Could this make your golf club membership cost more?

There is no doubt that golf club memberships have gotten more expensive in recent years. We saw the devastating financial impact of the pandemic, which ushered in a cost of living crisis that has lasted so long that it's become accepted as normal. 

Venues faced rising prices across the board, encompassing everything from heating to water, which was ultimately subsidised by increased membership subscriptions and green fees.

However, now there is a new threat that could see the burden placed even more on to regular golfers.

New Financial Burden Facing Golf Venues

The Golf Business has reported on a warning shared by Smith Leisure that has suggested that golf clubs and venues in England could be set to experience a dramatic increase in business rates.

Following the 2025 Budget, which set business rates for the next three years, and the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) publishing new draft rateable values for golf venues, there is a potentially dark cloud approaching.

Rates are determined through a complex process that factors in several key indicators (including location and trading performance), but cited examples about what is coming stated that a golf hotel in the south east of England that had a rateable value of £235,000 in 2023 would see that rise to £625,000 in 2026.

An 18-hole golf course with a driving range in the south west will see its rateable value from 2023 more than double to £98,000 this year. Staying in that part of the country, a driving range can expect to see its rateable value increase by more than 600 percent to nearly £100,000.

Will Golf Now Become More Expensive?

The UK Golf Federation (UKGF) is leading a campaign - raising concerns that additional support announced by the government for pubs and live music venues doesn't apply to leisure facilities like golf clubs and ranges.

Doug Poole, CEO of UKGF, said: "We are all trying to grow golf participation, but someone will have to pay for these increases, and it will ultimately be the golfer. I understand there is very little we can do regarding the increases, except keep pushing government on behalf of the golf industry to the damage the new business rates can have on golf and the benefits of participation.

"I hope sharing my members’ views and interests could widen the opportunity for golf facilities to represent the government and hopefully achieve a rethink and some relief and financial support."

The new rates will come into effect on the 1st of April.

What the impact of that will be on the financial health of venues remains to be seen, with many golf club members, visitors, and driving range users left wondering whether this could once more be another looming shadow that sees prices elevated even further.