You can start playing golf for under $200 in your first month. That covers a basic set of clubs, a few trips to the driving range and a round or two at a public course. The biggest cost by far is clubs, and it's also where most new golfers spend more than they need to.
Here's how the numbers break down, and how to keep them low while you figure out if you like the game.
How much do golf clubs cost for a beginner?
This is the line item that scares people off. A full new set from a major manufacturer can run into the thousands, and even new boxed beginner sets commonly cost a few hundred dollars. That's a lot to spend before you know whether you'll play twice or twice a week.
A beginner doesn't need 14 clubs. We explain why in why you only need four clubs, but the short version is that a wood, a mid iron, a wedge and a putter cover every shot you'll hit as a new player.
That's what our Just the Roots (Starter) Set is, and it's the most affordable starter set in golf. For $89.99 you get:
- GolfRoots 5 wood
- GolfRoots 7 iron
- GolfRoots sand wedge
- GolfRoots Model No. 1 putter
- 5 golf balls
- Our Swing Satchel carry bag
It comes in men's and women's right-handed versions, both in regular flex.
The part that changes the math is the upgrade credit. When you're ready for a full set, you get 100% of what you paid for the starter set back in store credit toward any full set from GolfRoots. You only send the starter set back after your new clubs arrive. So if you stick with golf, your first set ends up costing you nothing.
How much does the driving range cost?
A bucket of range balls usually runs somewhere between $5 and $25, depending on the size of the bucket and the facility. Municipal ranges tend to sit at the low end. Entertainment-style venues with bays, food and ball tracking cost more, and many charge by the hour instead of by the bucket.
For learning, a small or medium bucket is plenty. Hitting 150 balls in a row when you're new mostly teaches you to be tired. If you're in North Texas, our guide to the best driving ranges in Dallas-Fort Worth lists good places to practice.
How much does a round of golf cost?
According to the National Golf Foundation, the average green fee at a public 18-hole course in the U.S. is in the mid $30s. Prices go up on weekends, in peak season and at resort courses, and down for twilight tee times and weekday mornings.
For your first few rounds, skip the full 18. A par-3 or 9-hole course is cheaper, faster and a lot less stressful. Most of the holes are short enough that a 4-club set handles them fine. See our list of par-3 and 9-hole courses in Dallas-Fort Worth if you're local.
What else do you need to buy to start golf?
Less than you'd think. Things you can put off:
- Golf shoes. Plenty of beginners play in athletic shoes at public courses. Check the course's dress code before you go.
- A glove. Nice to have, especially in Texas heat, but not required.
- A big golf bag. Four clubs fit in a small carry bag, and the starter set already comes with one.
- Lots of balls. The set includes 5. You will lose some. Buy more when you need them, and don't pay for premium balls until you stop losing them in water.
Lessons are worth considering once you've hit a few buckets and know what questions to ask. Even one or two can save you months of building bad habits.
What does a realistic first-month budget look like?
Here's one example of what a new golfer might spend in their first month, using the ranges above:
- Just the Roots starter set: $89.99
- Four range buckets at around $15 each: about $60
- One round at a public course: around $35 to $40, often less at a par-3 or 9-hole course
That's roughly $185 to $190 all in, and the clubs are a one-time cost. Month two is just range time and rounds. Your numbers will vary with where you live and how often you play, but this is a fair picture of what it takes to get started without cutting corners.
How do you keep golf affordable once you're hooked?
The costs that add up over time are rounds and equipment upgrades. A few things help:
- Use your upgrade credit. When the starter set starts to feel limiting, put the full $89.99 toward one of our used full sets instead of buying new.
- Buy used. Quality used clubs cost a fraction of new and perform the same for most golfers. More on that on our used golf clubs in Dallas page.
- Play off-peak. Twilight and weekday tee times are usually the cheapest.
- Join our rewards program so your purchases work toward your next one.
Common questions
Is golf an expensive hobby?
It can be, but it doesn't have to be. Most of the cost comes from new equipment and premium tee times. Start with a small set, practice at the range and play shorter courses, and golf costs about the same as most other hobbies.
Should I rent clubs instead of buying?
Renting makes sense for a one-time round on vacation. If you plan to go to the range more than a couple of times, owning a starter set is usually cheaper, and with the Just the Roots set the full purchase price carries over to your next set.
Can I try the clubs before I buy?
Yes. Our shop at 13260 Josey Ln, Suite 106 in Farmers Branch has a simulator where you can hit clubs before you buy. We're open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, or call us at 214-302-7440.
