Madison Public Golf Courses Raise Fees by $4 on Average

Greens fees increase as city aims to cover rising operational costs.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:03pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of neon-bright golf balls against a dark background, conceptually representing the increased costs of public golf in Madison.Rising green fees at Madison's public golf courses aim to keep the links well-maintained and accessible for the community.Madison Today

The city of Madison, Wisconsin has announced that fees for playing at its public golf courses will increase by an average of $4 per round starting this season. The move is intended to help the city's parks department cover rising operational costs, including maintenance, staffing, and utilities.

Why it matters

Madison's public golf courses are an important recreational resource for the community, providing affordable access to the sport. However, the fee hikes could price out some lower-income residents and impact course usage, especially as inflation continues to squeeze household budgets.

The details

The new fees will apply to all of Madison's six public golf courses, including Odana Hills, Yahara Hills, and Glenway. Greens fees for 18 holes on weekdays will increase from $25 to $29, while weekend rates will go up from $35 to $39. Cart rental fees will also see a $2 increase. City officials cited rising costs for labor, supplies, and utilities as the primary drivers behind the fee adjustments.

  • The new golf course fees will take effect starting the 2026 season.

The players

Madison Parks Department

The city agency responsible for operating and maintaining Madison's public golf courses.

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What’s next

The city plans to monitor usage and revenue at the public golf courses throughout the 2026 season to determine if further fee adjustments may be needed in the future.

The takeaway

While the fee hikes aim to keep Madison's public golf courses financially sustainable, the increases could present affordability challenges for some residents, underscoring the need to balance fiscal responsibility with community access to recreational amenities.