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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

After the pandemic, the golfing world has seen a new transitional increase in the rates for playing at the courses. Of course, fans have expressed their thoughts about these constant rises in the past as well, but in the recent series of events, TPC Sawgrass’ roaring peak has left everyone appalled. 

The course’s rates have reached a new high. It’s worth noting though, that the course has specific closure periods, so the rise may be related to that. But nonetheless, the fans’ reactions have been extreme. 

Outcry over the Players Championship venue’s soaring green fee

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The Players Championship venue has seen a rise in its fees. The Pete Dye-designed Stadium Course has played host to many PGA Tour’s signature events. The site now charges $900 for a morning tee time. This rate includes the green fee, cart fee, forecaddie base rate, and a bag of balls at the practice range. 

Gratuity for the forecaddie is additionally added, with a suggested tip of $40. Other than that, walking caddies are also available for an extra fee, along with a recommended gratuity of $50 per bag.

The price upgrades have become the ire of the golf community as the fans have expressed shock over the increasing fees. In a recent IG update, @ziregolf posted a picture that showed the teeing fee at TPC Sawgrass in the back. The words at the bottom of the image were: “$900 to play TPC Sawgrass… W** 🤯🤯🤯.

 

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A post shared by ZIRE GOLF (@ziregolf)

Fans have reacted to the rise in the prices. Let’s find out how they have reacted. No prizes for guessing though.

Some are glad they played golf in the past!

Fans and netizens expressed their thoughts and opinions on the escalating costs of golf and its impact on their experiences. A golf enthusiast, expressing their frustration and pinpointing the disparity in golfing experiences between America and Scotland, said, “Not worth it. Golf in America is a joke. Scotland is the home of real golf. Welcome anytime.”

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A local resident from Jacksonville shared their discontent, implying that the PGA tour expenses might be burdensome for the community. The user said, “As a resident of Jacksonville I almost resent the PGA tour at this point. I guess you have to pay for Jay’s salary somehow.”

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A golfer took the stage and compared the cost of playing at a renowned golf course. The golfer added, “Played Bethpage Black 12 times for the price of that one round this year.”

A fan thought of taking the rational route and tried explaining the reasoning behind the high costs. The user said, “It’s not that price cause the course is any better than any other country club in town. It’s to keep random idiots from trashing the course prior to the players championship. The rates change throughout the year. The higher the price, the less play they get. And that’s what they want leading up to the players cause it means less maint work for the grounds crew.”

A fan was relieved for having played at a lower rate in the past. The fan said, “Glad I played it for $450 a few years ago…” “Green fees have gotten out of control, we gotta shrink the game,” a user reflected on the broader issue of rising green fees, suggesting a need to address the increasing costs to ensure the game remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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As the golfing world debates the rise, what are your thoughts on the price? Let us know in the comments. 

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