A green fee(sometimes written "greens fee") is the charge you pay to play a round of golf at a course. It covers your access to the 18 holes (or 9) and use of the greens. Everything else — cart, range balls, food, club rentals — is typically separate unless the listing says otherwise.
What Does a Green Fee Include?
A standard green fee covers:
- Access to play the designated number of holes (9 or 18)
- Use of the practice putting green (at most courses)
- Use of the course's yardage markers and on-course features
A green fee typically does not include:
- Cart fee — many courses charge separately ($15–$25 per person). Some courses require carts.
- Range balls — the driving range is almost always separate ($5–$15)
- Club rentals — typically $40–$75 if you don't have your own
- GPS/yardage device rental — usually $5–$10 if not included in cart
When a listing says "cart included" or "walking rate," that clarifies what's bundled. Always check before booking.
Green Fee vs Greens Fee: Which Is Correct?
Both are used interchangeably in golf. The USGA and most golf organizations use "green fee"as the standard term. "Greens fee" is a common variant that persists in regional usage. Neither is wrong — golfers and courses use both freely.
Types of Green Fee Pricing
| Rate Type | When | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Peak / Rack Rate | Weekend morning, holiday | — |
| Weekday Rate | Mon–Fri, any time | 15–30% off weekend |
| Twilight Rate | After 2pm or sunset minus 4hrs | 30–50% off rack |
| Super Twilight | After 4–5pm | 40–60% off rack |
| Senior Rate | Weekday, age 60+ | 10–25% off |
| Junior Rate | Varies by course, age under 18 | 30–60% off |
How Much Are Green Fees on Average?
Green fees in the United States vary enormously by market and course type:
- Municipal courses: $15–$40 (city/county owned, priced for locals)
- Daily-fee courses: $30–$80 (the most common public course type)
- Resort courses: $75–$250+ (destination golf, premium conditions)
- Ultra-premium public: $200–$500+ (Pebble Beach, Shadow Creek, Whistling Straits)
The national average weekday green fee at public courses is roughly $45–$55, though this varies significantly by region. Florida, Arizona, and coastal markets run higher; Midwest and Mid-South markets run lower.
How to Find the Best Green Fee Rates
- Book online: Most courses offer 5–10% discounts for online vs. walk-up bookings
- Play weekdays: Monday–Thursday rates are consistently lower than weekends at most courses
- Twilight golf: The single best value in recreational golf — same course, 40%+ less
- Off-season: Summer in the South, winter in the North — demand drops and so do rates
- Compare before booking: Rates for the same area vary 2–3x between courses — always compare
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a green fee and a cart fee?
A green fee covers access to play the course. A cart fee (typically $15–$25 per person) is a separate charge for the motorized golf cart. Some courses bundle them; others charge separately. Walking rates (green fee only, no cart) are often 10–20% less.
What does 'unlimited green fees' mean?
Some membership or resort packages advertise 'unlimited green fees,' meaning you can play as many rounds as you want during a defined period without paying per-round fees. The cart fee is usually still separate.
Are green fees negotiable?
Rarely at the counter, but discount tee time platforms (GolfNow, TeeOff, Supreme Golf) offer last-minute rates that can be 30–50% below the course's published rate. Calling a course directly near closing can sometimes yield walk-on deals.
Do you tip on a green fee?
No — the green fee itself doesn't require tipping. Tipping is customary for bag drop attendants ($2–$5 per bag) and forecaddies ($20–$40 per player). Cart attendants and locker room staff are tipped at your discretion.