Of all the sports in the world, golf has the reputation of being one of the most expensive and inaccessible. The image that many people hold in their minds is of wealthy golfers playing a round at an exclusive members-only club. While this is very true in some circles, you don’t have to break the bank to play golf, and rather than be inaccessible, the sport is actually one of the most accessible to play and enjoy. In this article, we will provide some tips on how to play golf on a budget.

Starter Clubs

To play golf, you need a set of clubs, and if you are new to the sport, this is where the misconception that golf is very expensive usually starts. A complete set of premium clubs from a big-label brand such as Ping or Calloway can easily set you back over $1,000 (58,070PHP). The good news is that there is a wide variety of clubs at every price point, and many golf shops offer start packages that are designed for those who want a good set of clubs without spending too much.

Second-Hand Clubs

If the thought of buying a new set of clubs is too much, instead look to the second-hand market. Not only are second-hand clubs cheaper, but you can also get some premium clubs from top brands at a much cheaper rate than if you were to buy an average-priced starter set. Top-quality golf clubs are made to last, and while they may not have the latest technology, at one point in time they were the best clubs you could buy.

Driving Ranges

Compared to booking a tee time and playing a full 18-hole course with a caddie, hitting balls on the driving range is very affordable. Even the most prestigious public courses will have reasonable rates to use their driving range, and there will always be plenty of affordable public driving ranges that are not attached to a course. A driving range is the perfect place to hone your technique and hit as many balls as you want. Unlike courses that can vary in quality depending on the price range, most driving ranges are pretty standard. The extra costs will mean that they have added amenities like a putting or chipping green or places to eat and drink.

Public Courses

Unfortunately, if you really want to play golf, you will need to get off the driving range and take on an actual course. Exclusive golf courses are why the sport has such a reputation as an expensive occupation. While you can spend an eyewatering amount on a membership-only course, there are plenty of public courses that don’t require a hefty yearly fee. You can also use technology to your advantage, such as an app to find the cheapest courses and tee times. The time you spend playing golf will affect how much you spend on green fees. All golf courses have peak and off-peak tee times, and if you play during the off-peak times in the afternoon or evening, the green fees will be much lower. Playing a 9-round hole will also be a cheaper option than the full 18.

Indoor Golf

For those looking for the full golf experience, Indoor Golf is fast becoming a popular and cost-effective option for those who want to play golf without breaking the bank. The virtual simulations allow players to practice on a driving range or play on a course of their choosing, including some of the most exclusive and expensive courses in the world. You can also eat and drink while using the simulators, making indoor golf locations a budget-friendly place to socialize while playing a friendly round. While indoor golf locations will offer pro lessons, you can use the simulator data to give you feedback that you would otherwise only get by spending money on a trainer.

While golf has a reputation as an expensive sport, we hope that the above article proves that it is very accessible if you approach it with a budget in mind.