The cost-of-living crisis is hurting us, and if you’re like most of us, you’re constantly looking for ways to cut back and save money. And that can be especially true when it comes to golf, because let’s face it, golf can be expensive. When you factor in clubs, gear, rounds, and buggies, golf can sometimes feel like it’s costing you the proverbial arm and leg; and many golfers don’t have the extra cash they used to have to spend on their favourite game.
The good news is though, it doesn’t always have to be so expensive. Golfers have a wide array of choices they can make about what to spend their limited resources on, and where they might be able to save money. When you need to prioritise your golf dollars, here’s the best way to do it.
Save
There are many areas where the cost and quality of your gear doesn’t matter as much, and these are the areas that you can really afford to save money on.
Golf balls
Sure, you could spend your money on premium golf balls, but in terms of performance, it’s not really going to make much difference. There are plenty of good quality middle-of-the-range options that perform similarly to those at the top of the range, and will save you a whole lot of money too.
Putters
While the putter is a club that you use on every round, you can more than likely save a bit of money here, as the technology in-built into a putter has less of an impact on your outcome than the way it is used. Unless you’re a professional golfer, you should be able to get the ball into the hole in a similar fashion with any putter, no matter how cheap or expensive.
Lasers
Unless you want a laser with all the bells and whistles, you’re better off going for a cheaper model here. And you’ve got to ask yourself – do you really need GPS hole maps or yardages? For most of us, a laser that simply shows you the distance to the flag will be enough, and there’s not much difference between the bottom and top end models. Don’t spend the earth on a laser, just go for something with point-and-shoot functionality.
Golf gloves
While golf gloves are well worth the money you’ll spend on them, there’s no need to spend a lot. Rain gloves are a particularly useful addition, as they allow you to grip better in the wet and keep your swing controlled and consistent. There are plenty of different brands and types of golf gloves available, and it might seem like they all offer different features, but the truth is that most golf gloves are very similar in terms of what they do, even if they look quite different. Sure, some might feel a bit softer or offer a bit more padding, but in essence they all perform in a similar fashion and it’s not worth spending a great deal on them. Plus, no matter how expensive they are, golf gloves are likely to fall apart every few months or so if you play a lot of golf, so there’s no point spending big money on something that you’ll replace frequently.
Golf shoes
Good golf shoes can be expensive, but in all honesty the top models don’t offer a great deal more than more affordable ones. You won’t sacrifice too much performance or comfort by choosing to save here, and you can get some great brands of shoe for a very affordable price. As well, you can make your golf shoes last longer by looking after them properly, rather than just throwing them in the cupboard when you come home after your round.
Upgrading your gear
We all love new golf gear, but the truth is you don’t have to upgrade it as often as you think. Ask yourself: Do you really need all the latest models of golfing equipment? Or is your current gear still functional and usable? If it is, it can probably last a bit longer, especially if you look after it well. Clean it after each use, check that everything is in good working order and store it correctly between rounds. This way you won’t need to replace your equipment as often, and can reap some significant savings on continual upgrades.
Spend
When the quality of your gear will make a big difference to your game, that’s when you should happily spend the cash, because it’s money well spent and will give you a good return on investment.
Irons
Irons are used regularly, last for a while and take up many spots in your bag, so it makes sense to invest a little more in getting good ones. Plus, any type of iron is likely to be expensive, so you might as well go for the best ones you can afford. Lower quality irons tend to affect your ball-striking and feel, so it’s likely you’ll want to invest your cash here.
Wedges
Similarly, it’s worth spending a bit more on quality golf wedges, as higher end wedges give you more options in terms of grind, sole and loft, and thus can be specifically chosen to enhance your game. As well, wedges are a club that you’ll use often, so you don’t want to settle for cheap quality clubs that will deteriorate quickly. High quality wedges will allow you to save plenty of shots in your short game too, so are not an area you should skimp on.
Golf bag
It’s a false economy to buy a cheap bag, as you’ll end up having to replace that bag sooner, and spending more money in the long run. Go for the best quality golf bag you can afford, and don’t cheap out on this one.
Golf buggy
If you struggle with mobility issues, a golf buggy is the best choice you can possibly make, as it allows you to get out on the course for longer. Go for quality over cheap, imported models, as this is not something you want to have issues with or have to repair over and over, as that will just get more expensive.
The good news is you don’t have to spend the earth to get a top-of-the-range, high-quality walker or ride-on golf buggy at Parmaker! Have a look at our top-quality range here.
Splurge
And sometimes, you just have to lash out and get the highest quality you can afford.
A driver
Most experts agree that the driver is something you shouldn’t be afraid to spend money on, because a good driver is well worth the investment. That’s due to the fact that there’s a significant difference between a top-of-the-line driver, made from high quality materials and components, and a cheap model … which is not. The quality of the driver will have a direct impact on how well you can play off the tee, so it’s worth spending a bit more and investing in a quality option that will last.
Golf lessons
Giving yourself the best opportunity to perform at your best is always a good idea. It’s wise to invest in the occasional (or regular) golf lesson to keep your technique up to the mark and ensure those faults or overuse injuries don’t creep in. If golf lessons seem beyond your budget, go for the occasional tune up with a professional to ensure you are keeping on track, or consider getting some friends together and participating in a group lesson.
There’s no shortage of things you can spend your money on in golf, but spending wisely and well is the ultimate goal. Don’t be afraid to invest in your game, because it’s worth it, but choose to spend your golf dollars strategically to ensure you get the most out of your rounds.
