The hidden costs of golf trips: What to budget for before you travel

Booking a golf holiday is exciting. You choose the destination, compare the courses, sort the flights and accommodation and start picturing that first tee shot in the sunshine. But while the headline price of a golf trip usually covers the main essentials, there are often extra costs that can catch golfers out once they arrive.

These hidden costs are not always huge on their own, but across a group trip or a multi-round holiday, they can quickly add up. From buggy hire and airline club carriage to range balls, card fees and meals outside your board basis, it is worth knowing what to expect before you travel.

Here are some of the most common hidden costs on golf holidays, plus a few practical ways to plan around them.

Buggy hire is one of the most common extras on a golf trip. Our Golf Travel Experts regularly see golfers surprised by buggy charges at destinations, particularly in Europe. Many golfers assume that if their green fees are included, everything they need for the round is covered too. However, buggies are sometimes charged separately.

In some destinations, a buggy may be optional. In others, it can be strongly recommended because of the heat, the terrain or the distance between holes. Some courses may even make buggies compulsory at certain times of year or on specific layouts.

The cost can vary depending on the destination and course, but it is easy to see how this becomes a bigger expense over several rounds. For example, if you are playing three or four times during your trip, buggy hire can become a noticeable addition to the overall price.

A tip to avoid getting stung by a buggy cost on your golf holiday: To avoid surprises, check whether buggy hire is included, optional or compulsory before you travel. It is also worth asking whether the buggy price is charged per person or per buggy, as sharing can sometimes reduce the cost.

Some popular venues that do include buggies within your cost are:

• La Cala Resort, Spain
• Amendoeira Golf Resort, Portugal
• Desert Springs, Spain
• Marco Simone, Italy

If buggy costs are something you and your group want when booking for a holiday, look out for the 'FREE BUGGIES' section! It looks like this:

Taking your own clubs is often the preferred option for regular golfers. You know your set, you trust your club, and you avoid adjusting to unfamiliar equipment abroad. But flying with golf clubs can come with extra baggage costs.

Airlines have different rules for sports equipment. Although some airlines include golf clubs, particularly long-haul flights, within a baggage allowance, while others charge an additional fee each way between £30-£60 each way. There may also be weight limits, oversized baggage rules and extra charges if your golf travel bag exceeds the allowance.

It is also worth thinking beyond the flight itself. A golf travel bag can make taxis, trains and transfers more awkward, especially if your group has several sets of clubs. Larger vehicles may be required, which can increase transport costs.

How to make sure you're getting the best value out of paying for your clubs to travel with you: Before booking, out team of Golf Travel Experts can help you, we understand it is a nuisance to take care, but it is worth comparing the airline’s golf club carriage fees and check whether the cost applies per flight or per journey. For shorter trips, club hire may be worth considering, while for longer golf holidays, taking your own clubs may still offer better value.

Range balls are another small cost that golfers often forget to budget for. Warming up before a round feels like part of the experience, especially when playing a new course, but practice balls are not always included.

Some resorts include range balls as part of the green fee, while others charge separately. The price may seem minor for one basket, but across several rounds and multiple golfers, it can become another added expense.

Although it is not something we see often in Europe, most American courses and resorts come with range balls included along with buggies for your round!

A tip to get around paying more than you'd like for warm-up facilities: A simple way to manage this is to ask in advance what practice facilities are included with your tee time. If range balls are charged separately, you can factor this into your daily spending money.

When travelling abroad, currency costs and the cost of using your card abroad can quietly increase the price of your golf holiday. Exchange rates, ATM withdrawal fees and card transaction charges can all make a difference, particularly when paying for extras locally.

These costs often apply to things like drinks, taxis, buggy hire, club hire, range balls, tips and meals. Some travellers also find that certain venues ask whether they want to pay in pounds or the local currency. Paying in pounds may sound convenient, but it can sometimes come with a less favourable exchange rate.

A tip to avoid high currency charges: Before travelling, check whether your card charges foreign transaction fees. It may be worth using a travel-friendly card, taking a small amount of local currency, and paying in the local currency when offered the choice at card terminals. Cash may also be useful in some destinations, especially for tipping, caddies, small taxis or local services. However, withdrawing money abroad can come with fees depending on your bank or card provider.

Many golf holiday packages are booked on a bed and breakfast basis. This can work well, especially if you want flexibility to eat out in the evenings or try different restaurants during your trip which you may not necessarily get with an all-inclusive holiday. However, it also means lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks need to be budgeted separately.

This can be a bigger cost than expected and one budgeted for when staying in a self-catering unit, but at resort hotels where food and drink prices may be higher than in nearby towns. A post-round lunch, a few drinks in the clubhouse and dinner each evening can quickly add up over a week.

Groups should also think about where they are staying. If the hotel is close to local restaurants, it may be easy to keep food costs flexible. If the resort is more isolated, you may end up eating most meals on-site, which can increase spending.

A tip to avoid spending more than you want on food and drink during your trip: Before booking, it is worth comparing board options. Half board may cost more upfront but could offer better value if you expect to eat at the hotel most nights. Bed and breakfast may still be the best option if you prefer exploring local restaurants and keeping your evenings flexible.

A golf holiday should be about enjoying great courses, good company and memorable rounds. Not worrying about unexpected costs once you arrive. While extras such as buggy hire, airline golf bag fees, range balls and food can all add to your overall spend, most of these costs can be planned for in advance with a little preparation.

At Golfbreaks, there is a host of reasons to book with us, our team can help you understand what's included in your package and highlight any potential extras before you book, giving you the confidence to focus on what really matters, enjoying your golf holiday.

Still have some questions? To help you plan your next trip, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about golf holiday costs and what's included.

Q: What are the most common hidden costs on a golf holiday? A: Common extras include buggy hire, golf club carriage fees, range balls, food and drinks, transfers and currency charges.

Q: Are buggies usually included in golf holiday packages? A: Not always. Some resorts include them, while others charge separately or make them compulsory on certain courses.

Q: How much does it cost to take golf clubs on a flight? A: It varies by airline. Some include golf clubs in the baggage allowance, while others charge an additional fee.

Q: Is it cheaper to hire golf clubs abroad? A: It can be on shorter trips, but taking your own clubs may offer better value for longer golf holidays.

Q: Should I choose bed and breakfast or half board for a golf holiday? A: Bed and breakfast offers flexibility, while half board can be better value if you plan to eat at the hotel.

Q: How can I avoid unexpected costs on a golf trip? A: Check what's included before you book and budget for extras such as buggies, meals and baggage fees.