What Golf Courses Rent Clubs?

Thinking about playing a round of golf but don’t own a set of clubs? You're not alone. Whether you’re traveling, just starting out, or simply want to try before you buy, renting clubs is a common and convenient solution. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect when renting clubs from a golf course, from how to find them and how much they cost, to getting the right set for your game.

Do Most Golf Courses Rent Clubs?

Yes, the vast majority of public, semi-private, and resort golf courses offer club rentals. It’s a standard service, especially at courses that cater to tourists, traveling business people, or new golfers. Daily-fee courses see renting clubs as a necessary part of their business because it allows more people to experience what their facility has to offer without the barrier of owning expensive equipment.

However, you'll find that some traditional, highly exclusive private clubs may not offer rentals, or may only offer them to guests accompanied by a member. As a general rule, if you can book a tee time as a member of the public, the course almost certainly has rental sets available.

How to Confirm if a Golf Course Rents Clubs

While it’s safe to assume most public courses offer rentals, you should never show up for your tee time expecting a set will be waiting for you. Planning ahead is the smart play. Here’s a simple process to follow:

1. Check the Course Website: Most golf courses have a website detailing their greens fees, amenities, and policies. Look for a section on "Rates," "Amenities," or an "FAQ" page. This is the fastest way to get your answer.
2. Call the Pro Shop: This is the most reliable method. A quick phone call to the pro shop is the best way to get all the details. Not only can you confirm they have rentals, but you can also ask about brands, cost, availability of different shaft flexes, and reserve a set in advance.
3. Ask When Booking Your Tee Time: If you book your round over the phone or through an online booking engine, there’s often a section or prompt to add rental clubs to your reservation. This is the most efficient way to handle it, as it locks in both your tee time and your equipment in one go.

Calling ahead is particularly important if you need a specific type of set, like left-handed clubs or women's clubs, which are available in more limited quantities.

What to Expect from a Rental Set: Quality & Models

The quality and brand of rental clubs can vary significantly from one course to another. Your experience will typically fall into one of two categories:

Standard Rental Sets

At many local and municipal courses, the rental sets are what you might call "workhorses." They are usually a few seasons old and are from well-known but not necessarily the latest and greatest brands like TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Cobra, or PING. These clubs are designed a little more for forgiveness to suit the wider range of golfers who rent them.

A standard set will almost always include:

• Driver
• One or two fairway woods (e.g., a 3-wood and 5-wood)
• A hybrid
• A set of irons (typically 5-iron through pitching wedge and sand wedge)
• A putter
• A golf bag

Premium Rental Sets

Higher-end public and resort courses often offer "premium" or "executive" rental sets. This is where you get to play with the good stuff - often the current year's models from top-tier brands. Playing a round at a destination course like Pebble Beach or Bandon Dunes means you’ll likely be renting the latest and greatest game-improvement or even "players" irons and drivers.

These premium rentals are a fantastic way to test out new equipment you might be considering buying. If you've been eyeing the latest Callaway Paradym or TaylorMade Stealth driver, renting a premium set can serve as a comprehensive, on-course demo.

The Cost of Renting: What's the Typical Price?

Rental fees depend heavily on the course's prestige, location, and the quality of the clubs themselves. Here's a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay for an 18-hole round:

• Municipal or Local Daily-Fee Courses: $25 - $50. The clubs will be functional and from a reputable brand, but likely a few models old.
• Mid-Tier or Resort Courses: $50 - $75. Here, you'll start to see more recent models and better-maintained equipment. The bags and grips will be in better condition.
• Premier/Destination/High-End Resort Courses: $75 - $125+. At this level, you’re often getting top-of-the-line, current-season clubs that are impeccably maintained. The price reflects both the quality of the equipment and the a premium experience.

Most rental fees also include a couple of sleeves of golf balls, which helps offset the cost a little bit.

