How much do you actually spend on your golf ?

Dtoffee

With the increased petrol costs, I started to look at how much my golf was costing me per annum. I based my figures on a conservative 30 games in my home club and it surprised me .....

Annual sub €950
Comp fees €200
Travel €650+
Food & Drink €900 (dinner + drink = €30)
Gear €300

I could have added in more but just took a basic approach and I know I travel a round trip of 120km to play and thats my choice, but the rough total of €3000 has made me think about the value I'm getting and whether I would be better off paying playing nearer home.

Whats the figures for the rest of you guys ..... am I high / low / average?

mikemanley

i live like two mins drive from my home course and im a student so mine would be
Annual sub 350
Comp fees 150-200
travel dont really what ever petrol is in the car really
Gear 400+

sssssiiiiimon

Way too much!!

Subs 950
Travel per year 500+
Irons 400
Driver 350
Putter 140
Wedges 230
Balls way too much 200
Rangefinder 275
Bag 120
Shoes 130
Rain gear 400
Other clothing 200+

And that's just this year. Fook

tayto lover

Annual subs -- 750e (100 of that for bar/food)
comp fees 6e per week --300e
Travel -- course is 14 miles away so about 120e per year.
Gear 200 inc clubs & balls. (buy new clubs every 5 years)

Myksyk

Mods, for goodness sake, close this thread as soon as possible ... And DELETE!!! My wife could read this!

Dtoffee

Myksyk wrote: »

Mods, for goodness sake, close this thread as soon as possible ... And DELETE!!! My wife could read this!

Dont worry, not matter what the cost of your golf ......... NOTHING will cost you more than 'her indoors'

sector

1200 sub
450 open comps
270 home comps
90 2's club!
150 Wedge
85 Putter
500+ Travel

2745

hmm gonna stop thinking about this now before i get in to consumables etc!

slave1

One word

Denial

davidrafferty

I play 3 times a week, when not away elsewhere & club is 15 mins away - OMG it does add up:

Sub 1,100
Comps (€5 x 3 x 45) 675
2s comps (€2 x 2 x 45) 180
Buggy Club - use 3 times per week 520
Golf away trips - 3 Ireland, 2 Spain 1,950
Travel to & from club 405
Socials x 4, Black Tie, Capt Dinner 295
Lessons 50
Food 892
Gear - not won in comps 200
Total 6,267

FixdePitchmark

Green Fees 900
Clubs 800 (Once off (well))
Trophy for Soc 600 (Once off)
Shoes 150
Wet Gear 150
Travel 200
Weekend away 300
Food Drinks 150
Drink food at club 100
Balls 100
Betting (Majors) 250

Total 3700

Win on D Clarke - 800
Physio Golf Injury 600

Total 3500

Fair guess , but once offs this year, O My GOD

But about 2500 without the once offs and betting.

Dtoffee

So far, I think its interesting that we seem to spend more than we think and things like travel and competition fees really do mount up.

I have no intention of cutting back, but what this little exercise has done, is give me an opportunity to look at how I can get better value for my outlay. Not too long ago, the option of joining a local club in Dublin was impossible as there were waiting lists as well as the dreaded 'hello money'. That has now changed and although some annual subs are still high, my savings on travel would make a big difference.

If I am honest, my outlay is probably a lot more than the €3k I calculated, but the benefits of regular exercise is huge (I am the before advert for weightwatchers ) and I make no apologies for investing in an activity I enjoy so much.

FixdePitchmark

Yes good post Dtoffee,

I'm looking at joining a local club and did not even think how much you would spend on traveling to golf.

I'm not looking at cutting back, but I could save half the amount if I wanted too. I hope to spend more .

