There is a widespread belief that golf is extremely expensive and too expensive for many young women. That is why some of them don’t even dare to start. I am about to disprove this theory.
So let’s rewrite history for a moment and assume that I didn’t start playing golf as a child, nor did I aspire to a career as a golf coach… but that I felt like taking up it after watching a documentary about Long Drive on Sky.
I figure I could start with about $300. It’s not about having all the equipment and not having a clue. There are many ways to start playing golf without spending a small fortune.
Start right
First of all, I want to start off on the right foot. I should get some golf lessons early. I would definitely take a group roll-up class for about $25 a week so I can progress each week and have something to work on. I would ask for drills I can do at home and do some golf practice in the backyard. A used net for about $45 would be a great purchase. A few holes still need to be fixed and I’ve already got my home driving range in shape.
I would take the opportunity to join some online women’s golf communities to get advice and maybe join a group like UK WGC (UK Women’s Golf Community) or Skratch Women to meet other women learning the game at driving range meetings.
Joining a women’s networking group would really take my golf game in the right direction. I could network and make friends that lead to mini games and visits to the driving range, which would give me a huge confidence boost to get started in a new sport.
These meetings are minimal in cost but maximize your network of fellow competitors who are willing to accompany you in hitting balls. I would also invest time in my improvement and find a buddy to encourage me and hold me accountable for training.
(Image credit: Skratch Women)
All the equipment
With group lessons, equipment is provided, so I wouldn’t rush out and get a full set. However, there’s nothing better than having your own clubs. It opens so many doors and speeds up your progress.
Some of my students happily tell of finding their 30+ year old clubs in the dump and are thrilled that the man wouldn’t take their money. Yes, you can find a bargain in the dump every now and then. But that doesn’t mean that those new rusty, heavy steel shafted irons and a tiny head driver will help you play golf. But you can dig up a nice pencil case, a bucket of lake balls and a bag of tees, as my students have demonstrated beautifully. Or check out sites like GolfClubs4Cash.
If you’re new to this game, a custom set isn’t going to cut it and will cost you quite a bit of money. I would definitely ask my pro for advice. Then I would check my Facebook groups to see if anyone can point me in the right direction. These groups like Women Who Golf have 84,700 members. That’s a lot of women with a lot of old clubs and second-hand advice.
Used golf clubs from GolfClubs4Cash
(Image credit: golfclubs4cash)
Fewer clubs means fewer decisions, so that’s a win. Keep it simple in the beginning. Opt for a former demo 7-iron for around $25 on Facebook Marketplace. Then a lofted wedge ($35), a putter ($10), possibly a hybrid for a longer second shot, and that coveted first driver ($40). All of these things my coach would have advised me on when buying.
There are the old rental clubs from the golf course, and I could ask in the aforementioned Facebook community groups if anyone has used clubs to sell. There are plenty of ways to get equipment and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.
If I found that I had good clubhead speed due to my athletic background, I would choose neutral spiked golf shoes from Vinted and replace the spikes with new ones when needed.
As for clothing, I would get creative with what I already have in my closet. I would look at what the girls are wearing on tour and what different pros are wearing on social media, develop my own style and have fun putting outfits together. I would also look at the deals at online retailers for women’s golf clothing.
Talented
The whole venture will be timed to my birthday and I will have a lot of things on my list including balls, tees, a pencil case and maybe some lesson vouchers. Golf is a dream sport when it comes to gift ideas as there are so many options. If you are thinking about starting, think about your birthday or Christmas.
Starting golf doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You’re a golfer from the start and I strongly advise you to ask your PGA professional for help. I always help my students find a few good clubs to help them through the first phase of their golf career, which they can then pass on to the next newbies that come along. Clubs should offer a trade-in system like this to help beginners get off to a good start. Can you take the $300 challenge? I’d love to hear what you’ve done with that amount of money.
