How much is it to Rent a Golf Cart?
Renting a golf cart can be a convenient and fun way to get around the course when playing a round of golf. But how much exactly does it cost to rent one?
The pricing can vary quite a bit depending on the type of cart, the rental duration, and location. This guide will break down the typical costs associated with golf cart rentals.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Renting a Golf Cart?
There are a few key factors that influence how much you’ll pay to rent a golf cart:
Type of Golf Cart
- Gas vs. Electric: Gas-powered golf carts generally have more power and can go farther than electric ones. They also tend to be more expensive to rent. Electric carts are more basic but cheaper.
- Basic vs. Premium: Some venues offer upgraded carts with better features and amenities (fancier canopy, club covers, cooler, etc.). These premium carts usually cost more than standard ones.
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Rental Duration
- Hourly: If you only need a golf cart for a couple of hours, most places will rent them hourly. This offers the lowest cost, but usually with no discounts or deals.
- Daily: The daily rate is typically cheaper per hour than renting hourly. This works well for full 18-hole rounds.
- Weekly/Monthly: Long term rentals of a week or month often come with the best discounted rates. Great if you’ll use it frequently.
Location/Venue
- Public Golf Course: Municipal courses and public facilities often have lower cart rental fees since they get less traffic than private clubs.
- Private Club: Country clubs and golf resorts charge more for cart rentals, but may restrict use to members only.
- Resort: Cart rental pricing at resort hotels and vacation lodges falls somewhere in between public and private venues.
What Are Average Golf Cart Rental Rates?
Now that we’ve covered the factors affecting costs, what are the typical price ranges for renting golf carts?
Hourly Rates
For hourly rentals, you can expect to pay:
- Gas cart: $12 – $25 per hour
- Electric cart: $10 – $19 per hour
So figure spending about $10 – $25 per hour depending on features. Surcharges may apply for add-ons like GPS or coolers.
Daily Rates
If renting for a full day, average rates are:
- Gas cart: $45 – $85 per day
- Electric cart: $25 – $65 per day
Some courses offer discounts on multiple days, bringing down the costs to $20 – $50 when you book for 3 days or more.
Weekly and Monthly Rates
For longer rentals, average pricing is:
- Weekly: $175 – $300 per week
- Monthly: $300 – $800 per month
Extended terms like weekly or monthly often come out to $25 – $35 per day when you factor in bulk discounts.
What Other Costs Are Involved with Golf Cart Rentals?
On top of the base rental rate, there may be some additional fees to keep in mind:
- Insurance: If you don’t have your own insurance, damage waiver fees usually run $5 – $15 per day.
- Delivery fees: If you have the cart delivered to your hotel or off-site, there’s generally a transport fee.
- Cleaning fees: Expect to pay cleaning or service fees, especially for long term rentals.
- Cancellation fees: Make sure to check policies if you have to cancel or change reservations to avoid penalties.
Tips for Saving Money on Golf Cart Rentals
Here are some handy tips to get cheaper rates:
- Avoid renting during peak seasons when rates spike at popular golf destinations
- Look for discount codes and coupons online for free hours or percentage-off promos
- Ask about weekly/monthly rates which offer lower prices for longer rentals
- Share cart rental costs by pairing up with other golfers
- Consider buying insurance through your own auto provider for cheaper coverage
How to Book Golf Cart Reservations?
You’ll typically book rentals either online through the course’s website or in-person at the pro shop or clubhouse.
- Online: Booking online locks in your rate and guarantees cart availability for your tee time. Just make sure to check cancellation policies.
- In-person: Some smaller clubs and municipals offer first come, first served rentals paid right at the course. But carts may be limited during busy times.
No matter how you book, inquire about any potential restrictions on number of riders per cart, age limits, or areas where carts cannot be driven.
The Bottom Line
Golf cart rental pricing often comes down to the duration of rental, type of cart, and location. On average most renters can expect to spend $25 – $85 per day, or $10 – $25 per hour.
Factoring in discounts for long term rentals and splitting costs with other golfers makes renting more affordable. Consider convenience, costs, and course policies before booking your next golf cart reservation.
FAQs
What’s the average price to rent a golf cart for 18 holes?
For an 18-hole round, expect to spend an average of $45 – $85 to rent an electric or gas golf cart.
Is it cheaper to rent golf carts hourly or daily?
Hourly rates on average run $10 – $25 per hour. Daily rates typically average $45 – $85 and usually provide a lower cost per hour than renting hourly.
Can multiple people share the price of a golf cart rental?
Yes! Most golf carts accommodate 2 or 4 riders. Splitting the rental cost with other players is a great way to save money.
Are there any hidden fees to watch out for with golf cart rentals?
Be on the lookout for common add-on fees like insurance, delivery charges, and cancellation penalties that may not be obvious initially.
What tips can you recommend for lowering golf cart rental costs?
Book off-peak, share carts, use promo codes, rent weekly/monthly, and consider insurance alternatives to save on golf cart rentals.
