Investing Wisely in Budget Golf Gear: Top Tips for Golfers
According to the National Golf Foundation, 37.5 million Americans age six or older play golf, either on a course or off-course.
If you're interested in learning the sport or getting back into it, you'll need the right gear. However, stocking up on golfing essentials can get expensive.
One way to save is to invest in budget golf gear. That said, you must ensure you make wise decisions and buy quality gear.
Keep reading to discover key tips on how to choose the best budget golf clubs, shoes, balls, and more.
Can You Find High-Quality Budget Golf Gear?
It's absolutely possible to save on golf equipment as long as you know where to cut costs and where to spend a little more.
You generally have two options when purchasing the essentials. You can buy new by looking for sales and discounts or get them second-hand.
There's certain equipment you won't mind using second-hand, such as golf balls. However, clubs that have been fitted to someone else might have a very different swing for you, which can affect your performance.
Create a budget and make a list of all the items you need to get started. Here are the basics:
- Set of golf clubs
- Tees
- Golf balls
- Gloves
- Shoes
- Ball markers
- Golf towel
- Repair tools (divot tool)
Here are some optional pieces of equipment you might want when you have the money:
- Golf umbrella
- Club brush
- Golf hat
- Pushcart
- Golf clothes
- Range finder
Finally, investing in a golf club membership is one of the best investments you can make as a beginner. You'll always have access to a course, it'll motivate you to play, and you can connect with other golfers.
Additionally, taking golfing lessons will help you improve your game.
Ask Friends and Family for Gear
After making a list of gear you need and a budget, you should see if you can get any of it for free. Beginners on tight budgets don't have to spend a fortune to get into the game.
Often, you can find used equipment to practice with until you can upgrade. If none of your friends or family play, consider asking on Facebook or checking your local thrift stores. You can also look online for deals on sites like eBay.
Where to Cut Costs and Where to Spend
As you might expect, there are some types of equipment you'll want to spend a little more on and others you can get for cheap. Cutting costs in the wrong area can affect your performance, and you might spend more on replacements in the end. However, there are plenty of ways to save.
Golf Balls
As a beginner, you don't need to spend a fortune on the most expensive balls. You're bound to lose a few as you practice and hone your skills.
The best budget golf balls are mid-priced options from brands like Titleist, TaylorMade, etc.
Pros often use Titleist Pro V1, but these are quite expensive. By sticking with mid-priced options, you'll save a lot more, and you won't feel bad if you lose a few. You can usually get a new set of 12 balls for around $20 or so.
You'll often find used golf balls in thrift stores or garage sales. A used ball offers almost the same performance as a new one for a fraction of the price.
Golf Tees
Some golf courses give golf tees away for free. This is another item you can pick up wherever you find it, whether that's from friends and family, thrift stores, or in a golf shop.
You'll want a good number of them in your golf bag. You can find a pack of 50-100 for $10 or so, depending on the brand, material, and style.
Attire for Golfing
You can spring for a golf shirt, which tends to be a little longer than a polo, but you don't have to. Focus on wearing something comfortable and breathable that gives you freedom of movement.
Khaki pants are a golfing staple you can find anywhere. Women also often wear skorts or culottes when the weather is nice.
You might want to wear a wind and water-resistant jacket for days when the weather gets bad, but this isn't a necessity.
When it comes to shoes, you can wear sneakers. However, you can also find plenty of budget golf shoes for beginners.
The benefit of golf shoes is that they're designed to keep your feet stable and decrease pressure on your body, which helps your form. Plus, you're less likely to injure yourself on wet grass.
Most golf clubs don't allow metal spike golf shoes. Invest in a pair of soft spike shoes instead to avoid damaging the green.
Golf Clubs
A good set of golf clubs are easily the biggest investment you'll have to make. This is one area where you have to be careful going cheap.
As a beginner, you likely don't have to worry about finding clubs that offer the latest technology. A simple, quality set is best to start with.
Unlike golf tees or shoes, you'll see a significant difference in performance when you compare budget models to professional models. So this is one area you don't want to skimp on.
If you get a complete golf set, you don't have to source each club. The downside is that these are often stock models, but you can always upgrade as you go.
How do you find cheap golf sets? You have a few options. You can sign up for email newsletters that inform you of sales, go for a cheaper brand, or reduce the number of pieces in the set.
You can find a complete beginner-friendly set for around $200-$400. As you advance, you can upgrade your clubs. Professional-level clubs range from $600-$800 or more, but you don't need those until you get better at the game and have the money.
One investment you'll want to consider is getting a custom-fitted shaft, as it will have a significant impact on your performance.
Golfing on a Budget
Getting into golf might seem expensive, but you can start learning with budget golf gear and upgrade as you go. Use these tips to make smart purchases, and then start practicing!
Here at Stone Creek Golf Club, we provide more than a beautiful co; we, we offer the ultimate golf experience. Book your tee time, sign up for lessons, visit our shop, and learn tips for improving your game. Visit us today or contact us to learn more about our membership.