When you hear the word golf, many of you associate it with money and the elite. For years, playing golf required being a member of a club. And the fees for these clubs were often incredibly steep. As such, the sport garnered a reputation of not only being expensive, but exclusive as well.
However, with more modern developments taking place, golf is now the realm of every man. And how has this been achieved? Well, accessible pricing is more frequently offered, there are innovative retail strategies designed to make golf equipment more affordable and more.
The Increased Popularity of Golf
Recently, golf has become more popular. And this is not about crazy or mini golf. Post pandemic in particular, golf, as an outdoor hobby has seen a significant rise in participants. Part of this is likely due to the fact that it’s a safe outdoor hobby, promoting automatic distancing from others. Since the pandemic, onus has been put on both physical and mental health, both needs golf can meet. As an outdoor sport, you can relieve stress, get physical exercise and even socialise.
More importantly, golf was typically the sport of the older generation. Not so any more. Younger audiences see the appeal these days thanks to alternative formats such as 9-hole games, driving ranges and mini golf. These casual, quicker games are a great gateway into the world of golf as a whole.
Additionally, the media has also shifted the way it talks about golf. Golf is cool. And with that comes more players. Since 2023, 3.1 million more golfers have been registered, with the growth rate increasing yearly. Phil Anderton notes that part of this is down to better promotion and imagery, as well as more appealing propositions surrounding the sport, encouraging more players to take it up.
Accessibility and Affordability in Modern Golf
Of course, it’s still not a cheap sport, but neither are other sporting hobbies that require equipment. For golf, you do have to think about membership fees, green fees and equipment (even if you are just renting). Membership fees depend on which club you’re at, or whether it’s a private or public green. These have varying costs running anywhere between £500 and £2000 each year. Green fees also differ. But, unless you’re going to be playing on a high-quality or championship course, green fees for local courses sit between £15 and £25.
Depending on which brand you’re choosing, golf clubs are expensive. A set of 14 clubs can be anywhere from £200 to £5000. Golf balls are also a requirement in order to play, and you will learn that you have a preference. A dozen golf balls can start at just £10 but go up from there. And, you will need a golf bag to carry everything in. This tends to start at around £100. On top of all that, you will need to buy golf attire and special golf shoes, which can all add up.
Luckily, there are a growing number of retailers who cater to the more accessible, budget end of things. For instance, Adidas is home to a wide array of golfing apparel and accessories. These can be browsed and purchased online. And, there are often Adidas discount codes available on platforms such as Discoup.com and on the official website, which can help reduce overall costs. Using such codes is a great way to get quality gear for your golfing hobby without breaking the bank as you do so. With this in mind, it’s also not surprising that more and more people are playing golf. Online accessibility to a selection of golfing tools also has had a major part to play in all of this.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Golfers
There are other ways to save if you’re just starting out. You don’t have to splash out on a big purchase, but rather you can rent equipment. Alternatively, there are many second-hand clubs out there too. When it comes to memberships, take a look at the more flexible ones. Or, opt for something for the family where others can chip in too. Finally, you don’t always have to go to a golf course. Mix things up during your practice. Go to a driving range or chip and putt to hone skills without spending so much.
Golf’s accessibility is evolving thanks to online stores and promotions. With affordable pricing and easy access to the equipment, golf has naturally become more inclusive.
