fbpx
In discussion: Does it cost too much to play top-end courses?

In discussion: Does it cost too much to play top-end courses?

The green fees at the Home of Golf have recently increased. It now costs £160 to play the Old Course. Is this too much, or does it represent value for money? Two of our writers discuss this...
 

Joe Whitley (JW): It now costs £160 to play the Old Course at St Andrews, a figure I believe is reasonable. Personally, though, there is no other course in the UK I would even consider paying this much for. What’s the most you’d shell out for a round of golf?

James Tompkinson (JT): I don’t think you can put one price on what ‘a round of golf’ should cost. Surely it’s about where you are playing and at what time of year? I wouldn’t pay more than about £50 for most normal courses, but would happily pay more to play at some of the best courses in the country – i.e. Muirfield, Turnberry, Hoylake, Carnoustie.

JW: OK then, it’s the height of summer, you’re alone on the championship layout of your choice, it’s calm, warm yet comfortable. You’re playing well and in good company. How much would you be willing to shell out?

JT: Well, to use a practical example – you could play at Hoylake for £110 on Mondays this year. Expensive? Definitely. But when normal clubs are charging £40 for a round I would say you’re getting better value out of playing an Open Championship venue and paying more for it.

I’d write a blank cheque for the Old Course because of its history and the sheer number of times I have played it on computer games over the years. JW: I’ve played Royal Liverpool and I absolutely love it, but £110 in these tough economic times is a lot. That’s over £6 a hole. Imagine giving that to someone behind every green. I don’t think I could. Only at St Andrews would this be acceptable for me.

JT: I think any Open venue is going to be special when you experience it for the first time. I think it depends what you are looking for. For me, there are two levels, one at around £120 for a top class course and another at around £25 for your average weekend round. It’s more about value for money than direct cost in my eyes.

JW: But how are you measuring value for money? I think you’re overcomplicating things. For a well-designed, maintained and established course, I would happily pay £70, but no more. I’d write a blank cheque for the Old Course because of its history and the sheer number of times I have played it on computer games over the years. Anywhere else in the UK and I’m struggling to justify paying anything near £100.
I’ve been to St Andrews three times, but never played it. Each time you see the course the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. That’s the sort of experience worth paying for, but nowhere else in the UK can offer that.

JT: I agree with you about the Old Course, simply for its history. I’d give anything to play there. They could charge more and I’m sure people would go for the experience. I think the reality of the game as it is today means that you can’t play the best courses around for £70, so if you want those experiences then you have to pay the money. It’s an unfortunate compromise but that’s the way it is. I just think that playing Hoylake or the likes for around £110 gives you a better experience, and therefore better value for money than say paying £50 for a course which is more ordinary.

Latest Posts

dp world tour 2024 schedule

DP World Tour

DP World Tour 2024 schedule and results

Read full article - DP World Tour 2024 schedule and results
liv golf schedule 2024

LIV Golf

LIV Golf schedule 2024: Every date, venue and result

Read full article - LIV Golf schedule 2024: Every date, venue and result
players championship field 2024

News

Players Championship field: Who is playing at TPC Sawgrass?

Read full article - Players Championship field: Who is playing at TPC Sawgrass?
LIV Golf

LIV Golf

How far have the LIV golfers fallen in the world rankings?

Read full article - How far have the LIV golfers fallen in the world rankings?
pga championship field

News

World Golf Rankings 2024: Who’s in the top 10?

Read full article - World Golf Rankings 2024: Who’s in the top 10?
LIV Golf

LIV Golf

Show me the money! How much has each LIV player made since signing up?

Read full article - Show me the money! How much has each LIV player made since signing up?
rory mcilroy talor gooch

News

Rory McIlroy’s advice for Talor Gooch: Be more like Joaquin Niemann!

Read full article - Rory McIlroy’s advice for Talor Gooch: Be more like Joaquin Niemann!
viktor hovland prize money

News

Soulless, comical and sad: Viktor Hovland has a bleak outlook on golf

Read full article - Soulless, comical and sad: Viktor Hovland has a bleak outlook on golf
talor gooch

LIV Golf

‘It’s noteworthy’: Talor Gooch defends controversial Rory McIlroy asterisk claim

Read full article - ‘It’s noteworthy’: Talor Gooch defends controversial Rory McIlroy asterisk claim