Are Golf Clubs Too Expensive?

[ChetlovesMer]

It seems everywhere I turn people are complaining about how much golf clubs cost. Even Rick Shiels latest video on YouTube is a long rant on how much prices have gone up since 2009. I'm curious what do you all think about golf club pricing? How do you go about replenishing the equipment in your bag? 

 

Oops, I tried to make this where you could vote for more than one option, but it didn't seem to work. 

Edited February 25, 2019 by ChetlovesMer

[boogielicious]

If you know what you want, you can get great deals on used equipment that is near mint. I think the average golfer may not know what they want though.

[GolfLug]

Honestly that is like saying that cars are too expensive. It will be a significant purchase no matter what but the range is huge. Lots of  value deals out there. 

I test hit a brand spanking new set of Titleist 716CBs few weeks ago at GG (last year or previous years model) that they were willing to let go for half the price of the latest 718s and I couldn't tell a smidgen worth of difference - looks, distance, feel, whatever. I have been fitted by a great local fitter few years ago so I have a clear idea of my specs.

I also hit the new Cally Rogue, TM M4, Titleist TS but didn't pick up anything on my 4 year old Cobra FlyZ (I hit them all in the 230-235Y range). Not saying there is no chance of gaining performance but if you are value minded you will be hard pressed to find a magical gain to spend on latest equipment unless what you are gaming currently is a terrible misfit for you in the first place. 

So yeah, last years model for me unless I discover an unlikely pot of gold with the latest. 

 

[saevel25]

Titleist 975D (release 1998) - MSRP $500 or $775 after adjusting for inflation
Titleist TS2 (released 2018) - MSRP $550

Basically for $225 dollars less, and you get a ridiculous amount of technology.

So no, I don't think golf clubs are overpriced.

Heck, I think golf clubs could still do more of a correction.

If you are talking the previous years models that go on sale for $100, that maybe the best deal you can get.

 

[klineka]

25 minutes ago, saevel25 said:

Titleist 975D (release 1998) - MSRP $500 or $775 after adjusting for inflation
Titleist TS2 (released 2018) - MSRP $550

It all depends on what time period you are looking at driver prices for.

It seems like in the early 2000s club prices were pretty high as well (Tiger effect?)

Taylormade R7 460 - MSRP of $400 in 2006 ($499 inflation adjusted)

Titleist 907 D2 - MSRP of $400 in 2008 ($467 inflation adjusted)

Ping Rapture - MSRP of $430 in 2006 ($536 inflation adjusted

 

Move forward 8-10 years and it looks like prices decreased quite a bit relative to the early 2000's

Taylormade SLDR driver - MSRP of $399 in 2014 ($424 inflation adjusted)

Callaway Big Bertha Driver - MSRP of $349 in 2014 ($371 inflation adjusted)

Ping G25 Driver - MSRP of $349 in 2013 ($377 inflation adjusted)

 

I would guess most people who are stating that clubs are increasing in price are looking at a relatively short timeframe, probably within the last 5 years or so, and through that lens they aren't wrong, over the last 5 years driver prices have increased quite a bit.

[Patch]

You can buy a bag, and 14 clubs at a big box store for $129.00, so no, I don't think, in general, golf clubs are too expensive. Quality might be suspect, but these cheaper sets are playable. 

[3jacker]

There are so many club ho's out there that anyone can get an excellent set of golf clubs at a reasonable price, used (and often hardly), or even just last year's model (3 models back for TM, lol). 

However, as we all know equipment purchases are rarely practical. The vast majority of golfer overestimate their ability to leverage the shafts, lofts, even ball characteristics that are so highly marketed.  Then there's the materialism, though I think that is overstated.  I think less are trying to "impress" with their equipment rather than turn to equipment ho'ing as an alternative to actual golf, which is very, very hard to improve at after a certain point.

I think most golfers grossly overpay for their equipment given 1) they are not professionals and make a living at it, and 2) they pretty much suck.

