Does the Cost of Golf Make It an Expensive Sport?
To take up golf seriously you need some golf clubs, golf shoes, golf glove, golf balls, tees, towel, some lessons and a tee time.
Golf clubs can be bought used or new. If you are just taking up the game, I suggest that you buy used golf equipment. In my opinion, the best and safest places for used equipment online are globalgolf.com and 2ndSwing.com or you can Google Calloway or Taylormade and look for their used golf club site. If you like to get advice, swing the clubs and get a feel, I recommend going to the brick and mortar stores such as Golf Galaxy, PGA Superstore and Golfsmith and looking at their used clubs and talking with their sales people. They will let you try out the clubs and you can putt on their putting surfaces. While new clubs and bag can cost you on average about $2,000, you should be able to find a good used set for $600 or less.
Golf shoes and golf gloves should be bought new, however in order to get the best pricing check out the ones that are on a sale. Full price shoes and glove will set you back around $150, but on sale you should be able to get by on $60.
A couple dozen low priced golf ball brands will cost you about $50 and a hundred tees for around $8, if you don’t pick some up at the golf course for free, while the towel will set you back about $12.
Typical costs for lessons: Fees average $50 to $60 for a 30- to 45-minute private lesson. Instructors sometimes offer hour-long sessions for $75 to $90, which is a better overall value. Instructors typically reduce fees by 15 percent or more if golfers buy a bundle of lessons, usually offered in groups of six. Golfers can buy a package of six 30-minute lessons for about $250 ($42 per session) or six hour-long classes for $375 ($62.50 per session). How many lessons is based upon your current level of play and general athleticism for a beginner. Six lessons, plus time on a practice range, chipping area and putting green should get a beginning golfer started.
According to a Golf Channel survey, the median cost for an 18-hole round of golf at a public golf course is $36 including cart. However, this can vary drastically depending on the location, course, time of year, etc. But there are some general norms when it comes to the financial aspect of the cost of golf.
The first rule is to make sure you know what you’re getting before booking a tee time. A golf cart is usually included with the cost of an 18-hole round, but not always. Many courses also offer discounts for residents, seniors and late-afternoon rounds. Weekends tend to be more expensive.
Private clubs are costlier with annual membership dues and additional fees and range anywhere from moderately-priced to six-figure initiation fees.
As you can see, you can spend as little or as much as you want on the cost of golf. However, it is my opinion that it is within the range of the average person to enjoy the game of golf. The camaraderie, friendships, exercise and general enjoyment that you get out of a round of golf is as they say “priceless”. Go ahead and get some enjoyment out of life and take up golf or play more golf.