Love every cent of it.

d2ww

For me it's minus €1500 I gave up my €2400 lease and played nomad golf for the year.
Played Carne, Enniscrone, Ceann Sibeal, Portsalon, Rosapenna Old, Galway Bay, Portmarnock links, Luttrellstown, Castleknock, Hermitage,Edmondstown, Beech Park, Corballis, Waterford Castle, Druids Glen and Heath, Tulfarris, Dun Laoghaire, Glen o' Downs, Macreddin, Woodenbridge, Arklow, Blainroe, Delgany, Bray, Roundwood, Charlesland, and Old Conna.
So, 28 rounds for about €850-900, but then again I can play during the week and don't like the slowness of(or the ability to play in) comps.

FixdePitchmark

d2ww wrote: »

For me it's minus €1500 I gave up my €2400 lease and played nomad golf for the year.
Played Carne, Enniscrone, Ceann Sibeal, Portsalon, Rosapenna Old, Galway Bay, Portmarnock links, Luttrellstown, Castleknock, Hermitage,Edmondstown, Beech Park, Corballis, Waterford Castle, Druids Glen and Heath, Tulfarris, Dun Laoghaire, Glen o' Downs, Macreddin, Woodenbridge, Arklow, Blainroe, Delgany, Bray, Roundwood, Charlesland, and Old Conna.
So, 28 rounds for about €850-900, but then again I can play during the week and don't like the slowness of(or the ability to play in) comps.

That sounds like me, the only thing is I play on my own, I like this , but some places you feel out of place and not wanted.

newport2

All money well spent lads.

My car costs me far more than golf, but if I had to give up one of them I'd be getting the bus to work again.

My life would be very empty if I saved 5k or so by cutting out golf. Most enjoyable part of my salary that I spend.

AldilaMan

newport2 wrote: »

All money well spent lads.

My car costs me far more than golf, but if I had to give up one of them I'd be getting the bus to work again.

My life would be very empty if I saved 5k or so by cutting out golf. Most enjoyable part of my salary that I spend.

Getting the bus to the golf club would be painful

AldilaMan

Here goes:

Annual Sub €1350
Comp fees € 400
2 quick pints after each game €720
Diesel €300
Balls €100

€2870

dnjoyce

Subs - 950
Home Comp - 100 (not including 2's club which generally covers itself)
Open Comp - 200
Petrol - 450 (conservative enough est)
trips - 1000 (mostly not recurring)
gear - 500
Total - 3200, with about 300 back in prizes for pro shop vouchers etc, so 2900 net.

Like others am considering a switch to a club closer to home to cut out on petrol costs but more importantly time lost in the car (60 mile round trip). Good time to switch but difficult to commit to it!

tayto lover

dnjoyce wrote: »

Subs - 950
Comp - 100 (not including 2's club which generally covers itself)
Petrol - 450 (conservative enough est)
trips - 1000 (not recurring)
gear - 500
Total - 3000, with about 300 back in prizes for pro shop vouchers etc, so 2700 net.

Like others am considering a switch to a club closer to home to cut out on petrol costs but more importantly time lost in the car (60 mile round trip). Good time to switch but difficult to commit to it!

A lot of clubs will be dropping their Joining Fees in the new year to attract new members so you will only have annual fees and no joining fee. Wait until you see which ones drop them before deciding on a new club. A lot of money can be saved by not rushing in.

MungoMan

Dtoffee wrote: »

With the increased petrol costs, I started to look at how much my golf was costing me per annum. I based my figures on a conservative 30 games in my home club and it surprised me .....

Annual sub €950
Comp fees €200
Travel €650+
Food & Drink €900 (dinner + drink = €30)
Gear €300

I could have added in more but just took a basic approach and I know I travel a round trip of 120km to play and thats my choice, but the rough total of €3000 has made me think about the value I'm getting and whether I would be better off paying playing nearer home.

Whats the figures for the rest of you guys ..... am I high / low / average?

120km round trip 30 times a year = 3'600km

€650 ??

In my car, 5 litres carries me 100km.
180 litres would carry me 3'600km.
That's €270. (if fuel costs €1.50/litre)

OK, maybe you drive a hummer !

