Golf doesn’t need to break the bank, but making some bad purchasing choices can make it unnecessarily pricey. To help you spend more wisely, here are five common ways golfers often squander their money.
### Wedges and Putters That Aren’t Tailored for You
Most of us wouldn’t think twice about getting fitted for a driver or a set of irons. But when it comes to wedges and putters, they’re often picked up with as little thought as grabbing gum at the checkout. The truth? Your wedges and putter are crucial for scoring. If they’re not suited to your short game, you’re leaving strokes on the course every single round and probably replacing them more often than necessary. Isn’t the objective of spending on golf to knock off a few strokes?
### Club Memberships, Leagues, and Subscriptions You Ignore
We all get caught up in the excitement of “this is the year” — be it signing up for stat-tracking apps, 3D GPS course maps, or joining the Wednesday night league. But fast forward a few months, and you often find that you haven’t used them. Just like unused gym memberships, the same can happen with golf. It’s wise to occasionally audit what memberships or subscriptions you have, assess which ones you’re actually using, and figure out if there are free alternatives you could tap into.
### Taking Lessons Without Putting in the Practice
Lessons can transform your game, provided you find the right golf pro. But taking one lesson and two weeks later wondering why your shot is still slicing is futile. Without practice, those lessons are just money down the drain. Self-improvement requires you to be proactive — lessons alone aren’t a magic remedy.
### Over-Promising Tees
Remember when Bryson DeChambeau packed on muscle and speed during the pandemic? It wasn’t because he switched tees. The idea that changing your tees could offer similar results? That’s pretty far-fetched. Some tees promise amazing spin reduction or added yards, often costing as much as a glove. Instead, focus on teeing the ball to the right height. Ask yourself if these miraculous tees are used by pros. More often than not, they aren’t, and standard tees like Pride Professional ones are a staple among them for a reason.
### Over-Spending on Advanced Gear
Certain equipment simply doesn’t match your skill level. Consider rangefinders: paying $150 extra for one that’s accurate to a foot might be overkill if you can’t consistently hit a yard apart. Similarly, unless you’re into serious swing analysis or coaching, a top-tier launch monitor might be an excess. Golf tech is beneficial but can also lead to overspending. Before splurging, question how often you’ll use something and the real impact it will have on your game. Stick to budget-friendly and functional gear, such as the Shot Scope Pro L2 rangefinder or the Rapsodo MLM2PRO launch monitor.
### Honorable Mentions
There are numerous ways golfers can fritter away their money, but here are a few that didn’t top our list:
– Novelty headcovers: Often misplaced eventually.
– Joke golf accessories: Most golfers would prefer a box of golf balls.
– Off-season weekend golf schools: Hard to maintain and practice skills during the season.
– Golf glove holders: Unnecessary.
– Cumbersome training aids: If they’re too heavy or complex, they tend to gather dust in the garage.
– Not buying golf balls in bulk: If you’ve found a ball you love and play often, stocking up can save money.
### Final Thoughts
One more way to avoid overspending on golf gear is to seek out the latest promotions, coupons, and deals. Don’t make a purchase without checking for savings. You might be surprised at the bargains you can find. Keep up with ongoing deals through resources like MyGolfSpy Promo Codes and Coupon Pages.
This guide was inspired by content originally posted on MyGolfSpy.
