SolveYourProblem Article Series: Golf
The Fundamentals of Playing Golf

How To Play Golf on a Budget

Tired of spending a fortune on golf, but just can’t stop playing it? Maybe it’s about time you thought about budget golf. Budget golf – is there really such a thing? In St. Andrews, Scotland – considered the birthplace of golf – the game is most certainly a middle class sport. Golf was a favorite among the shepherds of Scotland and was, by all means, a game for almost everyone. Beyond its birthplace, however, golf is considered a sport catering only to the rich. In almost every country where golf is played, the game is seen as specifically belonging to the idle elite. The expenses tied with almost every aspect of the game only serves to enhance the image of affluence and extravagance in golf.

Surveys and many “top ten” lists from the golf media always name some of the most expensive brands and golf courses imaginable. Going by the hype, any golfer would believe that a higher tag price is equivalent to better quality. That, however, couldn’t be farther from the truth. Playing golf on a shoestring budget doesn’t have to be a quixotic quest. More importantly, playing golf on a tight budget shouldn’t leave the golfer begging for better quality. Cheaper fees for several more rounds of golf, less expensive brands of golf equipment and budget golf vacations are not unavailable. It’s just that market hype and the human psyche have fooled man a golfer into thinking that the more expensive some thing is, the better its performance.

So how do you play golf on a budget? First, begin with the equipment. Many golfers mistakenly purchase the most expensive golf balls available on the market in the deluded hope to improve their game. Golf clubs are another major purchase that golfers really spend for. All of these pieces of equipment are purchased at the highest price possible in the hope that these expensive products will help improve their performance on the golf course. But are these products really as effective as the packaging and advertisements portray them to be? Not necessarily.

Just as in any other product, advertisements are part of an over-all marketing strategy designed to reel in the buyers. Of course, this doesn’t mean that all advertisements are false. It just means that not everything positive on the package is true. Marketing is hype based on golfers’ desires. Don’t let flashy ads and empty promises win you over when choosing equipment. Also, keep in mind that your equipment should fit your needs. What works for Tiger Woods may not always work as well for you. Each golfer has his or her own abilities and limitations. Choosing equipment should be based on personal needs, not advertising, the tag price or celebrity endorsements.

So now that our golfer has saved some money on equipment, it’s time to find a golf course that provides lower rates and more rounds. Although it seems as if annual rates and golf course fees skyrocket every so often, there are, in fact, a lot of golf courses that offer the same quality facilities and grounds for much lower prices. There’s no need to sacrifice quality just to fit your budget. Bear in mind that quality is still the most important for your playing pleasure and your safety as well. Pasture golf, for one, is an alternative to the manicured lawns of ordinary golf courses. If pasture golf isn’t your thing, there are still golf courses around your area that may not charge as much and are not as well known but can provide service at par.

In stretching your budget, the price is not the only consideration. Are you getting your money’s worth? Discuss the fees that the management is charging. What facilities or services do the fees cover? Is the course well designed and sufficient in size? How well maintained is the entirety of the golf course? Though it may not exactly be a lot cheaper, making sure that you are getting what you deserve with the price they charge is a good way to maximize your golfing budget. There are many golf courses offering a variety of rates and packages to compete with the high-end ones. Don’t discriminate based on the price. Do remember to check out the place and ask for a tour in order to make sure that you’re not getting ripped off on a “budget” tour.

The same thing goes for golf vacations – try to go online and gather as much information as you can. There are bound to be budget golf vacations all over the Internet and on other media. Find comments or recommendations from past visitors. These will help you find less expensive golf vacation spots but still give you a memorable golf trip. Playing golf on a budget shouldn’t be too difficult. All it takes is a little pragmatism and scrutiny to find the best equipment, golf course and vacations without the high price tag.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2008

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