Are You Spending Too Much on Golf

When you budget for each golf season, taking the time to plan what you're expecting to spend on a club membership, green fees, travel, and equipment, do you think the overall cost is too high?

There is no doubt that consumers have been squeezed in a variety of ways in recent years due to inflation and price rises, but when it comes to golf, are you spending too much?

Surveying 1,200 golfers across one week in June 2025, we wanted to learn more about their habits and consumer confidence, and the findings have been fascinating.

Will Golfers Spend More in 2025?

When asked whether they expected to spend more money on golf this year when compared to last, a significant proportion across each age category believed that they would.

30% of over 65s will spend more, with just 9% expecting to spend less. The number was even higher for those golfers aged between 55 and 64 as 40% of them were spending more, while those younger golfers under the age of 55 were more or less the same, as 39% were going to part with more money on the game this year.

And this wasn't just related to playing golf. 29% of golfers aged between 55 and 64 either had or were planning to buy new clubs, while 29% of those golfers in the younger demographic under 55 were expecting to spend more beyond just booking green fees or paying for a membership.

This all indicates that consumers are spending more than before on the game, but what explains this, and does it indicate enthusiasm or is this simply a reflection of the times?

Costs Are Rising For Golfers

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

While it sounds encouraging for the industry that many golfers are spending more, for a significant number of them, this is simply out of necessity and not a sign that their playing time has increased.

Having recently covered the rising cost of green fees and the impact that is having on golfers, a major proportion of the golfing population has declared that the price to access courses is too expensive.

These are some quotes we received from golfers describing the situation they are facing.

"Green fees have gone up in my area from last year."

"Only because green fees have increased considerably."

"The charges go up every year, this year about 8%."

"Membership and green fees have gone up, travelling for golf will be similar to last year."

"Prices have risen so it’s inevitable."

"Fees and clubhouse prices have gone up."

It's clear that rising costs are having an impact, but it's not the only reason why golfers are allocating more of their income to their beloved sport.

Are Golfers Spending More Because They Are Playing More Often?

More positively, some are spending more on the game merely because they are engaging with it more actively than before. Our survey showed that 60% of golfers under the age of 55 planned to play more often this season, meaning that they are naturally likely to spend more when doing so.

The percentage was also high (56%) for those golfers aged between 55 and 64, while those 65+ golfers were a little lower at 38%, but that remains a sizeable segment of the population who are playing more frequently in 2025.

Some golfers are also spending more because of essential upgrades on things like equipment, golf lessons, and even physio to combat injuries.

"Sadly in need of updating my seven-year-old clubs."  

"Upgrade my clubs every six-eight years. This year hybrids and wedges replacement are due!" 

"Time for new clubs!"

"I may spend more on physio and coaching to help resolve a muscle strain…"  

"I need lessons at the moment."

Golfers Are Spending More Because They Have To

Ultimately, a factor that we couldn't avoid is that golfers are spending more because they have to. Green fees have risen, membership prices are up, while the costs of equipment, whether it be clubs, balls, tees and other accessories, aren't getting any cheaper either. 

This means that even to maintain your current level of engagement with the game is likely to cost you more now than it did before.

"You have no choice if you want to play."

"This will be down to the fact everything has increased."

"Due to increased fees rather than more golf."

"Green Fees have increased thus I must pay more to play the same amount of times."

Encapsulating the dilemma that some golfers are facing, this comment from a survey respondent perfectly explained the situation.

"My option is to pay more or play less, and that is not really an option when I enjoy the game so much."

Some Golfers Are Being Forced to Carefully Manage Spending

When faced with rising costs, difficult decisions often have to be made, and many of the golfers who responded to us have consequently been forced to either cut their spending or budget cautiously.

21% of golfers under the age of 55 were planning to spend less on the game beyond just playing, meaning that they are likely prioritising their green fees and memberships over associated costs in terms of equipment, dining or even additional expenses like lessons.

"I will aim to spend about the same, either by playing less or finding the right deal."

"Cut back on my society days due to cost."

"Stopped playing in regional opens."

"Trying to spend less as membership, bar and food prices have risen."

While golf clubs and venues themselves have faced rising operational costs, the balance has to be found between managing that and ensuring that you're not pricing out golfers who would otherwise be keen to play and spend time at the facility.

Are Golfers Spending Too Much?

Whether someone is spending too much on golf is a question for their own individual circumstances to answer, but golfers are undoubtedly parting with more money on the game than they have previously, largely due to rising costs, but there is also an element of consumer enthusiasm that plays a role too.

However, the majority of golfers indicate to us that it was a necessity, they were spending more not because they wanted to, but because they had to in the face of rising costs, meaning that they have no choice if they wish to continue playing the amount of golf they hope to. Even those who are playing the same or less than before are often spending more on that time due to the general price increases.

Ultimately, golfers are spending a lot these days, and that will be too much for some.

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