Getting ridiculous

[HikingMike]

3 hours ago, rhaze91 said:

So I think this is the point I’m getting to.  For golf freaks they will go find the deals, and find a more affordable way’s to play.

 However I am trying to get my son into playing more and now as he moves out onto his own I can tell he’ll just quit playing.  He seems to enjoy casually playing and would get into it, but as he gets to college and beyond will likely not play as it’s expensive.

I totally agree on the there are deals if you look, and the just don’t pay it.  With clothing and accessories that is an option.  Like someone else said with single clubs, like drivers it’s a super hard option.  I could go buy used, but for how much I play it’s not the best option.  

I just see the game getting out of reach to a lot of people and  even more so with the club manufacturers as the price of clubs is getting higher.  

I started playing at 13 and played all 4 years on the high school team. Then for 4 years of college, I played just once during college, maybe a couple times during summer. It seemed like most everybody I knew was a "poor college kid". Oddly it was a great equalizer, kind of a running joke among everyone as we were all "poor". Of course there were wealthy kids, but you're living in a dorm, focusing on school with expectations and goals, and people weren't just spending money on stuff. 

Then after college, I checked out courses around where I lived and by my new work. Maybe I could try a membership somewhere to play a lot for not a bad price per round. Hah, fat chance there. I remember asking about memberships somewhere by my work and the cost was not even close to the realm of possibility. I asked if there was anything for younger people, nope. That was awkward. Living on my own and making half-decent early career money, it was not happening. For the next 3-4 years, I played a handful of times. So for at least 7 years after my prime high school playing, I hardly played any. I definitely didn't buy anything equipment-wise! After that, I started playing a bit more with a 3 man scramble league at a cheaper 9 hole course. 

Looking back now I don't really see a way around it, unless I made a lot more money or something. It would've just been stupid to spend that money. Or I could have been better and tried out for the college team. But I figured my major was going to be tough, so I don't even need to think about it. It was an easy decision. In general, in college or early career, I think it makes sense for something like golf to be waaaay down the list of priorities. You could replace golf with any other kind of diversion of similar cost and same thing.

[ShimmyCocoBop]

 

6 hours ago, BNewton51 said:

Quite the timely topic...

So our Tuesday League and Thursday League start in a couple weeks.  We just had our captains meeting this past Tuesday and frankly I was extremely annoyed.  

Living in Central PA, the cost of golf continues to escalate.  At a rate that's actually more than the standard inflation costs for all things in our society.  This year, for a 9 hole league, players are expected to pay $19 to walk and $26 to ride.  Last year?  $16/$22.  Now, keep in mind, NO SUBSTANTIAL improvements have occurred on this local muni.  In fact, the "bunkers" (in name only!) that are on this course haven't had new sand or appropriate drainage in them for at least a decade.  The course typically gets overgrown with Clover and some of the fairways midseason end up with growth in them that essentially emulates a mine field.  But, year on year, the cost of a round is going up $3 to $4 a round.  That's wholly unacceptable.  

What's difficult for me is that this is merely a moral issue more so than a financial.  My daughter works at the course and as part of their rules, I get a free membership for that.  So financially, it's not out of pocket for me.  That said, I also get quite irritated because my team members don't have that luxury.  And when I look at them and tell them the cost many will roll their eyes and have said each year "this may be my last with this nonsense."  I get it, organizations are always trying to turn a profit.  That's the way the world works.  But when you see very clearly that people are just being GREEDY, that causes me a whole moral dilemma.  

Funny enough, Dauphin Highlands (Yearly noted as one of the best courses in Cenn PA) is $1 more expensive.  $100 more expensive for a yearly membership.  Both are municipal run courses, while DH does have a management group in place so that the Muni doesn't have to do the work and can just collect the money.  Regardless.... You look at that vs our local muni that's only 5 miles away from each other doesn't come close to saying our product is just as worth it as the other.  That's where I just feel it's stupid, at best.  

