How much does it cost to play golf?

From Golfing at "Niknar" (Pearl Municipal Golf Course)

Golf has a reputation for being a really expensive game, but this is only partly the case.

Golf can be as expensive as you want to make it (no, really... think bigger). But the base minimum cost to play can be more modest than people often assume.

Cost to step foot on a course and swing a club is usually on a pay-as-you-go basis or on a membership/pass basis. A membership at a very nice local country club in my area is the better part of $2K/year, and the annual pass at a nice municipal course in the area is $1200. But paying to play 18 holes of golf tends to cost closer to $20, and the cost can be reduced by playing only 9 holes, or walking instead of renting a golf cart (all options not available at all courses).

Going to a driving range is less expensive than playing a round of golf. Prices range from a few bucks on up.

Some basic equipment is either required or may as well be.

You really need a glove, which can be in the neighborhood of $10.

Unless you only plan to play on a driving range, you need a putter, which can be as cheap or costly as you like. A beginning golfer could get by just fine with the putter, a wedge, a 7-iron, and either a 7-wood or 5-wood. You can check out garage sales, freecycle, etc. for local free or cheap sets like this.

If you go for new clubs, consider a less-expensive set (available locally and from a number of reputable on-line vendors) instead of a set starting in the several hundred dollar range. If you're looking to spend that much on golf, I'd suggest starting with a few lessons from a golf pro and spending the rest playing the game.

Ideally, you'll also get some golf shoes, which run from around $25 on up. They're not strictly necessary, but I find them indispensable.

You'll need some consumables, such as tees and balls. Buy balls as cheaply as possible, and consider buying lost/found golf balls in bulk if you tend to lose balls or watch them sink in the pond often.

The resourceful would-be golfer should be able to scrape together a small handful of clubs, a few balls and tees, and green fees to play the course. And if the green fees are intimidating, get some practice balls (float, won't break windows...), and step out in the back yard!