Types of Rental Sets Available

Golf courses understand that one size does not fit all. When you call to reserve your clubs, be prepared to specify what you need. Most facilities will be able to accommodate:

• Right-Handed and Left-Handed: Most courses have left-handed sets, but their inventory is a tiny fraction of the right-handed sets. If you’re a lefty, always call ahead and reserve a set. Do not leave this to chance.
• Men’s and Women’s: Women's rental sets are widely available. They typically feature lighter shafts with more flex and are shorter in length to better suit women's swing characteristics.
• Shaft Flex: Standard rental sets usually come with a regular flex shaft, as this suits the majority of amateur golfers. However, many courses will also have a limited number of sets with stiff flex shafts for players with faster swing speeds or ladies flex shafts. If flex is a determining factorfor your game, make sure to ask when you call. Some premium rental programs even offer senior flex shafts.

The Big Question: Should You Rent Clubs at the Course?

Renting directly from the golf course is incredibly convenient, but it helps to weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right choice for you.

Pros of Renting from the Course:

• Convenience: This is the biggest advantage. There's no need to pack your clubs, lug them through an airport, or worry about them getting lost or damaged in transit. You just show up, and they're waiting for you.
• Try New Gear: As mentioned, it’s a perfect opportunity to demo brand-new clubs on a real golf course, not just a simulator.
• Perfect for Beginners: If you’re new to the game and don't own clubs, renting is the logical first step before making the significant investment in a full set.

Cons of Renting from the Course:

• Cost: If you play multiple rounds on a trip, rental fees can add up quickly and might exceed the cost of flying with your own set.
• Unfamiliarity: Playing with clubs that aren't yours can be a challenge. The lengths, lies, lofts, shafts, and grips might be different from what you’re used to, which can affect your performance and consistency.
• Limited Selection: While courses offer options, you might not get the exact brand, model, or shaft configuration you prefer, especially during busy times.

Alternatives to Course Rentals

If you're playing several rounds or are very particular about your equipment, renting from the course might not be the best option. Consider these alternatives:

• Club Rental Services: Companies like Clublender or ClubHub allow you to rent a specific set of clubs online and have them delivered directly to your hotel, resort, or even the golf course. It opens up a much wider selection of brands and models, ensuring you can play with something closer to your own set.
• Shipping Your Own Clubs: Services like Ship Sticks make it incredibly easy to send your own clubs ahead of time. It's often more cost-effective than rental fees for a multi-day golf trip and guarantees you’ll be playing with the equipment you know and trust.

Top Tips for a Smooth Rental Experience

Follow these simple pointers to make sure your rental experience is a positive one.

1. Book in Advance. This is the most important tip, especially if you need a left-handed or women’s set, or if you’re playing on a busy weekend or holiday. A quick call a few days before your round can save you a lot of hassle.
2. Arrive a Little Early. Give yourself an extra 15-20 minutes before your tee time. This allows you to get fitted, inspect the clubs, and take a few practice swings on the range to get a feel for them without being rushed.
3. Inspect the Clubs. Before you leave the pro shop, give the set a quick look. Make sure the grips aren’t overly worn, check that the club faces are clean, and confirm you have all the clubs you’re supposed to have, including the putter and any wedges.
4. Ask Questions. Don’t be shy! If you're unsure which shaft flex is right for you, describe your game to the pro shop staff. Tell them your typical driver distance and they can point you in the right direction. Their job is to help you have a good experience on their course.

Final Thoughts

Most public and resort golf courses offer club rentals, making it easy for anyone to enjoy a round without owning a set. By calling ahead to confirm availability and specs, you can ensure a hassle-free experience and focus on what matters most - hitting great shots and enjoying your time on the course.

Once you get your clubs sorted for the round, the next piece of the puzzle is having a solid game plan for the course itself. We designed Caddie AI to give you that confidence, acting as a personal guide right in your pocket. Whether you're staring down a tricky tee shot on an unfamiliar hole or unsure which club to hit for an approach, our app provides instant, intelligent strategy. It’s all about removing the uncertainty so you can commit to your swing with confidence, regardless of whether you're using your own sticks or a rental set.