Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, there’s a question that plagues all golfers: how much should you spend on golf equipment?
If you’re an avid lover of the sport, you may think there’s no such thing as too much! After all, your game deserves the very best gear. On the other hand, if you’re a beginner, you might be shocked and overwhelmed at the prices of the most basic equipment.
So where’s the sweet spot? Well, it does depend on the person, but here’s our advice for buying clubs, balls, and other necessary equipment to play the game.
Non-negotiables
Whether you’re a newbie or an old hand, there are some things you can’t compromise on. Here’s what we suggest spending a touch more on if you can.
Good Golf Shoes
Many golf courses won’t allow you to play in sneakers or athletic shoes. If your home course just happens to be okay with that, then there’s no need to spend on golf shoes, but you won’t be likely to be allowed on other courses if you want a change of scenery or to join a friend at their home course.
We highly recommend investing in a good pair of golf-specific shoes. If you look after them, you can expect them to last you a good few years, so this is a long-term investment that will definitely pay off.
Experiment with spiked versus spikeless golf shoes. Spiked shoes have been the traditional choice for navigating damp courses with tricky terrain, but spikeless shoes are becoming more popular and still offer good traction.
Whichever you choose, there are bound to be budget options. As long as you make sure they fit you correctly, you can get a good lockdown on the foot, and they offer good grip, you should be good to go.
A Sturdy Bag
Carrying your clubs is not as easy as you may think! While taking a cart is usually an option, we highly recommend not skimping on a comfortable, practical golf club bag.
There will be cases where you have to carry your clubs from hole to hole rather than ride, and if your bag is falling apart, it won't be a pleasant walk!
Choose a bag that’s made of sturdy, durable materials. The straps should be well-padded and sit well over a shoulder so as not to cause discomfort.
The other thing to consider is what type of bag you want. There are three types to choose from: a stand bag, a cart bag, and a carry bag.
If you already know you’re never going to walk the course and you’re only going to be using the cart, then a cart bag makes sense. These have no carry straps, so be sure about it before you buy!
A stand bag is the most common, and it’s super handy. They come with adjustable straps so you can walk with your bag and two foldable legs so you can stand your bag next to you while you take your shot. They’re also a little smaller and lighter than cart bags.
Carry bags are designed to be carried and don’t work on a cart. They’re fairly minimalist, with comfy straps and a lightweight build.
Factors To Consider When Buying Equipment
When it comes to equipment other than bags and shoes, there’s no need to rush out and buy the first golf clubs you see. Take into consideration your skill level and your budget before you even think about brands and the scope of your equipment.
Your Skill Level
If you’re an experienced golfer, chances are you have your favorite brands and clubs that you’ve come to love over time. You’ve also probably experimented enough to know which clubs you need, which you hardly use, and whether or not you like having that one rarely-used club in the bag just in case!
But if you’re new to the game, fancy new clubs definitely don’t need to be on your to-buy list. In fact, as a beginner, you probably don’t even need every club in the bag. You can get away with a smaller collection of golf clubs, which may significantly impact how much you need to spend on them.
Your Budget
While budget is important, it isn't the be-all and end-all. Don’t think that because your budget is small, you’ll never play good golf. Ultimately, it’s the golfer behind the club that makes the biggest difference, not the club you’re holding.
Set yourself an honest budget, and see what you can find within that budget. Also, remember that you don’t need to go all-out and buy clubs, shoes, a bag, and devices. The basics—some clubs, golf balls, tees, etc.—are all you need to get started.
Brand Name Equipment
Big brand names are overrated when you’re a beginner or intermediate. While they are some of the best golf clubs out there, they come with an equivalent price tag.
If you’re already an intermediate to an advanced golfer and you’re looking at upgrading your equipment, then getting a brand-name kit might be appropriate for you. If you’re going to be playing some high-profile tournaments, then it could be something you’d like to be seen with.
But if you’re a beginner, there’s no need to go for the fancy stuff. You can become an excellent golfer with entry-level equipment as long as it does the job it’s designed to do.
It’s also a good idea to go for some entry-level equipment if you’re just getting started and you aren’t actually sure if you’ll be sticking with the sport. There’s no need to spend big bucks on anything if you may not even be playing a year down the line!
Of course, if you do have the budget for it and you’re certain that you’re going to put them to good use in the coming months, then you’re absolutely welcome to buy some of the top-range golf clubs, golf shoes, and golf accessories!
New or Used
Remember, used equipment is also an option, and you can find some excellent, well-cared-for equipment if you look in the right places. Used equipment often comes at significantly lower prices, but be sure to do your research beforehand.
Understand what exactly you’re looking for before buying the first user equipment you find. If you’re looking for a set of clubs, for example, know which clubs you need so you don’t end up getting half a set and missing what you really need.
It’s also a good idea to only buy used goods if you can physically look at the equipment before you buy. You never know when someone is going to post a picture that’s vastly different from what you’re actually getting!
Some sporting stores offer used equipment as well as new. This could be the best place to find high-quality used equipment, as they’ll no doubt have made sure it ticks all the boxes before they have it in their shop.
Golfing Technology
Think about whether or not you need to invest hundreds in things like a golf GPS or a rangefinder. While it’s nice to have, the truth is that you can download golf apps on your smartphone that serve the same purpose.
Unless you’re a fanatical golfer who wants the most cutting-edge new technology, most golfers (no matter your skill level) can get by just perfectly with a comprehensive phone app.
They usually offer GPS, rangefinding abilities, stats, advice, some form of swing analysis, and even club recommendations for each shot.
The important part is that you can get these apps for a fraction of the cost of a dedicated golf GPS unit or rangefinder. Simply add it to your existing device, and that’s it.
If you do have the means and wish to buy yourself a golf GPS device or rangefinder, you certainly can. (Added bonus: you’ll be able to leave the phone in your pocket and not be distracted by incoming messages or emails!)
But once again, this falls within your specified budget. If you need to be a bit more careful about how much you spend, you may be better off trying a phone app first. If you love it and never need anything more, you’ve saved yourself money. If you’d like something more, you have the knowledge of what you want and the time to save!
So How Much Should You Spend on Golf Equipment
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer regarding how much you should spend on golf equipment. You can find bargains out there, high-quality equipment that’s been well cared for but the owner has no use for anymore.
You also might not need all the fancy equipment you think you do. Put some thought into your own game and where exactly you want to go with it before deciding exactly what electronics and bits and pieces you need.
So, how much should you spend on golf equipment? The answer lies with you. But keep in mind that it’s the golfer behind the equipment that makes all the difference!
This article was produced by Wealth of Geeks.