I think the comments that say golf being expensive is all relative are lazy. It is so easy to say, well its expensive to you and not expensive to me. Its lazy and offers zero substance. If you buy old clubs, you don't get fit, if you buy used balls, chances are you are never going to play your best. I fully understand that buying old clubs can work and for some people starting the game. It did for me.
New clubs and equipment is not ALL about speed. What the marketing teams do at these large companies is market speed because it equates to distance. No one ever talks about dispersion or consistency. If I have a brand new driver that is $629.99 like most 2023 drivers are and I have a off the rack Taylormade M2 for $129.99, there is a massive difference there. But with the NEW most forgiving driver your dispersion is now a 30 foot circle instead of a 60 foot circle. You buy new every single time and twice on Sunday. Do you not want to play your best golf? Do you not want to shoot lower scores? Buying new equipment is expensive, its expensive in every aspect of the game. From getting fit, being fit into an upgraded shaft, the actual purchase of the club, getting lesson, greens fees, initiation fees, other club fees, handicap fees, everything in the game has a price. Whether you make one million a year or 50k a year. My hope would be as the game grows as rapid as it is, is that people want to play and be the best golfer they can.
Some areas of the country are better than others to keep the costs down on greens fees. But with the growth of the game since covid tee times are at a premium, some golf courses can charge whatever they need to and or want to because people will still come and play.
Golf is expensive, it is one of the most expensive sports to start playing and also try play competitively. If you want to take your kid out to learn the game, it is very difficult to do at a public course and not piss people off all around you. You can start on the range but they ultimately will want to actually start playing holes. That is where a membership is beneficial. I would like to know how many of the amateur or junior golfers grew up playing private clubs and who was grinding in the garage crushing balls into a net because greens fees or range balls are at a high price. 60 range balls can be $12+ for water logged rocks.
Golf is expensive, golf is hard, golf is as mind-numbing game that seeks perfection that can never be reached. Play your best, spend your money, have fun, and remember hit them straight.
