What Is a Green Fee in Golf?

In the world of golf, the term “green fee” is an essential part of the playing experience. A green fee is the charge imposed on golfers as an entry fee to play a round—typically 9 or 18 holes. This fee is a core component of a club or course’s operations and funding and reflects the exclusivity of the golf facility. For both beginners and pros, understanding the structure and elements of green fees is vital before booking a tee time. Here’s a comprehensive explanation from GoGolf.

Definition and Scope of Green Fees

green fee is the official charge for a golfer to play the course during a specific time period. It normally covers either a full round (18 holes) or half-round (9 holes) and grants access to key areas: tee box, fairway, and green.

However, note that green fee only covers course access. Extras like caddie hire, golf cart use, club or ball rentals typically incur additional charges. It’s advisable to review each course’s terms before booking.

Green fees also serve as a benchmark for comparing courses. Exclusive clubs often command higher fees due to premium experience—such as renowned course designers, luxurious facilities, or superior turf quality.

What Is a Green Fee in Golf?

Factors Influencing Green Fee Prices

Green fee levels fluctuate based on several factors:

  1. Course Type
    • Public courses usually have more affordable green fees.
    • Private or resort courses charge more, offering higher exclusivity and amenities.
  2. Number of Holes
    • 9-hole rates are cheaper than 18-hole.
    • Some courses offer all-day play passes for multiple rounds under one fee.
  3. Day & Time
    • Weekday play (Mon–Fri) is cheaper than weekends or public holidays.
    • Tee times at early morning (sunrise) or late afternoon (sunset) may come with special discounts.
  4. Location & Quality
    • Courses in major cities or tourist areas cost more due to demand and land value.
    • International or high-standard courses tend to have higher fees because of their quality and reputation.
  5. Additional Facilities
    • Amenities like driving ranges, restaurants, luxurious locker rooms, or spas can justify higher fees.
    • Some clubs include snacks or lounge access in their green fee packages.

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Green Fee Price Range in Indonesia

Here’s a typical price range based on course type:

Course Type Green Fee Range
Public Course (Weekday) Rp 300,000 – 600,000
Resort / Private (Weekend) Rp 1,000,000 – 2,500,000+
Executive Golf (9 holes) Rp 150,000 – 400,000
Prices can vary based on club policies and season. Peak season sees higher rates, while off-season offers tend to include discounts.

Green Fee Price Range in Singapore

The green fee price range for golf in Singapore varies by course, day of the week, and number of holes played:

  • For 9-hole rounds, green fees typically range from around S$30 to S$160 on weekdays and can be higher on weekends or public holidays.
  • For 18-hole rounds, green fees range from around S$40 to upwards of S$480, depending on the club and time, with public holidays and weekends at the higher end.
  • At popular courses like Keppel Club:
    • Weekday green fees can be around S$59.95 to S$75.21 for Singaporeans and permanent residents.
    • Weekend or public holiday green fees can rise to S$90.47 to S$110.09 or higher.
    • Visitors pay substantially more, often above S$109 to S$164 for 9 holes plus buggy fees.
  • Public golf courses in Singapore often charge S$60 to S$150 on weekdays, with weekend rates reaching S$200 or more for 18 holes, depending on the time of day and season.
  • Some club examples (Orchid Country Club) provide weekday green fees from about S$43.60 to S$69.76, and weekend/Public Holiday fees ranging from S$98.10 up to S$359.70, depending on membership status or corporate arrangements.
  • Lower cost options such as the Executive Golf Course at Mandai have weekday fees of around S$38 and weekend/public holiday fees around S$55 including trolley rental.

Overall, green fees in Singapore generally run from approximately S$30 to over S$200 per round depending on the course, membership, day, and time, with visitor fees and weekend rates at the top end of the scale. Additional fees for buggies, caddies, and equipment rental may also apply. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and residents at some facilities.