So overall, with the topic of this message, I completely agree.  The costs have clearly jumped the shark and are frankly getting to a point where people will simply stop playing golf as much.  Maybe that's their wish so that they have less upkeep etc... But that doesn't benefit the Golfer in my opinion.  And that's a shame.  

Central Pennsylvania has some cool courses for cool prices.  

Sunset GC in Middletown where BNewton51 lives is a fun place with jets coming in over your head on #1 fairway and dropping down onto the Harrisburg Airport in the middle of the Susquehanna River (by the old Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant).  Last Fall when we were there, Air Force 1 was practicing "Touch & Go's" for about an hour.  It was coming in so low that I felt like my wedge shots could hit it!

There is also Lebanon Valley GC, Blue Mountain GC, Fairview GC, Cool Creek GC,  Range End GC, Carlisle Barracks GC, MayApple GC and Pine Meadows. 

It's unfortunate if you are restricted to playing golf during the expensive times, but if you can sniff out Hot Deals on GolfNow and others, you can play nice courses for little money.

[BNewton51]

15 hours ago, ShimmyCocoBop said:

 

Central Pennsylvania has some cool courses for cool prices.  

Sunset GC in Middletown where BNewton51 lives is a fun place with jets coming in over your head on #1 fairway and dropping down onto the Harrisburg Airport in the middle of the Susquehanna River (by the old Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant).  Last Fall when we were there, Air Force 1 was practicing "Touch & Go's" for about an hour.  It was coming in so low that I felt like my wedge shots could hit it!

There is also Lebanon Valley GC, Blue Mountain GC, Fairview GC, Cool Creek GC,  Range End GC, Carlisle Barracks GC, MayApple GC and Pine Meadows. 

It's unfortunate if you are restricted to playing golf during the expensive times, but if you can sniff out Hot Deals on GolfNow and others, you can play nice courses for little money.

Right on!  There are definitely good course, as you mentioned the ones above and they are all very good.  Along with Dauphin Highlands, Royal Oaks, The Bridges and a boat load of others.  Unfortunately, even their regular times frames are getting a bit more pricey for most folks.  Don't get me wrong, though...  It's STILL vastly cheaper than going down into the Philly swing or some of the courses towards Jersey and NY.   Those can get salty quick. 

Nice to hear someone on here is familiar with the "Hill".  It's quirky for sure and definitely helps you learn how to play the wind very well. 

[Usmcgyrene]

I live pretty close to the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in central NY. The courses there are beautiful and immaculately maintained. They are also pretty expensive. I often end up buying things from their pro shop because they sell everything for the same price I could get them anywhere else. They have a deal where, when you spend over a certain amount, they start throwing in free rounds. That's the only time I play those courses. Most of the courses in my area, and there are many, are right around 50 bucks or a little less for 18 and a cart. We only play for bragging rights, so even if everything isn't perfect, it's a fair competition between friends.   

[Beakbryce]

My wife taught me you can "want" all day long but "need" doesn't show up until it's 70-80% off! I have winter Rugby shirts from Ralph Lauren and Land's End that I bought 20 years ago for 80% off over a couple of years of spring sales. Maybe not everyone's idea of a "golf" shirt until you wear one when it's cold. Things are rock solid and easy to swing in. I don't play courses that require several hundred dollars just to get out on the course and $400 pants. I know people who do, and more power to them if that's their thing.

I'd rather stick $400 in my grandkids college savings.

Edited March 13 by Beakbryce

[Beakbryce]

I see a lot of comments about playing during and after college when so many things demand money and golf can't be in the picture. While this wouldn't be for everybody, I have three words for you. Join the military. Most bases have some kind of course, reasonably priced lessons, and access to cheaper equipment. Active duty usually get priority for tee times. Additionally, most bases also have intramural golf. And you can learn a trade, whether officer or enlisted. 

Edited March 13 by Beakbryce

[Another Steve]

Cannot see joining the military just to access golf courses…….

 

And just to add perspective, when I was at Ohio State late 1980’s we had a foursome that played 18 holes twice a week as long as it was 45* and no rain at tee time.  Played OSU Scarlet or Grey courses as well as a handful of public courses around Columbus. We could still afford pizza, wings, and alcohol.

