I recently read a post on Enemy of Debt where the author provided alternatives for expensive hobbies. One of those hobbies she discussed was golf. In her post, she gave suggestions like bartering for cheaper greens fees, sharing clubs with friends, and playing at public courses. Some of the ideas are great. Some others, not so much.
For instance, sharing clubs. As I said in my comment to that post, there are a ton of problems with sharing clubs. Sharing golf clubs is like sharing a baseball bat. There are a ton of variables that go into picking clubs: height, weight, grips, brand name (apparently this makes a difference). These variables mean that a set of clubs that will work for one person may not work for another. Also, what if the two people sharing clubs both want to golf on the same day, but on different courses? Who gets the clubs? Is there a custody agreement for the clubs? What if one breaks? It’s just not practical. A better solution for a novice golfer would be to buy a set of used clubs and have them regripped to suit your needs. If you’re an infrequent golfer, investigate renting a set of clubs or simply borrowing a set from a friend.
Then she suggested bartering for greens fees at a public course. Since golf is pretty no nonsense, I can’t even begin to imagine how this works unless the pro is there and the course is getting ready to switch from peak to off-peak hours. And at private clubs, there typically aren’t fees unless you are the guest of a member and are required to pay. There is no bartering at all for this fee. If you really want to save money on greens fees instead of bartering, play off season, play at off-peak times (weekdays or after 3PM or so on weekends), and walk, don’t rent a cart. You can also play an executive course (short, typically par 3 courses) for around $10 a round. Playing this type of course 4 times will still add up to less money than one round at a public or private course.
She did offer a good suggestion in looking for deals on membership dues. There are some clubs that will offer reduced price memberships for new members or if you pay your yearly membership in full. These deals are hard to come by but they are out there. You may have to compromise on what club you join or the type of membership you have but if all that matters is being able to play golf, then I say seize those opportunities. Also, if you’re under a certain age or a student, you can get a junior membership or pay reduced fees for a single round of golf. You can also get a part-time job at a golf course (pro shop, working the carts, etc); unlimited rounds of golf may be a job perk.
Other suggestions for saving on golf: If you want to play at the really good clubs, look into different tournaments that are open to the public like charity tournaments or open scrambles. See if your company will sponsor a team to play in a tournament. Call and ask if you can use the driving range or practice putting greens rather than playing the course. If you’re already pretty good, offer to give lessons (the members might bring you onto their course) or see if there’s a job coaching high school golf (again, giving you a chance to play at different courses); you’ll not only get to play but you’ll get to do it for free and make money.
Don’t forget that along with clubs and greens fees, you are required to wear certain types of clothes on golf courses. If these are not clothes that you normally own (collared shirt, khaki pants), you’re going to have to buy them (which you can do cheaply). Don’t worry about fancy golf shoes. They’re horribly ugly anyway. Before you run out and buy anything or borrow from a friend, but make sure you check with the course as to what’s appropriate attire. You may be able to pull something together from your existing wardrobe. Also, make sure you understand why you are buying something; this helps reduce the amount of gimmicky items like wrist bands you’ll waste money on. If it’s not necessary or won’t help improve your game, don’t buy it.
Golf is pricy. Period. If you want to pick up golf, be prepared to spend a lot of money. You can manage the costs but in the long run, golf is one of the more expensive hobbies you can have. From what I’ve been told it’s worth it. But I’d rather just go for a walk.
We found a great (actually, not great, but decent) course for $25, another couple for around $50. I got hand-me-down clubs for free, one of those golf ball retrievers for a gift and have bought a few balls. I’d say I’ve invested a total of $50 plus what we pay for the rounds. I’m terrible (perhaps because of my makeshift setup) but it does the job for a hack like me. I only go about 5 or 6 times per year though, so it’s not really work the money for me to go buy a nice set of Clevelands…
Nick recently posted…9 smart moves in a tough economy
That’s a really efficient and inexpensive way to get started with golf. If it’s not important to you, and you’re a really casual player, than investing a ton of money is really just a waste.
