Golf courses don't charge one flat rate. The total cost of a round is split across several separate fees, and which ones apply depends on the course, the day of the week, and whether you're a member or a guest.
If you've ever looked at a course fee sheet and felt confused by the line items, this guide breaks down what each fee actually covers.
Green Fee
The green fee is the base cost of playing the course. It's what you pay for access to the holes. Nothing else is included.
Green fees almost always vary by day. Weekday rates are lower. Weekend and holiday rates are higher, sometimes significantly. Some courses also distinguish between "regular" weekdays and specific days like Mondays or Fridays.
At private clubs in the Philippines, guests typically pay a higher green fee than members. At public and semi-private courses, the posted rate is usually the same for everyone.
The green fee does not include a caddie, a golf cart, or use of the driving range. Those are separate.
Caddie Fee
The caddie fee pays for a caddie to carry your bag, read greens, track your ball, and help you navigate the course. At most Philippine golf courses, using a caddie is mandatory. You don't get to opt out.
Caddie fees are set by the course, not by the caddie. The amount you see on the fee sheet goes directly to the caddie program. On top of that, you're expected to tip your caddie after the round. There's no official rule on how much, but most golfers in the Philippines tip somewhere in the range of 50% to 100% of the caddie fee, depending on the course and the level of service.
Some courses assign one caddie per player. Others allow one caddie for two players (called "sharing a caddie"), which halves the fee per person.
Cart Fee
The cart fee is for a motorized golf cart. At most courses, carts seat two players and are priced per cart, not per person. When you see a cart fee on the sheet, divide by two if you're sharing.
Carts are optional at most courses in the Philippines, though a few courses require them. If you skip the cart, you walk the course with your caddie carrying your bag. This is common and completely normal.
Some courses price the cart differently for 18 holes versus 9 holes. Others charge a flat rate regardless. If the fee sheet doesn't specify, ask at the pro shop before you tee off.
Other Fees You Might See
Twilight rate. A discounted green fee for rounds that start in the late afternoon, usually after 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM depending on the course. You won't finish all 18 holes before dark, so you pay less. Twilight is one of the most practical ways to play for less.
Driving range fee. Some courses charge separately for use of the practice range. Others include a small bucket of balls with your green fee. Don't assume it's free.
Insurance fee. A small flat charge (usually ₱50 to ₱200) that some courses tack on. It covers on-course liability. Not all courses charge this.
Locker/shower fee. Occasionally listed separately, usually bundled into the green fee at bigger clubs.
Weekday vs. Weekend Pricing
Almost every course in the Philippines charges more on weekends and public holidays. The difference can be significant. At some private clubs, a weekend guest green fee is double the weekday rate.
If you have flexibility on when you play, weekdays are the most cost-effective option. Mondays tend to be the quietest (some courses are closed for maintenance on Mondays, so check first).
Member vs. Guest Pricing
At private clubs, members pay lower green fees. To play as a guest, you typically need a member to sponsor or accompany you, and you'll pay the guest rate, which is higher.
Public and military courses are more straightforward. Anyone can book a tee time. Military-affiliated courses sometimes offer lower rates to active or retired military personnel.
If you're planning a round and want to compare fees across different courses, you can check current green fee data on our course directory.