Green Fee Price Range in Thailand

The green fee price range for golf in Thailand varies widely based on the region and golf course, but generally falls within these ranges for an 18-hole round including caddy and golf cart:

Location Typical Green Fee Range (THB) Notes
Phuket ฿3,300 to ฿4,300+ Example: Red Mountain Golf Club ~฿4,300; Loch Palm ~฿3,300 (green fee + caddy + cart)
Hua Hin ฿1,800 to ฿2,950+ Black Mountain Golf Club around ฿2,950; Pineapple Valley ~฿2,900; packages including transfers available
Chiang Mai ฿2,000 to ฿3,700+ Chiang Mai Highlands ~฿2,800, Alpine Golf Resort ~฿3,700; packages including caddy and cart
Pattaya & Surrounding ฿2,100 to ฿4,600+ Rates vary; e.g., Laem Chabang around ฿4,300; Bangpra ~฿2,300 (weekday); higher on weekends
Bangkok Around US$40–150 (approx. ฿1,400–฿5,400) Premium courses higher priced, more affordable options available
  • Green fees often include caddy and golf cart fees, but sometimes these are additional, approximately ฿400 for caddy and ฿700 for golf cart per round depending on the course.
  • Transfer packages and multi-golfer discounts also affect pricing.
  • Some budget options and lower-tier courses offer fees below ฿2,000, while top resorts or championship courses can exceed ฿4,000–฿5,000.

In summary, 18-hole green fees in Thailand typically range from about 1,800 THB to 4,300 THB on average, with luxury and highly rated courses costing more. Fees generally include caddy and cart but verify each course’s package details.

Green Fee Price Range in Malaysia

The green fee price range in Malaysia for golf varies widely depending on the golf course, day of the week, membership status, and included services like buggy and caddy fees. Here is a clear overview based on recent 2025 rates:

Category Weekday 18 Holes (RM) Weekend/Public Holiday 18 Holes (RM) Notes
Members (Life/Term) RM 55 – RM 59 approx. RM 55 (fixed buggy fee) Ponderosa Golf & Country Club rates with low fixed member fees and buggy fees separate
Members’ Guests RM 120 – RM 190+ RM 150 – RM 300+ Guest fees significantly higher; vary by time slot and course
Visitors (with sharing caddy) RM 130 – RM 205+ RM 225 – RM 395+ Visitor rates highest, with compulsory caddy fees included
Public Courses (Average) RM 60 – RM 150 RM 100 – RM 300+ Many public or resort courses offer these ranges, sometimes with packages including buggy and caddie
Premium Clubs (Example: KLGCC) RM 350 – RM 450 RM 500 – RM 600 Higher-end private clubs with premium green fees for guests

Additional details:

  • Many courses include buggy and caddy fees in the published rates, but these may be charged separately at some clubs, typically around RM 100-140 for buggy and RM 90-120 for caddy per 18 holes.
  • 9-hole rates typically range from about RM 30-80 for members and RM 50-250 for guests or visitors depending on the club and day.
  • Some clubs require caddies to be compulsory, which can raise total costs.
  • Prices are generally subject to an 8% service tax.
  • Discounts or promotions may be available, especially for weekday play or early bookings.

In summary, the green fee price range in Malaysia for an 18-hole round runs roughly from RM 55 for members up to RM 600 at premium clubs for visitors on weekends, with most public and mid-tier courses charging between RM 100 and RM 300 including buggy and caddy fees.

Tips to Save on Green Fees

To reduce costs without compromising golfing experience:

  • Use promos & memberships: look for discounts for new members, monthly passes, or bundled deals (e.g., with driving range access).
  • Play on weekdays or non-prime tee times: avoid weekends and aim for early morning or late afternoon slots for lower rates.
  • Join golf communities: memberships in local groups or associations may unlock exclusive course access.
  • Check online platforms: booking sites like GoGolf often offer lower rates than on-site walk-up prices.

Green fees are a foundational part of golf, reflecting the cost and value of playing at a course. This charge not only grants access but also mirrors course quality, amenities, and exclusivity. By understanding the factors behind green fees, golfers can make informed decisions that suit their needs and budget.

For newcomers to golf, grasping the concept of green fee isn’t just about cost—it’s also part of professional etiquette and proper preparation. Always review course policy carefully and account for all extra costs before heading out to play.