tell you the private club experience is much better than any public club has to offer. Quicker play, less hackers, better conditions and easy access to tee times are just a few of the perks. Most of the negatives I hear about private club membership are just not true.
Private golf is generally a better experience and the cost/round is just not a major isssue for those considering membership. You are purchasing a part of your lifestyle.
Hope that sheads some light on why people buy memberships.
Pud.

[mikejb]

Mirak,
I love golf, so a membership to me is only an added bonus to my love of the sport. But anyone who has played alot of private golf will tell you the private club experience is much better than any public club has to offer. Quicker play, less hackers, better conditions and easy access to tee times are just a few of the perks. Most of the negatives I hear about private club membership are just not true.
Private golf is generally a better experience and the cost/round is just not a major isssue for those considering membership. You are purchasing a part of your lifestyle.
Hope that sheads some light on why people buy memberships.
Pud.
I 100% agree.

Now if we could only find a way to expense golf on our taxes. :)

[Grass Roots Tour]

I 100% agree.

Now if we could only find a way to expense golf on our taxes. :)
I also concur, unfortunately I haven't had membership at a private club since I was 14 at Sleepy Hollow in Stouffville.

The local private club (Brantford G & CC) has a waiting list with 82 names on it. They figure it will take 5 yrs to get off the list and become a member.
Being as I'm under 35 I would get the priviledge of 10 years to pay the 15K for initiation. While on the wait list you start to pay the initiation and you get the devine privledge of also paying for the ten rounds a year your allowed while on the wait list. This will cost you another $900.
Now your at $2400 per year for your ten rounds and yet your still faced with the minimum bar tab to boot.
Since I wish to play more like 3 rounds a week, the cost of joining Brantford AND paying to play elsewhere to get my fill, was far too cost prohibitive for a mere machinist. (my wifes a nurse BTW)

Maybe one day I'll win the lottery. Then I might be able to afford the Clublink or private club experience again. :rolleyes: