Trail fee golf is a popular concept in golfing that refers to a type of golf course that allows golfers to use a cart or trolley on the course. Unlike traditional golf courses where golfers have to carry their bags or use caddies, trail fee golf courses allow golfers to use motorized or non-motorized carts that can carry their clubs and other accessories around the course. In this article, we will explore the concept of trail fee golf in detail.
What is Trail Fee Golf?
Trail fee golf is a type of golf course that allows golfers to use a cart or trolley on the course. The term “trail fee” refers to the fee that golfers pay to use a cart or trolley on the course. The fee varies from course to course and can be either a flat fee or a fee per round. The carts or trolleys can be rented from the course or brought by the golfer.
Advantages of Trail Fee Golf
There are several advantages of trail fee golf. First and foremost, it allows golfers to save energy and focus on their shots rather than carrying their bags or worrying about getting tired. This can lead to better performance and a more enjoyable experience on the course. Trail fee golf also allows golfers to play faster since they can move around the course more quickly with the help of a cart or trolley.
In addition, trail fee golf can be more accessible for older golfers or those with physical limitations that may make carrying a bag difficult. It can also be more convenient for golfers who want to bring their own equipment or have specific needs for their golf bag.
Disadvantages of Trail Fee Golf
While there are many advantages to trail fee golf, there are also some disadvantages. One major disadvantage is that it can be more expensive than traditional golf since golfers have to pay a separate fee for using a cart or trolley. This can be especially true for golfers who play frequently and may end up paying a significant amount in trail fees over time.
Another disadvantage of trail fee golf is that it can be less environmentally friendly since the use of motorized carts can contribute to pollution and damage to the course. Additionally, some golfers argue that using a cart can take away from the traditional experience of walking the course and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Trail Fee Golf Courses and Regulations
Trail fee golf courses are becoming more common, especially in areas with hilly terrain or difficult courses. Many courses offer both traditional and trail fee golf options to cater to a variety of golfers. There are also regulations and rules for the use of carts on the course, such as speed limits and designated areas for carts.
Types of Trail Fee Golf
There are different types of trail fee golf available at golf courses. One type is a motorized cart, which is powered by gas or electricity and can carry up to two golfers and their bags. Another type is a pushcart or trolley, which is manually operated and can be pushed around the course by the golfer. Some courses also offer golfers the option to rent a caddie cart, which is a motorized cart that can carry both golfers and their bags, as well as a caddie to assist them.
Cost of Trail Fee Golf
The cost of trail fee golf can vary depending on the course and the type of cart or trolley used. Some courses charge a flat fee per round, while others charge by the hour or offer discounted rates for frequent use. It’s important to check with the course beforehand to determine the cost of trail fee golf and any additional rules or regulations regarding cart use.
Environmental Impact
As previously mentioned, the use of motorized carts in trail fee golf can have an environmental impact. Golf courses are typically designed to be environmentally friendly and can have natural hazards and wildlife that can be disturbed by motorized carts. To mitigate this impact, some courses have implemented policies such as cart path only on certain holes or designated areas for cart use. Additionally, some courses have switched to using electric carts or investing in solar-powered charging stations to reduce their carbon footprint.
