[lukan]

"Really, golf courses are taxed much lower usually, as they go as green open spaces (similar to protected forest areas"

That does not seem allright. A forest has lot's of ecodiversity, but a low cut golf course?

But sure, it is still green and somewhat alive.

[rickmf]

Golf courses are often full of exclusively native foliage, often protected areas, and wetland areas. With much more ecodiversity support than neighboring businesses, residential areas, and even parks.

[deepsun]

Yep, and I would not say they are "open spaces" if the owners yell at you for stepping on it.

[rickmf]

you'll get yelled at for entering state parks if you don't pay.

[deepsun]

Nope, you pay only for parking/camping (at least in CA and WA). You can legally walk on foot paying nothing.