In any case, your golf is expensive, €3000 is a lot of money, for most people, it's more than a months salary. For someone on the dole, it's probably 20 weeks salary !!

Of course, for some people, it's just a few days pay.

Benicetomonty

Uh oh.....

Ive played 65 comps this year (and counting)...the majority of those were club comps naturally at 5e a pop and 2e extra to enter the 2's. The rest were scratch cups, costing 20e+ so competition fees deffo making up most of my expenses after my sub (1000e).
so

Away comps: 6 x 25e(avg) 150e
Home comps: 59 x 7e = 413e

Gear this year: New driver + fitting: 330e
2nd hand set of irons: 200e
New 5 wood: 220e
Gortex Jacket: 170e
Jumpers/shirts: 200e (quiet year for me!)

After golf food and drink:avg 2 pints maybe half the time33x4.20e=138.60
: Food: 33x 8e= 264e

Don't drive (lucky enough to bum lifts of long suffering friends and relatives)..home course is maybe 20 mins away but on the bus route, so don't think Id spend that much on travel if I had to!

So grand total is: 1000+563+1120+402= Bite me.

Dtoffee

MungoMan wrote: »

120km round trip 30 times a year = 3'600km

€650 ??

I costs me €15 to play my 'home club' x 30 = €450

I also play in club team events and have 4/5 weekend society trips which includes a trip to Donegal and that trip alone puts the spend up. I do drive a six year old 2ltr petrol SVU but not a hummer and it has more to do with its ability to carry a full load as opposed to a saloon.

I do not have money to burn and have cut many corners in order to continue playing golf.

Some people spend their money on expensive holidays and new cars, some spend on cigarettes and drink ...... its all a matter of choice.

As for your comment about the people on the dole, Well I've been there and still managed to play golf, however I am lucky enough to have a job and work hard at keeping it as it allows me to have more choice. There are plenty of people out there who begrudge others, I just like to make the most of what I have and to each his own.

newport2

AldilaMan wrote: »

Getting the bus to the golf club would be painful

Yes, but not as painful as life with no golf! :eek::eek::eek::eek:

BobbyGolfPro

Myksyk wrote: »

Mods, for goodness sake, close this thread as soon as possible ... And DELETE!!! My wife could read this!

Tones69

Im afraid to tally up what ive spent since may on golf Id say we could be talking up over 3k easy!

Membership: €826
Comps and away rounds: €300 approx
Driving range: €200
Driver: €380
Wood: €220
Hybrid: €190
Irons: €500
Putter: €120
Wedges: €150
Bag: €100
Balls/tees/etc: Approx €200
Clothing: Shoes €90
Rainsuit €120
Tshirts: €150
Hats: €100

Old irons and driver and bag that i have for sale cost me €650 all together so il add that in too

Thats a grand total of OH MY GOD!

€4296 euro Jeeeeeeeeeeeeesus

Deco1983

Tones69 wrote: »

Im afraid to tally up what ive spent since may on golf Id say we could be talking up over 3k easy!

WOW - all that cash and you still can't get the handicap to head south. Are you sure golf's the game for you Tones?;)

Tones69

Deco1983 wrote: »

WOW - all that cash and you still can't get the handicap to head south. Are you sure golf's the game for you Tones?;)

110% sure , topic being covered 1500 times, spending money doesnt necessarily make u a better golfer, same way as spending 100k on a ferrari doesnt make u a better driver than joe soap spending 500 quid on a cinquecento. By the way, bit of a snotty comment there I might add, im very happy with the way my golf is heading, whats it to you if my hcap goes to 5 or 25?

bostoncommon

Membership 1200
Balls 160
Clothes 250
Clubs 300
Comp. Entry Home and Away 200
Spainish Week 1200
Irish Weekend Trip 500
Grub/Pints 500

€4310 (and thats in a recession only one foreign trip)

k.p.h

bostoncommon wrote: »

only one foreign trip

Only one !! Ah shur why not ....

