My Plan for Today
Alright, so I woke up this morning thinkin’ I really need to stretch my legs and whack some golf balls. Figured Santa Rosa Beach Golf and Country Club might be nice. But man, I hate when you show up somewhere and the price makes your eyes pop outta your head, right? So before jumpin’ in the car, I decided I gotta find out what they’re chargin’ for greens fees TODAY. Simple enough thought. Ha. Famous last thoughts.
The Website Blunder
First stop, obviously, was pullin’ out my phone and checkin’ their website. Clicked around everywhere – “Rates,” “Green Fees,” “Visitor Info.” Nothin’ but blurbs about how great the course is. Maybe a mention that prices change seasonally? Super helpful, guys. Might as well have said “Give us all your money.” Couldn’t find a scrap of actual numbers. Felt like they were hidin’ it. Got frustrated real quick.
Operation Phone Call
Fine. Time for the old-fashioned method. Grabbed my phone, looked up the pro shop number, and dialled. Ring ring… ring ring… Finally, some guy picks up, sounded busy. “Santa Rosa Golf, how can I help?” Took a breath, kept it polite: “Hey, just wonderin’ how much it costs to play 18 holes for a visitor today?” He pauses, kinda shuffles some papers or somethin’. “Okay, today… let’s see… Friday… That’ll be $XX for greens fees.” Whoa. Okay, that’s a chunk. Hold up. “Plus the cart, that’s another $XX.” Total was already higher than I thought. Then the kicker: “Oh, and don’t forget, if you’re not a resident of Walton County, there’s an additional $XX non-resident fee.” Seriously? Felt like getting nickel and dimed over the phone. Asked if walkin’ was cheaper. “Yes, it’s $XX less“… but then he quickly adds, “though honestly, it’s pretty spread out, cart’s recommend.” Basically, they got you either way.
Driving Down There (Just in Case)
Even after the call, somethin’ felt off. Like maybe the guy quoted me wrong? Or maybe there’s some secret sign-in bonus? Doubtful, I know, but I was nearby runnin’ errands anyway. Drove my car down to the club entrance. Parked, walked into the pro shop. Tried to look casual. Grabbed a bucket of range balls off the shelf like I was just browsing. Overheard the guy behind the counter givin’ the EXACT same spiel to another walk-in: greens fee + cart fee + non-resident fee. No surprises, no discounts today. Confirmed the bad news. Paid for the stupid range balls just ’cause I felt awkward turnin’ around.
So, The Damage Today
Here’s the brutal breakdown for one non-resident visitor (me) on this particular weekday:
- Basic Greens Fee: $XX (Seems high for weekday, but hey, it’s Florida)
- Cart Fee (Mandatory? Feels like it): $XX
- Pain-in-the-Neck Non-Resident Fee: $XX
Grand Total: Approaching $$$$. And that’s before you even think about maybe wanting a hot dog at the turn or if you lose your favorite ball in the water (which I totally would).
Final Thoughts from the Parking Lot
Sitting in my car after hittin’ those overpriced range balls, I scribbled this all down. Was it worth it just to know? Honestly… kinda? Saved me an even bigger shock showing up unprepared. But dang, Santa Rosa, that’s a steep price tag for a casual round! Feels like you gotta be part resident or rich uncle to play without flinchin’. Maybe look around harder next time? Or just accept that beach towns ain’t cheap golf. Anyway, that’s my fact-finding mission. Hope it saves someone else the phone call and the trip. Costly info! If you played there cheaper lately, tell me your secrets, seriously!