 

Now, I doubt we would be able to do it…..

[Guest-0]

11 hours ago, Beakbryce said:

I see a lot of comments about playing during and after college when so many things demand money and golf can't be in the picture. While this wouldn't be for everybody, I have three words for you. Join the military. Most bases have some kind of course, reasonably priced lessons, and access to cheaper equipment. Active duty usually get priority for tee times. Additionally, most bases also have intramural golf. And you can learn a trade, whether officer or enlisted. 

The courses at Ft Polk and Joint Base Lewis-McCord were great!!!! Polk had Warrior Hills which was a nice layout and 5 dollars for a cart and 18 holes (probably a bit higher now as pay has gone up) Lewis-McCord has Whispering Firs which was really nice and was 9 bucks because they knew everyone there was getting that Special Ops pay You are correct that is one way to ensure lots of practice time while serving your Country!! Which unfortunately a large percentage of young people today just want from the government and are totally unwilling to serve their Country. 

[Beakbryce]

7 hours ago, Another Steve said:

Cannot see joining the military just to access golf courses…….

I believe I noted it wouldn't be for everyone. 

One wouldn't join just to access a golf course. Discipline, commitment, respect, a trade in and after service, these would be much more important. Access to all sports is a byproduct. 

This ought to be completely understandable.

[HikingMike]

On 3/13/2024 at 9:53 AM, Marlin Dave said:

The courses at Ft Polk and Joint Base Lewis-McCord were great!!!! Polk had Warrior Hills which was a nice layout and 5 dollars for a cart and 18 holes (probably a bit higher now as pay has gone up) Lewis-McCord has Whispering Firs which was really nice and was 9 bucks because they knew everyone there was getting that Special Ops pay You are correct that is one way to ensure lots of practice time while serving your Country!! Which unfortunately a large percentage of young people today just want from the government and are totally unwilling to serve their Country. 

Habanero... no tilde in habanero. Jalapeño, tilde. Habanero, no tilde. That really bugs me for some reason. 

I have a lot of Air Force buddies. Close buddies from childhood did ROTC. And now I golf with a bunch of other Air Force guys. There is a golf course on the base nearby I've played a handful of times. I didn't realize it was a common thing to have a golf course. That's great though. Yeah it seems like it definitely makes for an excellent career option. And serving country is a huge plus - have a purpose you believe in. 

By the way, I love the trees at that course. Love the PNW. 

[Guest-0]

On 3/13/2024 at 5:43 PM, Beakbryce said:

I believe I noted it wouldn't be for everyone. 

One wouldn't join just to access a golf course. Discipline, commitment, respect, a trade in and after service, these would be much more important. Access to all sports is a byproduct. 

This ought to be completely understandable.

Nailed it!! At my last duty station we had I believe  eight outdoor pools, one indoor with diving platforms, tons of basketball/tennis courts, racquetball a bowling alley a recreational shooting range to include sporting clays and trap. A recreational area on a nearby lake with pontoon and loaded Bass Boats for rent and a really nice 18 hole course that played 7100 from the tips.  Serve your country is something the younger generation is not grasping but thank God there are still some good parents around that don't hate the military!! 

[BillyEnforcee]

On 3/7/2024 at 9:34 AM, Erin B said:

Saw this company Athalons https://www.athalonz.com/ and they are charging $285 for a pair of shoes. No thank you, I can buy a couple wedges for that money. Way crazy pricing.

I bought my first pair 4 years ago and my 2nd pair a month ago. They are amazing, I'm a believer. Comfortable and crazy stable in all conditions if I get 3 seasons out of these that's $100 a year. I only replaced because they started to loose their waterproof abilities. Yes there are "cheaper" options out there but just that cheaper. I spend more annually on golf balls. I buy 3 wedges every 4 years that's $125 annually again cheaper options. 

I could go on about other things in my bag but it could get redundant.

I'm not about price. I'm about value.