I received an invite for an out-of-office activity next Friday afternoon during office hours. I would have to pay for a meal ($30) and the activity (mini-putt, $15). I want to decline because I don't want to spend the money and I do not like the activity, which I had no say in. Officially, nobody is forced to go and the alternative is to stay at work.

I would honestly prefer to work and not get behind in my end-of-the-month tasks instead of going there. However, I fear that it will be perceived very negatively as it really is saying that I prefer working alone at my desk to being with them.

Is there any professional way to decline team-building activities without burning bridges or is it just one of those times where you have to suck it up?

This is different from How to decline participation in team building activities where OP absolutely wanted to decline such activities because he could not bring his girlfriend.