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What Is the Difference Between Public, Private, & Municipal Golf Courses?

By Chris Moore •  Updated on 05/12/22

There are many different types of golf courses in the world, and they each have their own unique benefits and drawbacks.

In this post, we’ll discuss the three most common types of courses: public, private, and municipal.

Let’s get right into it!

Public Golf Course

A public golf course is open to the general public and is typically owned by a private corporation.

Public courses are generally less expensive than private ones, but they may not be as well-maintained.

On top of that, you can schedule a tee time in advance at most public courses without any issues.

Private Golf Course

A private golf course is just that – private.

In order to play on a private course, you must be a member of the club or have some other form of access.

Private courses are often more expensive than public ones, usually requiring an annual membership, but they usually offer a higher quality of play.

In addition, you’ll have an easier time getting a tee time since there are typically fewer players.

Municipal Golf Course

A municipal golf course is owned and operated by a city or town government.

Like public courses, they’re open to the general public, but they may have some restrictions in place.

Municipal courses are typically less expensive than public and private ones, but they may not be as well-maintained.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are some key differences between public, private, and municipal golf courses.

Each type of course has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that you should take into account before deciding which one is right for you.

But go out, try a few public and municipal courses, and see how you like them before committing to a private course.

Chris Moore

Hi, I'm Chris Moore and I'm the guy behind Golfah.com. As an avid golfer since 2010, I decided to create this blog to share everything I've learned over the years. Whether it's golf equipment, swing tips, or anything in-between, I want to make sure you have everything you need to become a better golfer.