What Does Junior Golf Really Cost? A Budget Guide for Parents

A realistic breakdown of where the money goes at each stage, from a free taster session to committed junior competition.

Getting started can be genuinely low-cost

Golf Australia's MyGolf introductory program is deliberately priced to be accessible, and many clubs run come-and-try days for free or a nominal fee. Loaner clubs are typically provided during an introductory course, so there's no need to buy equipment before knowing whether your child actually enjoys the game.

A first set of proper junior clubs is the first real expense

Once a child is committed, a junior-specific set (correctly sized for their height, with junior-flex shafts) is the next investment - typically somewhere in the low hundreds of dollars depending on how many clubs are included and the brand. Buying secondhand or ex-demo junior sets, or borrowing from a club's junior program, can meaningfully reduce this first outlay while your child is still growing quickly between sizes.

Ongoing costs: lessons, competition and re-fitting as they grow

The recurring costs are group or individual lessons (which vary widely by coach and format), any competition entry fees once your child starts playing junior events, and the need to re-fit or replace clubs as they grow - junior clubs are typically sized in height brackets, so a growth spurt can mean stepping up a size well before the clubs are worn out.

Programs exist to reduce the cost barrier

Some states offer voucher schemes that can be used toward junior sport, including golf lessons or club membership - for example, NSW's Active Kids voucher has been accepted by some junior golf programs. It's worth checking with your state or territory government and your local club about what's currently available, since these programs do change over time.