Why Golf Is so Expensive
Depending on your financial situation, golf may or may not be a hit on your wallet. A combination of equipment, green fees, lessons, and apparel are why golf is so expensive. I’ll break down what factors affect the price of playing golf the most while also listing any tips and tricks I have learned over the years to save money on the game.
Golf Equipment
The best place to start is the beginning; the only way to play golf is to have the equipment you need to play the game.
Over the years, golf equipment has improved; however, an increase in price has come with the improvement. Nowadays, purchasing a single golf club, such as a driver, can set you back $500 to $700 or more depending on the brand, the shaft, and any other upgrades, such as a more expensive grip.
Since a complete golf bag includes the bag itself, all necessary golf clubs, including irons (usually 3 iron thru pitching wedge), a driver, 3-wood, a 5-wood and or a hybrid, wedges (sand wedge, and or lob wedge), and a putter, all of this does not include golf balls, a glove, tees, and a range finder—pretty much required for playing modern golf.
Golf equipment can add up in price quickly, and it’s in the best interest of most golfers to find equipment at a discount, whether purchasing used equipment or waiting for it to go on sale.
Once you move past the beginner golfer level, I recommend having a fitting from a qualified golf professional and finding clubs that meet your specifications and can be purchased for a reasonable price or at a discount. Unless you plan on playing in serious golf tournaments or at the professional level, there is little to no benefit to buying the latest and greatest equipment. However, due to the technology used in modern golf equipment, it is probably best to purchase equipment no more than two or three years old.
Playing the Game
After purchasing equipment, the next logical step is practicing and playing golf. Over time, playing and practicing golf will be your most significant expense, and it generally consists of greens fees, membership dues, and range balls. Depending on which route you decide to take and which course you play most of your golf, greens fees, cart fees, and range balls can add up in price. Some golf courses charge over 100 dollars or more for a round of golf, so if you’re playing even once per week, you can see how expensive it can get over a month or year, not to mention a lifetime.
Due to the cost of playing and practicing golf, I recommend the following:
- Purchasing a golf membership
- Playing golf during nonpeak hours
- Working at a golf course or club
Purchasing a Golf Membership
When you purchase a golf membership, you will enjoy certain perks that are not permitted to nonmembers, such as reduced green fees and complimentary range balls. A membership works by paying an initiation or joining fee (sometimes waived) and a membership fee, also known as monthly dues. Your monthly dues will usually include green fees and range balls, so if you play more than once per week, it will be far cheaper to be a member than play as a guest.
Play During Off Hours
One of the best ways to save money on golf is to play during off hours. By off hours, I mean during a time of the day when fewer people are likely to play. During these times, golf courses will generally lower the rate to entice golfers to play. Usually, nonpeak hours are during the afternoon; however, I also recommend playing during the afternoon on weekdays to take full advantage of reduced rates.
Work in Golf
Working at a golf course or club is one of the best-kept secrets to saving money on golf. Even if you work part-time, facilities will usually include free golf and range balls with employment. My first job was at a golf course, where I could practice and play for free, contributing to my development as a golfer.
Golf Lessons
Although golf instruction and seeking out a golf professional for advice on your game is essential, in the long term, it will not be your most significant expense in golf. The majority of swing and general golf instructors are not expensive. For the most part, a professional in your area will charge anywhere from $50 to $150 an hour for a golf lesson. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that depending on your skill level, you may only get a lesson only once or twice per month. Any more than that, and you can do more harm than good for your game because it can take several weeks or months to implement swing changes depending on the lesson and what you’re working on.
One best of the best ways to save money on golf instruction is to utilize the internet. There are many different sources of information online such as blogs and videos. One of the best sources is YouTube, where you watch video lessons for free that can help improve your golf game. However, tread lightly because even though there is a lot of great information online, some of it may actually hurt your game—not everyone online knows what they’re talking about when it comes to golf instruction.
Golf Apparel
Golf Apparel may be the easiest to save money on out of all golf expenses. Although collared shirts are made specifically for golf, if you’re a recreational or beginner golfer, you should buy an affordable collared shirt that you can wear while playing or practicing.
For reference, golf apparel includes shirts, shorts, pants, hats, and golf shoes for playing and practicing. You may be wondering why I don’t have a golf glove on the list; I consider a glove to be more under equipment than apparel.
Play the Game
Although golf can be an expensive sport, if you do your research, you will find a way to play the game at a reduced rate. Sometimes this is easier said than done; however, “if there is a will, there is a way.” Perhaps you won’t have the most expensive golf clubs or apparel, and maybe you will have to play golf at courses that are not in the best shape instead of a quality golf club, but you can still play, and that’s the most important thing.
