Budget Golf Guide for 2025
- Mitch Martin
- Sep 5, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 4
Golf is a game that is often seen as an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to be. We have put together a guide of everything you need to know about how to golf on a budget and enjoy golf without breaking the bank! From selecting budget golf clubs to making the most of public courses and taking advantage of discounts, we’ll show you how to golf on a budget while still having a great time playing this amazing game!
When I first picked up golf in 2012 at the age of 15, my family didn't play much golf. My dad's approach to buying golf clubs was simple: he would go to Kmart and choose the loudest driver he could find for $30. As for me, I assembled my first golf set by frequenting Goodwill daily, eagerly waiting for new clubs to be put out on the shelves.
As my passion for golf grew, I transitioned to the second-hand market online. It was there that I bought my first 460cc Cobra golf driver, finally retiring my old Steelhead driver. Even now, I prefer shopping for used/discount, always on the lookout for a great deal or taking advantage of Amazon Prime Days.
This journey into budget golfing gear not only honed my skills but also shaped my approach to finding quality equipment without breaking the bank, and now I'm excited to share my tips and insights with you in this blog article.
Table of Contents
#2 Budget Golf Bags
Budget Golf Clubs
You cannot play golf without golf clubs. So, when it comes to playing golf on a budget, selecting the right clubs without overspending is crucial. Some years I will search for days, weeks, and even months to find what I think is the best value golf club, and I will say this. I buy 90% of my golf clubs used from some of the sites we will talk about below.
Used Golf Clubs:
Our choice for budget golfers is to shop used golf clubs. Pre-owned clubs can be a great way to get quality equipment from well known name brands at a fraction of the cost. Look for reputable sellers and check the condition of the clubs carefully. Online marketplaces, golf shops, and even garage sales can be treasure troves for finding well-maintained second-hand clubs. Some of our favorite websites to shop used clubs is 2nd Swing, Golf Roots, Golf Avenue, and BKBigGolf.
Buying Complete Sets:
Purchasing a complete set of clubs can often be more economical than buying individual pieces. These sets typically include everything you need to get started, from drivers to putters and even golf bags. These sets are designed to provide a cohesive experience. Many brands offer budget-friendly options that are perfect for beginners or casual golfers. It is worth noting that you do get what you pay for, cheap complete sets are not very durable and will not last as long as a used set. If you are looking for some great quality sets we recommend, Stix Golf & Robin Golf.
Discount Golf Clubs:
Keep an eye out for sales, clearance events, and discounts at both online and brick-and-mortar stores. Many retailers offer significant reductions on last season’s models, which are still high-quality but more affordable. Additionally, we have seen more manufactures offering golf clubs sales direct to consumer on Amazon, we always recommend getting them fit to you at a golf shop. However Amazon might be the best way to get clubs cheaper and fast! Below are some amazon recommendations.
Amazon Deals:
Budget Golf Bags
Now that we have clubs you will obviously need a bag to carry them in, if you got a complete set of golf clubs a bag should be included so you can skip this step. . Discussing budget golf gear can be tough, especially when it comes to second-hand golf bags, which can be hit or miss. One thing I would definitely steer clear of is cheap golf bags. Here I am, writing a blog about playing golf on a budget, but cheap golf bags are frustrating and will surprise you with how quickly they break. Read below for our top budget golf bag recommendations.
Clearance Rack:
Our top recommendation for snagging a good brand golf bag without breaking the bank is to keep an eye out for clearance events at big-box stores. Whether you’re browsing at Dick’s, Golf Galaxy, PGA Superstore, or any other golf retailer, prices on golf bags can be steep. Personally, I find that waiting for these clearance sales or the off-season—especially if you’re in a northern climate like mine—is the best way to score a great deal.
Amazon Deals:
My second recommendation is to shop on Amazon. The only reason it’s not my top pick is that Amazon has a lot of subpar golf bags. They often market these bags as high-quality, but they typically don’t hold up well over time, which ties back to my point about the pitfalls of cheap golf bags. However, don’t let that discourage you—there are still some great options available from reputable manufacturers on Amazon that might be just what you’re looking for.
Budget Golf Balls
Looking for those cheap shots that don’t break the bank every time you yell "fore" and hit it into the junk? Everyone who plays this beautiful game is at a different stage in their golfing career, so this topic is very subjective and might be controversial. So, let's talk about buying budget golf balls.
