Golf is often associated with luxury and exclusivity. Many people still believe it is a sport reserved only for certain circles—particularly those in the middle- to upper-income bracket. As a result, the perception that golf is too expensive discourages many from even trying the sport. But is golf truly an expensive hobby?
This GoGolf article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the reasons behind golf’s reputation as a pricey sport, complete with detailed cost analysis and alternative solutions to help make golf more accessible and inclusive for all.
1. High Cost of Golf Equipment
One of the main reasons golf is seen as an expensive sport is the price of equipment required. Unlike other sports where a pair of shoes and proper attire might suffice, golf demands a full set of specialized gear—including various types of clubs, golf balls, a golf bag, and several accessories.
Golf Equipment Pricing
A full set of golf clubs (14 clubs) typically ranges from IDR 7 million for entry-level sets to over IDR 30 million for premium brands like XXIO or Titleist. A single driver can cost IDR 8–9 million, while a graphite iron set may exceed IDR 19 million. Even second-hand gear doesn’t come cheap—a single used club can still cost more than IDR 1 million.
On top of clubs, players need to purchase golf balls, which can cost IDR 450,000 to 750,000 per box (24 balls). A basic golf bag may be priced at IDR 1.4 million, and additional accessories like tees, towels, gloves, and headcovers can significantly raise the initial investment.
2. Expensive Golf Course Green Fees
The second factor that contributes to golf’s “expensive” image is the relatively high green fees when compared to other sports like futsal, basketball, or tennis. This is understandable, considering that a golf course requires vast land area, intensive turf maintenance, drainage systems, regular mowing, and supporting facilities—all of which contribute to high operational costs.
Course Fees and Membership
A full 18-hole round typically costs anywhere from IDR 150,000 to 1 million, depending on the course and day of the week. For instance, at Pondok Indah Golf Course—a high-end facility in Jakarta—a weekend round for non-members can cost as much as IDR 2.6 million. At The Range PIK, weekday green fees start around IDR 1 million and may rise to IDR 2.7 million on weekends.
If you’re looking to become a member, initiation fees can reach hundreds of millions of rupiah, not including annual or monthly dues. Add to that the optional but often necessary fees such as caddie rental (IDR 400,000–600,000) and golf cart rental (IDR 300,000–500,000), and it’s easy to see why the costs add up.
That said, many golf courses now offer more flexibility for non-members, including 9-hole packages that save both time and money.
Unlock golf’s best deals—download GoGolf App today.
3. Long Learning Curve and Training Costs
Golf isn’t just a sport—it’s a complex skill that requires continuous practice. While it may look simple from the outside, mastering a precise swing, judging distances, and reading greens can take years of consistent effort.
Training Fees and Coaching Costs
Golfers who want to improve typically practice regularly at driving ranges. Practice ball rentals can cost up to IDR 100,000 for 50 balls. Private coaching sessions with a professional instructor range from IDR 300,000 to 1 million per session, depending on the coach’s experience.
Aside from the financial cost, there’s also the time commitment. Perfecting swing mechanics, putting techniques, and course strategies requires months or even years of dedication. For this reason, golf is often considered a long-term investment in skill development.
However, cost-effective alternatives do exist. You can practice at home using affordable training aids and simulators. These tools start as low as IDR 55,000 and can help sharpen consistency without breaking the bank.
4. Sample Cost Breakdown for Playing Golf in Indonesia
To offer a realistic picture of how much it costs to take up golf in Indonesia, here’s a sample breakdown of both initial and monthly recurring expenses:
Initial Costs (Starter Pack)
- Full golf club set: IDR 7,000,000 – 30,000,000
- Golf bag: IDR 1,400,000
- Golf balls (24 pcs): IDR 500,000
- Golf apparel & shoes: IDR 5,000,000
- Accessories (tees, gloves, towels, etc.): IDR 500,000
Total Initial Investment: ± IDR 14 million – 35 million
Monthly Costs (Without Club Membership)
- Green fees (2 rounds/month): IDR 1,000,000 – 2,000,000
- Caddie & cart rental: IDR 600,000 – 1,000,000
- Driving range sessions (4x/month): IDR 400,000
- Coaching (2x/month): IDR 600,000 – 1,500,000
Total Monthly Cost: ± IDR 2.6 million – 4.9 million
If you play more frequently, maintain club membership, or participate in tournaments, your costs will naturally increase. However, many local golf communities now offer shared memberships, weekday promotions, and group training packages that are far more affordable.
Is Golf Really Expensive?
Golf may not be the cheapest sport, but the belief that it’s reserved only for the wealthy is a myth that’s quickly fading. With smart budgeting, seeking out value-driven courses, using rental equipment, and joining local communities, anyone can start playing golf without draining their savings.
Beyond the financials, golf offers tremendous benefits in physical health, mental clarity, and social networking. Many companies even use golf as a platform to nurture long-term business relationships. So in that sense, the money spent on golf can be viewed as an investment in a healthier lifestyle and an enhanced quality of life.
[ Follow our social media Account: GoGolf Instagram | GoGolf Facebook | GoGolf X ]
