[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Daily Fee Course?"

Mauna Kea Golf Course in Hawaii, a representative daily 18-hole course

‘Daily fee course’.

This term is unfamiliar to domestic golfers. It refers to a golf course that operates on a membership basis but is also open to the general public (A "daily fee golf course" (or just "daily fee course") is a golf course that is open to the public but that is privately owned and operated). The term is used primarily in the United States.

If you ask an American friend, "Which type of course do you play most often?" they would answer, "Daily fee course." Recently in the U.S., private or membership courses have found it difficult to operate solely on members' annual fees or green fees, so they have started opening their doors to general visitors as well.

Of course, this is to generate revenue. They accept additional reservations not only during all weekday hours but also during early morning or late afternoon times on weekends that are not peak hours. This is exactly what a daily fee course is. It can be considered similar to a semi-private course rather than a strict membership system. The turf condition is better than that of typical public courses, so the green fees are relatively higher.

A: What is a daily fee golf course?

B: Daily fee courses are also open to everyone, but are privately owned and operated.

A: Do you remember a very recent daily fee course you played?

B: Yes, it was a Mauna Kea private course in Hawaii.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, golf columnist