Rising Costs of Fuel and Frequency of Playing

[mcanadiens]

Obviously the thread is specific to the price of gas, but the inflation impacts our wallets across the board.

Maybe, if anything, this means I'll spend even more time around the home club. It's bought and paid for already. It's now more affordable that dozens of other things I might choose to do with a weekend afternoon. If they hold the line on beer prices at clubhouse, it'll be cheaper that the local pub I normally frequent.

For those of us that aren't independently wealthy, one thing is for sure. Those account balances need to go up every year regardless of what the economy is doing. Some belt-tightening is called for. There is room for that in the golf budget, but the golf budget doesn't need to take more than it's fair share of cost cutting. 

 

 

Edited March 12, 2022 by mcanadiens

[StuM]

18 hours ago, mdl said:

Say you play 20 rounds a year. How many golfers can afford $600-$700 a year to play golf (munis average $30-35)

I wish our prices were that low. The muni (Michigan) where I play league is $35 now and that is pre-season rates.  I’ve not seen the regular rates yet but expect a jump. Our league is $23 for 9 holes with a 21 week contract.  That’s $483 just for league play, call it 10 1/2 rounds.

Throw in weekend rounds at nicer courses, a couple golf trips and some mid-week client golf and $$$$

that is why I think the inflation for tee times may have more impact then the rise in gas prices.

 

[WillieT]

1 hour ago, mcanadiens said:

Obviously the thread is specific to the price of gas, but the inflation impacts our wallets across the 

For those of us that aren't independently wealthy, one thing is for sure. Those account balances need to go up every year regardless of what the economy is doing. Some belt-tightening is called for. There is room for that in the golf budget, but the golf budget doesn't need to take more than it's fair share of cost cutting. 

 

 

This was part of what my original thinking was headed - how will rising fuel costs affect the overall personal golf budget and as StuM pointed out:

4 minutes ago, StuM said:

I wish our prices were that low. The muni (Michigan) where I play league is $35 now and that is pre-season rates.  I’ve not seen the regular rates yet but expect a jump. Our league is $23 for 9 holes with a 21 week contract.  That’s $483 just for league play, call it 10 1/2 rounds.

Throw in weekend rounds at nicer courses, a couple golf trips and some mid-week client golf and $$$$

that is why I think the inflation for tee times may have more impact then the rise in gas prices.

 

Will we see a greater overall snowball effect.  My personal dilemma - the local course I have a cheap membership is being sold and is closed while changing hands. This means “cheap for me” golf (walking 9 was no charge, riding 9 was $9 and riding 18 was $17) is out, so I am limited to courses that allow play for the day.  One I love to play has already gone to in season rates which is up some from last year.  All the few dollars more here and there add up and that means for me being more selective on the frequency and potentially how far I will drive to enjoy this game….which has been a great outlet for me.  

[StuM]

I now know that gas prices will not impact my golf.  I was just shopping at the "Membership Store" and usually get gas while there.  It was @ $0.25 less than near my house and I would have normally filled up and save @ $3.75 but the line was so long, I think it would have been 30 minutes.  I skipped the lines and filled up near my house with higher price but no wait time.  

[Double Mocha Man]

I refill my tank about every two weeks. It's gone from about 35 bucks to 45 bucks, no big deal... I just cut out one $10 cocktail in that time span.

[StuM]

1 hour ago, Double Mocha Man said:

I refill my tank about every two weeks. It's gone from about 35 bucks to 45 bucks, no big deal... I just cut out one $10 cocktail in that time span.

I’ll trade, I am often 1 1/2 -2 tanks per week. I am used to it so not complaining.

Edited March 12, 2022 by StuM
Corrected spelling

[MSDOGS1976]

Fortunately I live on a golf course and have my own electric cart. So no changes in my frequency of playing. 

[nevets88]

It could be a lot worse. It’s what, 8 dollars a gallon in some parts of Canada. More than ten dollars in parts of Europe. I’ve filled up a tank for over 150 before so it’s not a complete shock when that happens here. 

[Zippo]

I live within a few miles of two golf courses and am a member of both of them so gas prices shouldn’t affect my golf. Thankfully. 

[Double Mocha Man]

6 minutes ago, Zippo said:

I live within a few miles of two golf courses and am a member of both of them so gas prices shouldn’t affect my golf. Thankfully. 

I didn't realize you lived between Pebble Beach and Cypress Point Golf Club...  😎

[Zippo]

1 hour ago, Double Mocha Man said:

I didn't realize you lived between Pebble Beach and Cypress Point Golf Club...  😎

You mean to say you haven’t seen my golf trophies in the case in the clubhouses? Sheesh! What’s the point? 

[GolfLug]

Just filled up a 22 gallon tank with mid grade. Golf is fine but the feeling of helplessness and anguish that came over me can only compared to me watching my poor, clutzy dog fall down a full set of stairs. Ouch. Just saying...

Edited March 13, 2022 by GolfLug

[bkuehn1952]

On general principles, I will try to drive less and carpool a bit more.  As soon as the weather turns, I'll start riding a bike to work again.

I tend to play most of my golf close to home, close meaning within 30 minutes.  Unless we start rationing gas, I think I will play as frequently as past years.

[The Flush]

The current cost of gas will cost me about $500 per year more than last year.  While that sucks it will not affect my decisions very much.  

My plan is to wait until my mortgage and wife's car are paid off in 2 years before replacing my old beater ('07 Taurus, 245K miles, 26 mpg). If I had to buy something today, I would love to have a new Ford Maverick hybrid (42/33 mpg). I wouldn't trade cars just for fuel economy. I also wouldn't spend more on a hybrid unless the math works out, but with the Maverick the hybrid is standard and cost less than the gas Eco-boost engine. Unfortunately it is next to impossible to find a Maverick. You had to have ordered by late January to get a 2022 and you can't even order  a 2023 until August. I have no idea what I will buy if my current car dies before I am ready to buy something new.