Types of golf courses by owner

One of the things a newcomer to the world of golf would probably like to know is what the difference is between different types of golf courses. This question is more complicated than you might imagine, as there are actually three different ways of expressing which category a particular golf course falls into.

The first is to establish and classify a course according to whether it is established in heaths, forests or next to the ocean, etc. The second type is by duration, where the field is rated essentially by the amount of time it takes to play a round, so these types will be pitch & putt, long-duration, or executive, so called because executives may not have time to play a round on an 18 hole course. Most executive courses have only 9 holes.

However, in this article we will see how golf courses can be classified by property. The two types of categorization above let you know what to expect when you show up to play. However, this third type of categorization determines whether or not you will be allowed to access the course.

The following is not an exhaustive list of course types, but these are the most popular course types you can find.

Private golf courses are courses that belong to a golf club and only allow club members to play. If you are not a member of the club, you cannot play, unless of course you are lucky enough to be invited to play by someone who is already a member.

Public golf courses can be courses owned by private organizations or individuals or by other organizations, such as local businesses. The key here is that the owner charges a fee to play. This basically means that the field is open for anyone to play who can afford the fee.

There are also courses that are essentially a combination of the two above. Club members can play at any time. The public can play, but usually only on specific days of the week or at times of the day.

Municipal golf courses are owned by the local government. They operate like public golf courses, but the money paid for green fees goes to them rather than to an individual or private company.

Some residential areas have their own golf course designed for only local residents to play. They are usually managed by the community itself and as such are not open to the public.

Finally there is the resort’s golf course. Resort golf courses are owned and operated by a vacation resort or hotel chain for the pleasure of their guests. However, the game may not be restricted to resort guests, so some resort courses may be open to the public for a fee.