Trail Fee Golf and Accessibility
Trail fee golf can be a more accessible option for golfers with physical limitations. It can be difficult for some golfers to carry their bags or walk the course, and trail fee golf can allow them to enjoy the game without the added strain. Additionally, some courses offer accessible carts or trolleys that can accommodate mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Trail Fees for Public Golf Courses in the US
| Golf Course | City | State | Trail Fee (9 Holes) | Trail Fee (18 Holes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrowhead Golf Club | Wheaton | IL | $8 | $16 |
| Black Mountain Golf Club | Henderson | NV | $10 | $20 |
| Forest Park Golf Course | St. Louis | MO | $12 | $24 |
| Hedingham Golf Club | Raleigh | NC | $7 | $14 |
| Maple Hill Golf Course | Marathon | NY | $9 | $18 |
| River’s Edge Golf Course | Bend | OR | $11 | $22 |
| Sea Scape Golf Links | Kitty Hawk | NC | $8 | $16 |
| Stone Creek Golf Club | Oregon City | OR | $9 | $18 |
| Twin Oaks Golf Course | San Marcos | CA | $10 | $20 |
| Whispering Creek Golf Club | Sioux City | IA | $6 | $12 |
Trail Fees for Private Golf Courses in the US
| Golf Course | City | State | Trail Fee (9 Holes) | Trail Fee (18 Holes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta National Golf Club | Augusta | GA | $0 | $0 |
| Baltusrol Golf Club | Springfield | NJ | $20 | $40 |
| Cypress Point Club | Pebble Beach | CA | $25 | $50 |
| Merion Golf Club | Ardmore | PA | $15 | $30 |
| Pine Valley Golf Club | Pine Valley | NJ | $0 | $0 |
| Riviera Country Club | Pacific Palisades | CA | $20 | $40 |
| Shinnecock Hills Golf Club | Southampton | NY | $10 | $20 |
| The Country Club | Brookline | MA | $15 | $30 |
| Winged Foot Golf Club | Mamaroneck | NY | $20 | $40 |
| Oakmont Country Club | Oakmont | PA | $0 | $0 |
Trail Fees for Golf Courses in Europe
| Golf Course | City | Country | Trail Fee (9 Holes) | Trail Fee (18 Holes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Golf National | Paris | France | €12 | €24 |
| St Andrews Links | St Andrews | Scotland | £10 | £20 |
| Valderrama Golf Club | Sotogrande | Spain | €15 | €30 |
| Monte Rei Golf & Country Club | Vila Nova de Cacela | Portugal | €20 | €40 |
| K Club | Straffan | Ireland | €10 | €20 |
| Royal Birkdale Golf Club | Southport | England | £15 | £30 |
| Real Club Valderrama | Sotogrande | Spain | €20 | €40 |
| Gleneagles | Auchterarder | Scotland | £20 | £40 |
| Royal County Down Golf Club | Newcastle | Northern Ireland | £15 | £30 |
| Bro Hof Slott Golf Club | Stockholm | Sweden | SEK 200 | SEK 400 |
Trail Fees for Golf Courses in Asia
| Golf Course | City | Country | Trail Fee (9 Holes) | Trail Fee (18 Holes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Hills Golf Club | Shenzhen | China | CNY 150 | CNY 300 |
| Taiheiyo Club | Gotemba | Japan | ¥2,500 | ¥5,000 |
| Sentosa Golf Club | Singapore | Singapore | SGD 25 | SGD 50 |
| Black Mountain Golf Club | Hua Hin | Thailand | THB 600 | THB 1,200 |
| Banyan Golf Club | Hua Hin | Thailand | THB 750 | THB 1,500 |
| New Kuta Golf | Bali | Indonesia | IDR 600,000 | IDR 1,200,000 |
| Carya Golf Club | Belek | Turkey | €25 | €50 |
| Emirates Golf Club | Dubai | UAE | AED 70 | AED 140 |
| Nirwana Bali Golf Club | Bali | Indonesia | IDR 900,000 | IDR 1,800,000 |
| Nine Bridges Golf Club | Jeju Island | South Korea | KRW 90,000 | KRW 180,000 |
Trail Fees for Golf Courses in Australia
| Golf Course | City | State | Trail Fee (9 Holes) | Trail Fee (18 Holes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Melbourne Golf Club | Melbourne | VIC | $15 | $30 |
| Kingston Heath Golf Club | Melbourne | VIC | $10 | $20 |
| The Australian Golf Club | Sydney | NSW | $20 | $40 |
| Royal Sydney Golf Club | Sydney | NSW | $20 | $40 |
| Barnbougle Dunes | Bridport | TAS | $12 | $24 |
| The Lakes Golf Club | Sydney | NSW | $15 | $30 |
| Cape Wickham Links | King Island | TAS | $20 | $40 |
| Victoria Golf Club | Melbourne | VIC | $10 | $20 |
| Kooyonga Golf Club | Adelaide | SA | $12 | $24 |
| New South Wales Golf Club | Sydney | NSW | $20 | $40 |
Conclusion
Trail fee golf is a popular option for golfers who want to enjoy the game without the physical strain of carrying a bag. While there are advantages and disadvantages to trail fee golf, it is becoming more common and accessible for golfers of all ages and abilities. As the sport of golf continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how trail fee golf fits into the overall golfing experience.