Just messing BC

A foreign trip for me is a spin up to The Heath of a Wednesday ..

BUACHAILL

Im just refusing out straight to answer this post, I am getting goose pimples even attempting to work it out !! lets just say lots and lots

Now delete this thread from the history incase the wife checks it !!
I be in real hot water

golfnut1

Fantastic day
Played 36 holes and now totally pissed. shutting up until I sober up!!!.

Hacker111

Petrol 750
Comp Fees 1,000
Clothes (prizes only)
Clubs 200
Balls 100
Gloves & Misc (Prizes)
Drink & Food 3oo

dixiefly

Deco1983 wrote: »

WOW - all that cash and you still can't get the handicap to head south. Are you sure golf's the game for you Tones?;)

Are you familiar with the game of golf or is this a wind up? I didnt see lessons included in Tones' list so how would he be reasonably expecting to reduce the handicap?

Myself, this is sobering enough reading since I pay membership in other sports clubs for the family & a gym as well as the golf.

membership - €900 approx
club competitions - €120
bar tab - €100
golf society membership & outings €160
lessons - €150
Other outings - €150

I am sure that there are other spendings. Also need to upgrade a few clubs & wet gear so will need to spend on that as well.

When we say the membership is €900 it really isnt the end of it.

bustercherry

dixiefly wrote: »

Are you familiar with the game of golf or is this a wind up? I didnt see lessons included in Tones' list so how would he be reasonably expecting to reduce the handicap?

Myself, this is sobering enough reading since I pay membership in other sports clubs for the family & a gym as well as the golf.

membership - €900 approx
club competitions - €120
bar tab - €100
golf society membership & outings €160
lessons - €150
Other outings - €150

I am sure that there are other spendings. Also need to upgrade a few clubs & wet gear so will need to spend on that as well.

When we say the membership is €900 it really isnt the end of it.

I don't think the poster was being serous but anyway whats the point playing if you don't aim to get better? If you only out to tip around course every week, spending over 4 grand seems a bit excessive if your not taking it serious IMO.

Also lessons isn't going to improve you handicap, practice will :rolleyes:

dixiefly

bustercherry wrote: »

I don't think the poster was being serous but anyway whats the point playing if you don't aim to get better? If you only out to tip around course every week, spending over 4 grand seems a bit excessive if your not taking it serious IMO.

Also lessons isn't going to improve you handicap, practice will :rolleyes:

I agree with you that the poster was probably not being serious but in my opinion it was a ridiculous comment and I see that , subsequently, the poster it was aimed at did not see it as a joke either.

That is the type of joke normally shared among friends.]

regarding your comment that practice will improve your handicap as opposed to lessons I do not agree. If a person has a poor technque what is the point in continuing to practice the poor technique. I am not a major golfer but most of the improvements I have made have been as a result of lessons, either official or tips from other players.

Not sure why you needed to add in the roll eyes...it wasnt that your point was particularly obvious!

k.p.h

dixiefly wrote: »

regarding your comment that practice will improve your handicap as opposed to lessons I do not agree. If a person has a poor technque what is the point in continuing to practice the poor technique

I'm not going to get into a silly debate over this, but what is technique ..?

Referencing a dictionary:

As you refer to technique it means : the manner and ability with which an artist, writer, dancer, athlete, or the like employs the technical skills of a particular art or field of endeavor.

Also another definition of technique: ability to apply procedures or methods so as to effect a desired result.

The first definition, as you mention it requires a stead fast approach into the technical side of the golf swing. probably accompanied by a coach,lessons,practice etc

The second definition requires nothing only the ability to execute the desired shot .

That is why in their is a world of golf swings that vary and are so different, golf dose not care so much about technique in the sense that you mention it. but rather the technique that has you hitting your shots where you want. Lessons are an aid to achieving this but not exactly necessary, practice is the only requirement ...!