Golf Ball Hunting:
Everyone is at a different stage in their golf journey. I remember when I first started, I would grab any golf ball I found in the woods or hit up free ball spots to stockpile as many as I could. Let me tell you, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS, and there never will be. Even friends of mine with single-digit handicaps still find balls in the woods and use them. If it saves you money, go for it!
Buying Second Hand Golf Balls:
This is where things get a bit controversial. You can buy golf balls from companies that collect, sort, and clean used balls before reselling them. Personally, I’m not a fan of this approach. Why pay for something you could find on your own? However, if this method appeals to you, you can get premium golf balls at a great price, delivered right to your door. If you decide to go this route, I recommend checking out Lost Golf Balls.
Our Amazon Recommendations:
Here are some budget golf balls that I like to play and I get them off amazon because they easily get to my doorstep.
Budget Golfing Apparel
Golf clothing has gotten so expensive it is outrageous. I try to stay away from prime time season buying. When it comes to scoring great deals on golf apparel, there are plenty of budget-friendly options if you know where to look. From hunting for second-hand gems at Goodwill to snagging steals on clearance racks and finding unbeatable Amazon deals, you can dress the part without draining your wallet. In this section, we’ll explore how to get stylish
functional golf gear on a budget, so you can focus on your game rather than your expenses.
Apparel Clearance Rack:
Shopping the golf clearance rack is a savvy way to upgrade your gear without breaking the bank. Many golf stores regularly rotate their inventory, which means last season’s apparel gets marked down significantly. Whether it’s shirts, shorts, or outerwear, you can often find high-quality, name-brand items for a fraction of their original price. The key is to be patient and persistent—clearance racks can be hit or miss, but with a bit of digging, you might uncover some fantastic deals. Keep an eye out for end-of-season sales and store-wide clearance events to maximize your savings.
2nd Hand Stores:
This is one of my favorite options. Shopping for golf apparel at second-hand stores like Goodwill can be a game-changer for those on a budget. These stores often carry a variety of gently used golf clothing at a fraction of retail prices. When we talk about prices, I bought 6 golf shirts for $33.79, SIX SHIRTS. Plus, it’s a sustainable choice, helping to reduce waste by giving pre-loved items a second life. To make the most of your second-hand shopping experience, visit regularly and be ready to sift through racks—you never know when you’ll come across a hidden gem that’s perfect for your game.
Our Amazon Recommendations:
Here are some of my favorite brands of golf on amazon. Again we are talking fraction of the price as some more expensive stores.
Budget Golf Course
Mindset is everything when it comes to budget golf. When I'm heading out for a round that costs me just $30, I know I won't get the perfect bounces or find my ball sitting pretty in the fairway every time. I embrace the fact that I'm playing on a budget and focus on having fun. These rounds are great for practice, experimenting with shot shapes, and trying things I wouldn't risk during a tournament or at a pricier course with friends.
However, playing on a budget doesn't always mean settling for a subpar course. Many golfing apps offer great deals, and if you keep an eye on courses with variable rates, playing during off-peak hours can lead to significant savings.
Golf App with Discount Rates:
When I'm looking for a round of golf—whether in my local area or while traveling—one of my go-to resources is the Golf Now app. Golf Now offers "Hot Deals," which provide significant discounts on specific tee times. While you won't have control over the exact time, you can often play on a quality course for up to 30% off. There are other tee-time apps out there, but Golf Now typically has the largest selection of courses and the best-discounted rates.
Play Sunset Rounds:
Few things in this world bring me as much peace and grounding as playing a sunset round of golf. There’s nothing quite like watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the course, and playing until the light fades and you can no longer see your ball. Plus, sunset rounds are often discounted since you might not have time to complete all 18 holes. If you're looking for a quiet, relaxing evening on the course at a budget-friendly rate, this is the perfect option for you.
Walk The Course (If Capable):
Walking is how golf was meant to be played—and it can also save you money! Whenever possible, I encourage players to walk the course. It offers a more relaxing pace, fosters a better connection with your playing partners, and, in my opinion, makes the game more enjoyable. Combine walking with an evening round, and you can score some incredible deals. I've played some fantastic courses for as little as $16-$25 during the summer just by opting to walk evening rounds.
Best Budget Golf Tech
If you’re a tech nerd like me and trying to golf on a budget, I’ve got you covered. Golf technology doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Whether you're looking for affordable rangefinders, budget-friendly GPS devices, or apps that offer game improvement features, there are plenty of tech options that won't break the bank. I did not feel the need to make this section long, so I will link my top amazon golf tech products below.
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