Public golf in Maryland costs between $35 and $140 for 18 holes in 2026, depending on the course, day of the week, and whether you walk or rent a cart. In Frederick County, mid-range public courses charge $47 to $94 for a full round with cart. Below are the exact rates, what each green fee includes, and how the courses compare.
What Does Golf Cost in Maryland by Tier?
Maryland public golf courses fall into three rough tiers. Budget courses, often municipal or older layouts, charge $25 to $50 including cart. Mid-range public courses with bent grass or bermuda greens and GPS carts charge $50 to $100. Premium public and semi-private courses near DC charge $90 to $140.
| Tier | Typical Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $25–$50 with cart | Basic conditions, bermuda/mixed greens |
| Mid-Range | $50–$100 with cart | Bent grass greens, GPS carts, practice range |
| Premium | $90–$140 with cart | Signature design, resort amenities, concierge |
Frederick County Golf Green Fees (2026)
Frederick County has the highest concentration of public golf courses in western Maryland. The three major public courses are Richland Golf Club (Middletown), Clustered Spires (Frederick), and Glade Valley (Walkersville). 2026 rates:
| Course | Weekday w/ Cart | Weekend w/ Cart | Range Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richland Golf Club (Middletown) | $67 | $94 | Yes |
| Clustered Spires (Frederick) | $45–$65 | $65–$78 | No |
| Glade Valley (Walkersville) | $40–$60 | $55–$76 | No |
Range balls add $8 to $15 at most public courses. Richland Golf Club is the only major public course in Frederick County that includes range balls in every green fee. Add the range fee and your per-round cost at those courses rises $8 to $15 above the stated rate.
Richland Golf Club 2026 Rates: Full Breakdown
Richland Golf Club at 50 Glenbrook Drive, Middletown, MD charges the following for 18 holes in 2026. All rates include range balls and GPS-equipped cart (where noted). Walking is an option every day. No mandatory cart fees.
| Day / Time | Walking | With Cart | Senior 55+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu | $47 | $67 | $35 walk / $55 cart |
| Friday | $47 | $67 | $40 walk / $60 cart |
| Saturday–Sunday | $74 | $94 | Standard rate |
| Twilight (5 PM+) | $21 | $41 | Same for all |
Does It Cost Extra to Use the Driving Range?
At most Maryland public golf courses, practice range use costs extra. A small bucket of range balls typically runs $8 to $12. A large bucket is $12 to $15. If you hit balls before every round, that adds $100 to $200 to your annual golf spend at courses that charge separately.
Richland Golf Club includes range balls in every green fee. You pay the green fee and warm up on the range at no additional charge. Hit 30 buckets across a season at $10 each elsewhere and you've spent $300 above the stated green fee.
How Much Is a Golf Membership in Maryland?
Municipal or county club memberships start around $500 to $1,200 per year for unlimited play at a single course. Mid-range public club memberships, like those at Richland Golf Club, run $349 to $3,300 annually depending on tier. Private club initiation fees in Maryland start at $10,000 and reach six figures at the top end.
At Richland Golf Club, the 2026 membership options are:
- VIP ($349/year): Limited rounds with significant discounts per round
- VIP Plus ($599/year): Enhanced round allowance with discounts
- Silver ($2,500/year, $1,900 senior): Unlimited weekday play Monday–Friday plus weekend discounts
- Gold ($3,300/year, $2,500 senior): Unlimited play any day of the week, including weekends and holidays
- Home on the Range ($400/year): Unlimited driving range access only
A golfer playing 52 weekday rounds per year at the $67 cart rate spends $3,484 annually. The Silver membership at $2,500 saves $984. The Gold membership at $3,300 makes sense for players who also play weekends regularly.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Play Golf in Maryland?
Twilight golf after 5 PM is the lowest-cost option at public courses across Maryland. At Richland Golf Club, twilight rates start at $21 walking, the lowest public rate in Frederick County. Senior golfers 55 and older pay $55 with cart on weekdays, $12 below the standard rate.
A VIP membership at $349 per year covers rounds at a discount off walk-up rates. Seven rounds at the discounted price and the membership pays for itself.
Golf Cost in Maryland: FAQ
How much does it cost to play golf in Maryland?
Public golf in Maryland costs $35 to $140 per round for 18 holes in 2026. Budget courses run $35 to $55. Mid-range public courses in Frederick County like Richland Golf Club charge $47 to $94 with cart. Premium public courses near DC charge $90 to $140. Cart rental adds $15 to $25 if not included in the stated rate.
Are range balls included in Maryland golf green fees?
At most Maryland public golf courses, range balls cost extra, typically $8 to $15 per session. Richland Golf Club in Middletown, MD includes range balls in every green fee at no additional charge.
What is the senior golf rate in Frederick County, MD?
At Richland Golf Club, golfers 55 and older receive discounted weekday rates: $35 walking and $55 with cart Monday through Thursday. On Fridays the senior cart rate is $60. No senior discount applies on weekends. Senior memberships are available at reduced annual prices.
See Current Rates at Richland
Green fees from $47. Range balls included. Senior discounts weekdays.