Golf is expensive. I know, quite the earth-shattering observation. But seriously, golf is so expensive that it’s driving people away from the game and keeping newcomers out of it. The last thing a beginner wants to do is drop thousands of dollars on a set of clubs and spend an additional $100 every time to tee it up. It can be frustrating and financially draining.

So where can golfers play at a decent price and still have a great experience? You just have to know where to look.

There are courses around the world that offer amazing scenery and intriguing layouts without burning through your wallet. These are the diamonds in the rough, the hidden gems. They’re the hole-in-the-wall pizzerias that have way better food than the over-priced, sit-down Italian restaurant with the long wait and pretentious vibes.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of playing one of these courses with my dad.

At the North Shore of Oahu, there sits a large field of green grass adjacent to the beautiful Hawaiian ocean. On this patch of land are randomly scattered checkered flag sticks stuck into four and a quarter-inch, round holes. They call this area of grass, sticks and holes Kahuku Golf Course.

My description is being slightly facetious, of course. Kahuku does have distinguishable greens, bunkers and fairways. It is, however, rudimentary in nature.

The clubhouse would compare more readily to a chicken coop than a functioning pro shop, but it truly captures the character of a hidden gem.

My dad, being on vacation in Hawaii, didn’t have any golf balls with him, so he asked to buy a sleeve inside the “pro shop.” The manager, a Hawaiian native, said they don’t sell golf balls. Instead, he put a box of used golf balls on the counter and told us to take a couple, and to “just give them back if you don’t lose them.” Yes, he really said that.

We asked if we needed a tee time. He pointed to the first tee and said to go after the group teeing off. We paid the $15 dollar greens fees (no typo) and slung some clubs over our shoulders. It all seemed so simple.

The course itself, although it only has nine holes that you play twice in order to play a full 18, had nothing but interesting holes and phenomenal views: a few drivable par fours, long par 5’s and challenging par 3’s right on the water. We kept our camera’s handy throughout the round. Even at a resort course with $200 greens fees, the cameras can usually stay safe in their case aside from the signature holes.

This is what a hidden gem looks like, and we’re on a mission to find more golf courses around the world just like it. We want to hear your story, see your pictures, and get informed about the less expensive options to play golf without sacrificing the golfing experience.

Below are pictures from my “hidden gem” nominee. Tweet (@GolfWRX) or post your story in our forum to share your nominee with GolfWRX and our readers. By submitting, you have a chance to see your picture and story featured on our front page!



Not quite Augusta National’s club house, but still something of a Crow’s Nest.



The Men’s/Women’s Locker Rooms are just outside, down the stairs to your right (pictured above in blue and green).



“We don’t sell golf balls. Take a couple and bring them back if you don’t lose them.”



Stopping to pose at a local muni? That’s what makes this place a hidden gem.



Sergio-type lag right here.



View from No. 7 tee box, a par 5 of 560 yards.



View from No. 4 tee box.



This picture captures the true character of Kahuku, and embodies the concept of a hidden gem.