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Let’s admit it—golf is an expensive recreational activity. It has this reputation as the preferred sport of the well-off. Playing the game can put a dent in your pocket due to the following reasons—golf courses can cost players over a hundred dollars per day for a game plus individuals have to shell out money for equipment, travel and attire as well.
But can you make the sport more affordable? Will doing it on the cheap remain an oxymoron? Fret not, for this article will discuss ways on managing your budget when it comes to the sport. You might not belong to the 1%, but you still have the right to enjoy it without putting a hole in your pocket.
Budget Golf Tips
In order to bring your game to a whole new level, you have to practice regularly, and this can cost you a pretty penny every time.
Golf balls can cost you 12 dollars in the Pro shop or in any other specialist golf shop for the premium golf brands, but it also depends on the location. Driving range tokens can set you back roughly 15 to 30 bucks and this can add up quite a bit depending on how often you practise.
Complement your training by investing on some reasonably-priced equipment that you can use in your own backyard or the nearest park. There are practice sets that won’t cost you an arm and leg available online like the 3-in-1 Golf Practice Mat and Net and the Birdieball Practice Set.
These training aids are a good way to hone your swinging skills. The Birdieball set is meant to imitate a genuine ball strike and it also helps in building muscle memory. Full sets will take you back between 50 and 100 dollars so imagine the savings after a few weeks you will have once you do your practice at home and not on the driving range.
The 3-in-1 Golf Practice Mat and Net costs a bit higher but with this set, you can set up a practice facility in the comfort of your own home.
Look for Reasonably-Priced Tee Time
Golf courses that work, that is courses that will test your skills can be quite expensive. These great courses are a great treat every now and then but hitting these courses every time can take you over a hundred dollars. However, if you put in a bit of research, you will be surprised to know that there are in fact, golf courses who offer lovely discounts during off-peak hours.
Employ a tee-time system that presents reduced rates on fees and in addition, make an attempt to play the sport later in the day or if your schedule permits, you can also try doing practice rounds on your lunch breaks to a course that’s close to your workplace. Smaller courses are also a good idea, so if there’s a spot near you, better take advantage of that course.
A lot of courses also offer discounts on Tuesdays, which is considered as the slowest day of the week. Clubhouse food can be pricey so if you want to save up, allot time to prepare your own lunch and pack several bottles of water with you.
Another option you could check out is looking for special loyalty memberships that offer discounted prices. Many golf courses are affiliated with such a golf card system or have their own discount system and are very happy to inform you about the possibilities.
Cheaper Equipment
You have to invest in golf equipment that guarantees you will get years and years of play out of them. If you are on a budget there are still affordable gear out there which can help you hone your game.
You could start with a beginners golf club set and a carry bag or a simple golf push cart. The electric golf push carts are quite expensive and not really necessary if you’re on a budget.
For beginners, the Wilson brand has budget starter sets that you can have for up to $270. They often include 15 clubs from a driver, putter, irons, hybrid and fairway wood.
Transitional golfers can avail of some picks from Callaway; their 18-piece set bursts with all things an intermediate player needs from a putter, bag and heads covers, a 460cc driver to 4 and 5 hybrids.
Advanced golfers who have risen to expert level play are suggested to finally splurge for custom-fitted golf clubs. Higher-level play requires great equipment that won’t compromise your skills in the field, so spending a bit to test your limits and eventually surpass it should be considered.
There’s nothing wrong with buying second hand equipment. However, before giving in to that splendidly discounted hand-me-down starter set you have seen online, you should research your options at the outset and contemplate what you really need.
For beginners, you can ask opinions on the matter through friends, club professionals or more experienced players. Ask them about certain aspects like set sizes, flexibility of shafts and materials. You can also peruse buying guides, read reviews and ask inquiries on forums.
If you got your eye on a particular set or equipment, it’s best that you look for the price of the same gear in mint condition. Occasionally, companies provide discounts on old stock or discontinued merchandise to free up their space for brand new models. For most golfers it doesn’t really matter (quality wise) if you play with a set of last year or the year before but it really matters in price!