I played golf only a few times in my life and I was outraged by how expensive it all can be. Good clubs cost a fortune, then shoes, then balls and then gloves. Oh and then your green fees or whatever they are called. It is a real luxury rather than a hobby.
Aloysa @ My Broken Coin recently posted…My Life Philosophy for Managing Money (Part I)
Golf definitely is a hybrid luxury/hobby. My husband started playing when he was 12 so for him, it’s a way of life and we make sure to budget for it. But for someone just picking it up, there’s a lot of money that goes into it, especially up front.
I’ve never had the hankering to play golf. Though, growing up, my parents belonged to a golf club in the town where we spent our summers. Driving the golf cart and taking advantage of the minimum monthly snack bar allowance was great fun for a 10 year old.
Another piece of advice: make friends with golf club members.
That’s good advice! I will say, my favorite part of a round of golf is driving the cart. I can do without everything else.
You can always find a few courses around town with cheap rates.. The course wont be in perfect shape, and you probably won’t have quite the scenery.. But it will still be the same great game, and still be a good time.
jefferson recently posted…I Love the Library.. But Suck At It
Good points, Jefferson. Sometimes it’s more about the experience than all the extras that go with the experience.
Groupons can also be a great way to save a little on golfing. I know I have seen a deals on the local greens through the various daily deals sites for my city.
Juan recently posted…Money Network Card Review
Groupons are definitely a good way to save on greens fees. I’ve even seen them for buckets of balls at driving ranges.
I tend to agree with you, but I also have never really played (and am therefore really bad at it). Thus, the main reason why I don’t play. It’s a little too late to pick up a new sport, especially an expensive one. My heart belongs to tennis.
20’s Finances recently posted…Why I Chose Whole Life Insurance
I don’t think it’s too late to pick up a new sport but if that new sport is going to be golf, you need to be prepared for it. It’s expensive. Tennis is a much cheaper option, especially if you can get in on a free public court. Though I can’t imagine that a good racquet is very cheap.
I live in a golf community but I seldom golf. It’s just too expensive hobby to have. 🙂 I’d rather spend my time blogging.
It’s interesting that you live in a golf community but don’t golf. Why did you choose to live there?
Golf is definitely an expensive and frustrating sport, but it is loved by many. The Groupon tip by @Juan is a good one, there are often some good deals to be had. Aside from that, get a membership and make the most of it. After all, exercise is good for you 😉
Shaun @ Money Cactus recently posted…Rewarding Your DIY Efforts
If you’re serious about golfing and you’re going to play often, having a membership to a club is probably your cheapest option. And if you can find a deal on a membership, that’s even better!
Golf is an expensive hobby. I just started playing again last year. I’m not very good, but I play so that I can be with friends and have fun. One tip, i have is keep an eye on Groupon. Here in Atlanta, they have some really good coupons for golf courses.
Tushar@EverythingFinance recently posted…Should You Move Your ISA?
I wonder if the Groupons are tied to different parts of the country. Since you live in Atlanta, where it’s warm most of the year, do you find Groupons often? Because where I live, I have yet to find a Groupon for golf (I live in a mid-Atlantic state).
Not to call you wrong, but I do have a friend that’s bartered for greens fees successfully a few times. In return, he’s offered them services for their website that he specializes in. Not something everyone can do, but it could be a great deal for both sides if you both have something the other wants.
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You can say I’m wrong, Jeff. It’s OK. I forgive you 🙂
I think what your friend was able to pull off is highly unusual. He must have offered some exceptional services for the course to barter.
Excellent article. Golf is very expensive as a hobby. Period. And the justification of improving friendships or business relations is not as valid as it might sound. You can do that in other ways. Lastly you dont create much with golf, unlike painting, writing, photography, nor learn useful stuff for other aspects of life, or create memories like with car travel. So probably most of the time what you get is to kill time and get away from whatever you need to get away. Again, there are tons of ways to do that too for less. I would golf if it is with my significant other, parents, siblings, or kids, though. Good luck to all.