The Denver metro area has a wide range of courses, with many that can be walked for $35 and under. My home course is not highly thought of in most circles, which is just fine since it's already packed from 6:30 AM until about 1 PM on weekdays, then again from 3:30 PM to close. And forget Fridays and the weekends... if you didn't get a reservation at least 6 days ahead you're out of luck. $35 to walk 18, $49 to ride and that's the weekend rate. $29 to walk M-Th. The course is well maintained, fun to play, and can be punishing if you get a bit wild. Yesterday playing a match I had my worst 9 holes of the season with a 49 on the front (in the trees with no escape on 5 of 9 holes.. ), then did a reversal on the back (the harder of the 2 nines) with a 41. Silly game...


Anyway, I feel the OP's dilemma. You have balance cost with how often you want to play, and then factor in your friends.... If I had to do that every time I might never play.