[David in FL]

 I find it interesting that a lot of people who have no problem buying a three-year-old used car, and keeping it for six years or more, somehow feel that they have to buy the newest, most expensive golf clubs on the market, or they are somehow missing out… 

[Club Rat]

I think the norm for any new retail item is priced at different stages.

1. New release - full price for a certain timeframe
2. Price reduces after a certain timeframe
3. Price then deceases to usually best discount 

Longer Self Life = greater discount, but selection may be limited

I tend to wait for the best deal.

[tehuti]

I buy new, but not the big name OEM equipment. I fI can find a deal on a several model sold hybrid or wood on close out I may do that. People don’t really pay attention to what clubs I am playing anyway.

[RussUK]

Golf is as expensive as i you want to make it.

I buy either used or end of line and can bag some great baragins.

I've never had a new set of irons so thats the plan for next years birthday. Even then i may go through Nordica golf and get a set of Acer's built for comparative peanuts.

[Nave]

12 hours ago, Patch said:

You can buy a bag, and 14 clubs at a big box store for $129.00

I agree - that's exactly what I did when I started. Mine was from Dunlop.

I used it until I broke 100 and actually learned why I will benefit from an upgrade that cost me nearly ten times more.

When I finally decided to upgrade it took me about one month to research, test (in store) and buy the right set.
Considering the material science, production yield rates and other factors I believe that "a lot of money' does not equate to "expensive".

Having played with clubs from polar opposite qualities, I really appreciate what I have now and I will play with them until they break.
 

[Piz]

Golf clubs are a lot like guitars in one respect: you don't have to spend thousands of dollars but you certainly can if so inclined.  Quality and reliability don't cost the earth.  

[IowaGreg]

I just started playing about 7 yrs ago.  I put together a set from Goodwill and a couple other thrift stores.  $150 

3 years later, I bought a used set from the local Golf store and a used driver off the internet. $150.00 

My game has reached the point where I wanted something more, so I bought new Cleveland HB Launcher 4-PW Irons with 3 Cleveland CBX wedges 50,56,60.  Also a new Mizuno ST180 Driver.  All fitted with shafts that fit my swing.  Last year a Odyssey 2 ball viper putter.  Around about $1500.00 in new clubs and impatiently waiting for spring so see what I can do with new clubs.  Right now I plan on using this set for many years to come.  This ought to be fun figuring out the new clubs.........  LOL

 

[billchao]

I voted for "something else." It depends on what I'm buying, how I will buy it.

[ChetlovesMer]

I think somebody made a car analogy and I think that's a good one. I have a buddy who "buys" a new car every 8-12 months... YES, REALLY! 

Personally, I think he's a crazy person. But his philosophy is that he's always going to have a car payment and he knows he's paying for the depreciation of the vehicle. So, his payment is really high. But he likes driving a new car so he's willing to make that sacrifice. 

I know golfers like that as well. Every year, new driver, new irons every other year. Again, I think their crazy. One financial advisor I had met with said "The best value in America is a 2 year old car." Golf Drivers are a lot like that. 

If you find a driver that's still brand new but a model year of even two models before the current offering you can get it for a song. The same goes for wedges. I'd imagine irons also, but my current set of irons are literally 10 years old. I can't seem to find a reason to replace them. 

[iacas]

I often have recent models and don't get custom fit very often (I know my specs), so… I had to choose "something else."

[Lihu]

On 2/25/2019 at 9:03 AM, ChetlovesMer said:

It seems everywhere I turn people are complaining about how much golf clubs cost. Even Rick Shiels latest video on YouTube is a long rant on how much prices have gone up since 2009. I'm curious what do you all think about golf club pricing? How do you go about replenishing the equipment in your bag? 

 

Oops, I tried to make this where you could vote for more than one option, but it didn't seem to work. 

Could you add a choice like “get properly fit for $150 to $200 then buy the clubs accordingly”?

It’s not likely you need to spend $3000 on a set of irons doing that?

So, I also put “Something Else “

Edited February 26, 2019 by Lihu