greens fee: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumTechnical/Specific (golf and leisure contexts)
Quick answer
What does “greens fee” mean?
A fee charged for playing a round of golf on a course, typically covering access to the greens and fairways.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fee charged for playing a round of golf on a course, typically covering access to the greens and fairways.
It can also refer to the cost associated with using golf facilities, including maintenance and operational expenses, and may vary based on time, day, or player status.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'green fee' (singular) is more common, while in American English, 'greens fee' (plural) is frequently used, but both forms are understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both; refers directly to golf without additional connotations.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to higher golf participation rates; in British English, it's standard in golf circles but less common in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “greens fee” in a Sentence
pay [greens fee]charge [greens fee]greens fee is [amount]greens fee for [course]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In golf course management, greens fees are a key revenue stream and are often adjusted based on demand and season.
Academic
Rarely used; may appear in sports economics or leisure studies research on pricing models.
Everyday
Common in conversations among golfers discussing costs or planning games, e.g., 'What's the greens fee at that club?'
Technical
Specifically denotes the fee for using golf course putting greens and related facilities, often detailed in course brochures or membership terms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “greens fee”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “greens fee”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “greens fee”
- Misspelling as 'green's fee' (incorrect apostrophe) or 'greensfree'.
- Using it for non-golf contexts, such as fees for parks or gardens.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both terms are used interchangeably, though 'green fee' is singular and more common in British English, while 'greens fee' is plural and often used in American English.
It usually covers access to the golf course for one round, including the greens, fairways, and sometimes basic facilities like restrooms, but cart rental or equipment may be extra.
No, it is specific to golf. For other sports, terms like 'admission fee' or 'court fee' are used.
A greens fee is pay-per-play, while a membership involves a periodic fee for unlimited or discounted access to the course and other club amenities.
A fee charged for playing a round of golf on a course, typically covering access to the greens and fairways.
Greens fee is usually technical/specific (golf and leisure contexts) in register.
Greens fee: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːnz fiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡrinz fiː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'greens' as the green grass of the golf course, so 'greens fee' is the fee to play on those greens.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCESS AS A COMMODITY; golf participation is framed as a purchasable service.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'greens fee' specifically refer to?