You’ve been dreaming of this day for as long as you can remember. The moment you put on your favorite golf shirt and head to the golf course. The anticipation is everything, isn’t it?
Well, now that the moment has arrived, how much are you paying for all of that excitement? How much is a professional golf club actually worth? We’ve got the answer—and it might surprise you.
Let’s take a look at some of the costs associated with owning a golf club and how much they cost compared to what you’d typically pay for a round of golf. Keep in mind, this is not a comprehensive list.
Table of Contents
Gym Fees
This may seem like an obvious one, yet it isn’t uncommon for golfers to stay at a nearby gym rather than head to the course. Many gyms offer daily and weekly memberships that cover all of the costs of using the facility, including gym equipment and indoor pools. So if you’re looking to save money on your golfing adventures, this is the place to do it.
Along with gym fees, you should also add the cost of any equipment that you bring with you. This could include things like golf bags, grips, etc., that are specifically designed for golfers. Even the clubs could be a financial burden for some people. Have you ever seen the inside of a pro’s golf bag? It’s a lot of money.
Carts
If you live in a city, you’ve probably already considered the costs associated with driving a car to the golf course. Gas costs money, as does parking. The good news is you can avoid most of these costs by using a golf cart. These are much cheaper than a car and allow you to drive the course in style.
The price range for golf carts is between $500 and $1,500, which is a bargain compared to other costs associated with golfing. Not only that, but you can track the cost of gas for the cart versus a car using an app like GasBuddy. So it’s not only about the money; you’re getting value for your money. Plus, you can rest assured that the vehicle is road-ready and won’t break down. This is big money compared to the costs of a traditional golf club.
Clubs
The cost of golf clubs takes the cake when it comes to unexpected expenses on your golfing trip. Most golfers spend between $1,000 and $3,000 per year on their clubs, depending on the type of club they use and how often they play. While it’s great to save money on other costs associated with golf (like travel and food), this cannot be ignored. It’s a major expense and can be a burden to some golfers. Have you ever seen the inside of a pro’s golf bag? It’s a lot of money.
The good news is that you can find cheaper club options. If you’re a serious golfer who plays often, you can get by with simply buying a set of practice golf clubs. As an alternative, you could try searching for a golf club rental in your area. This could be a cost-effective way to play, and it gives you the opportunity to try out a variety of clubs.
Ball Cleaning
Most golfers know that their ball costs them money. You’ll pay for each one individually, especially if you lose a ball during a round. The good news is there’s an easy way to avoid this cost. When you lose a ball, the easiest thing to do is buy a new one. This is why most golfers keep a spare set of clubs in their bag. It saves them money in the long run.
If you do end up losing a ball during a round, you’ll have to pay for a replacement. The cost of a new ball can vary, but it’s usually in the neighborhood of $10. This could be a major cost if you’re playing a longer round, and it’s something to consider. If you’re serious about golf, it’s best to invest in a good set of balls.
Green Fees
If you decide to play on a course where the greens fees are included in the golf club, it’s a no-brainer that this is another cost you need to be aware of. While it’s great to save money on your golfing trip, it doesn’t always mean you’re going to be able to play where you want. Some courses will be completely off-limits due to costs that the owner has set aside for the use of the golf club members. In this case, you’ll have to pay extra for the privilege of playing there. This is why you should always look for courses that are in your area and avoid any remote courses that are out of state. This is especially important if you’re renting clubs, as the owner of the course could decide to charge you extra for the privilege of playing there.
The price of a round of golf varies by the time of day and the weather. In the morning, when it’s still dark outside, the cost is generally less. It drops even further during the winter months. If you’re looking to save money, this is certainly one way to do it. Just remember, the earlier you play, the cheaper it is. That’s because most courses are filled by early morning golfers, and as the day goes on, the cost increases. You may find that twilight rounds are even cheaper than early morning rounds. This could vary by location and season, so do some research before playing at a specific time and place.
Rental Cars
For long days on the golf course, it’s good to have a reliable car. However, you don’t want to rely on public transportation either. This can be stressful when you’re trying to enjoy a round and meet up with friends afterwards. If you play a lot, it’s best to own a car, especially if you’re spending multiple days on the course. This is why most golfers rely on rental cars when they can’t drive their own vehicles on the course. Owning a car isn’t completely out of the question. It just depends on your budget and how often you play.
Bagroom Bills
You don’t need to have a guest at your place to know how costly a bag of sand can be. Most golfers end up paying around $100 per year for their bagroom. This can be a major expense if you play frequently, and it’s something to consider if you want to save money on your golfing trips.
Food
You’ll never get rich being a golfer, but you’ll never get broke either. This may come as a surprise, as you’d think that golfers would eat poorly. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Most golfers know exactly what they’re spending on food while playing, and it’s usually less than $100 per day. This could be mainly because they’re playing on courses that have a formal dress code, so they need to be sure they look the part too. Plus, they’re playing during the week, so there’s plenty of other places to eat around the course. This includes the famous 18th hole eatery, which serves everything from fish and chips to BBQ and fresh peach pie. It’s a great place to eat, and it’s open all day, so you’re sure to get your fill no matter what time or day of the week it is.
The bottom line is that golfers have a lot of expenses that most people don’t think about. It takes a lot of time to save money, and it’s not always easy, but it’s certainly achievable. Just remember to break down all of the costs so that you can have a clear picture of what you’re spending on. It’s also important to research the best places to play in your area. You don’t want to play on a course that’s out of your league or that doesn’t have the same feel as the one you’re used to. It can be fun to try out a new course every now and then, but if it’s not in your area, it may be best to skip it.