How Much Does Golf Cost?

Golf is one of those things that can be inexpensive, or it can break the bank.  But one thing is for sure – there are some costs that you need to incur in order to play the game. 

I will start with the equipment:  Golf clubs, gloves, balls, and of course clothes. 

– Golf Clubs. Golf clubs are the most important part of your equipment. You can spend thousands of dollars on name brand clubs or you can spend several hundred on a no name brand.  There are a lot of questions about what it the best brand or set up, or is there a price that you have to pay to get what you need?  This is what I will tell you – every name brand of golf clubs produces a very good set of clubs.  What really makes a difference between one set or the other is getting fit.  You can buy a low level set of clubs and turn them into a great set if you get fitted.  As a matter of fact, I would never buy a club that wasn’t fitted for me.  My first set was bought in pieces from Golfsmith magazine.  A club fitter assembled them and they were great clubs.  I spent a few hundred dollars on a set of clubs that lasted me five years.  That means they were less than one hundred dollars a year.  Of course I have friends that have to buy a new set of top name brands, spending big money every couple of years.  The thing is neither of us have turned into a pro player because of the equipment we played.  My advice in picking clubs is don’t buy beyond your budget or skill level.  Remember that in general, golf is for your enjoyment. 

– Clothing.  Golf does have a dress code.  It sounds a little crazy that you have to wear a shirt with a collar and dress shorts in order to be allowed on the course. But you do.  That opens up an entire wardrobe category for most people.  Like anything else, you can go crazy and get more than you need and break the bank.  The best thing to do is buy two nice sets of shorts and a polo shirt to get you started, then build as needed.  Fashion is a funny thing, some people can buy the cheapest things and look great, and some can buy the most expensive thing and look terrible.  So I say just say, buy what you feel best in and get out there and play.

– Shoes.  Shoes are a little important.  They keep you from slipping when you swing. Buy good fitting shoes that have some sort of spikes.  They are like any other shoes – you can pay from thirty five dollars up to two hundred dollars.  There is little real difference between the two other than material, style and name.

– Golf Balls/Gloves/Tees.  You need golf balls, gloves and tees.  They are items that need to be replaced on a regular basis.  The most cost is in the balls.  They can be as much as sixty dollars a dozen.    

– Green Fees.  Now you have all you need to play, it is time to find a course.  Courses come in all prices.  I have paid as little as fifteen dollars for green fees and as much as three hundred and fifty dollars for green fees.  It can get a little crazy and may even price you out to the game if you don’t watch out.  I have played wonderful inexpensive courses.  As a matter of fact, one of my favorite courses only costs twenty-one dollars to play.  There are defiantly some perks to more expensive courses, and you should expect more for the amount of money you pay. 

All of this said, you may be thinking that I never said how much golf should cost.  The answer is, it will cost more upfront than it will the longer you play.  Just don’t let someone else spend your money.  Buy what you can afford and play courses you can afford.  You will enjoy the game more if you don’t feel like you broke the bank in order to play.  I have a friend that will only wear his golf clothes once then buy new again.  He just loves the ability to have a different outfit every time he plays.  I think he is crazy, but it is what he likes. 

The most important thing is to get out on the course and start playing.  It is a sport that you play for about four hours and enjoy the friends that you are playing with.  You get to go to beautiful courses and be outside looking at the different set ups that people think up in order for you to play the game.  Golf is also one of the only sports you can play into your old age.  For me, all of the joy golf brings outweighs the cost. 

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting. Written By Marc Festa