The Honest Conversation About Money
Parents ask me about cost all the time, and I always give the same answer: junior golf can be as affordable or as expensive as you want it to be. Let me break it down by stage.
Stage 1: Getting Started (Ages 5-8)
- Equipment: $50-200 (basic starter set, buy used)
- Lessons: $100-300/month (group lessons are the best value)
- Course Play: $0-50/month (practice greens, par-3 courses)
- Total Monthly Budget: $100-400
Stage 2: Skill Building (Ages 9-12)
- Equipment: $200-500 (fitted junior set like US Kids Golf)
- Lessons: $200-500/month (mix of group and periodic private)
- Course Play: $50-150/month (junior rates, 2-4 rounds)
- Local Tournaments: $50-150/month (TJGT, US Kids entry fees)
- Total Monthly Budget: $400-1,000
Stage 3: Competitive Development (Ages 13-15)
- Equipment: $500-1,500/year (proper fitting, adult-length clubs)
- Coaching: $400-800/month (private coaching + TPI training)
- Tournament Play: $200-500/month (AJGA, TJGT + travel costs)
- Course Access: $100-300/month
- Total Monthly Budget: $1,000-2,500
Stage 4: College-Bound (Ages 15-18)
- Coaching: $500-1,000/month
- Tournaments: $500-1,500/month (national events + travel)
- Equipment: $1,000-2,000/year
- Additional: Sports psychology, recruiting services, college camps
- Total Monthly Budget: $2,000-4,000+
How to Be Smart About Spending
Don't Skip Ahead
The biggest mistake is spending Stage 3 money on a Stage 1 kid. Start small, invest gradually, and let your child's passion guide the spending.
Group Lessons First
Group lessons are the best value in junior golf. Period. Save private lessons for when specific technical work is needed.
Buy Used Equipment
Junior clubs get outgrown fast. The secondary market is huge. Take advantage of it.
Choose Tournaments Wisely
You don't need to play every tournament. Focus on events that match your child's current level.
Ask About Packages
At BGP, we offer junior coaching packages that bundle lessons, practice time, and TPI training at a better rate than buying each separately.
The Return on Investment
Junior golf isn't just a cost — it's an investment. The discipline, integrity, and self-reliance that golf teaches have value that extends far beyond the course. And for the juniors who pursue it seriously, college golf scholarships can offset a significant portion of tuition costs.
Book a junior assessment at BGP and we'll help you build a development plan that fits your family's budget.