Que reference to Bubba Watson, who has never been coached. Reference Ricky Fowler, Jim Furyk heck even Tiger dips his head, Mcdowell is shut at the top, Freddie Couples lifts and cuts.! They are all different in their own right, one thing they all have in common though is that they are pretty darn good at hitting the ball where they want ..!

Deco1983

Tones69 wrote: »

110% sure , topic being covered 1500 times, spending money doesnt necessarily make u a better golfer, same way as spending 100k on a ferrari doesnt make u a better driver than joe soap spending 500 quid on a cinquecento. By the way, bit of a snotty comment there I might add, im very happy with the way my golf is heading, whats it to you if my hcap goes to 5 or 25?

Only joking about..Sorry Tones

Deco1983

dixiefly wrote: »

Are you familiar with the game of golf or is this a wind up? I didnt see lessons included in Tones' list so how would he be reasonably expecting to reduce the handicap?

Myself, this is sobering enough reading since I pay membership in other sports clubs for the family & a gym as well as the golf.

membership - €900 approx
club competitions - €120
bar tab - €100
golf society membership & outings €160
lessons - €150
Other outings - €150

I am sure that there are other spendings. Also need to upgrade a few clubs & wet gear so will need to spend on that as well.

When we say the membership is €900 it really isnt the end of it.

To answer your question DickieFly - Yes I am familiar with the game of golf and yes the comment was aimed as a wind up/joke.

Are you familiar with humour and minding your own business?

k.p.h

dixiefly wrote: »

That is the type of joke normally shared among friends.]

We are all friends here.

mikeunt

Deco1983 wrote: »

To answer your question DickieFly - Yes I am familiar with the game of golf and yes the comment was aimed as a wind up/joke.

Are you familiar with humour and minding your own business?

now now lads, lets all calm down a bit
i can see this very interesting thread being locked soon due to a few childish & snide remarks
most disappointing

dixiefly

Deco1983 wrote: »

To answer your question DickieFly - Yes I am familiar with the game of golf and yes the comment was aimed as a wind up/joke.

Are you familiar with humour and minding your own business?

I didnt think what I wrote would have the effect it did. I am sorry if it touched a nerve.

K.P.H. I disagree with you regarding the impact of lessons for the average golfer which I would be. For me, I would need guidance towards identifying what is wrong with my game and then practice of course to get consistency with the new technique. I have only gone back playing golf reasonably seriously in recent years and, I suppose, the practice with become more important vis a vis technique as time goes on.

What applies to the professional is very different to the average club player that plays once a week. Some people like the cases you mentioned are on a different planet natural talent wise, at the same time I am sure that they get planty of assistance and lessons.

As an aside, I am surprised that more people on here have not had lessons in the past year...at least the costs of lessons havent been mentioned.

k.p.h

dixiefly wrote: »

I didnt think what I wrote would have the effect it did. I am sorry if it touched a nerve.

K.P.H. I disagree with you regarding the impact of lessons for the average golfer which I would be. For me, I would need guidance towards identifying what is wrong with my game and then practice of course to get consistency with the new technique. I have only gone back playing golf reasonably seriously in recent years and, I suppose, the practice with become more important vis a vis technique as time goes on.

What applies to the professional is very different to the average club player that plays once a week. Some people like the cases you mentioned are on a different planet natural talent wise, at the same time I am sure that they get planty of assistance and lessons.

As an aside, I am surprised that more people on here have not had lessons in the past year...at least the costs of lessons havent been mentioned.

Haha Ah yeah dixiefly I agree with you. It was just the way you sauntered in completely (or seemed like) ignoring the existence of natural talent, I had to oppose the idea in some way.

Unfortunately most of us do need guidance in some form or another. Bubba Watson though, no coaching ever.! Unreal ...

Tar.Aldarion

This is why I had to stop playing, so expensive once you become an adult in their eyes. One day when i have more money to burn! Membership is only the beginning.

anticonno16

Annual sub: 750
Green fees: 400
Comp fees: 200
Weekend away: 500
Holiday with the lads: 1500

Passport renewal: 300

Jack