Find some used clubs, sign up for a youth discount, & swing away
Golf is widely known as one of the most expensive sports to play in the world. So how do teens play while on a budget?
Golf clubs are one of the most expensive parts of golf, so you have to find the right places to buy them while budgeting. One of the best ways to find clubs for cheap is to buy them used. At stores such as 2nd Swing Golf or Golf Galaxy, you can buy and get fitted for quality clubs that will suit you at a medium price. If you want an even lower price, Play it Again Sports offers used clubs for a low price but without fitting.
“If someone wanted to start playing golf, but didn’t want to spend a fortune, one easy thing would be to buy used clubs or inexpensive clubs,” said senior Max Krumm, captain of the boys golf team. “A couple good club options are the Wilson or Top Flites.”
The other expensive aspect of golf is actually playing. Golf is difficult, and the only way to improve is to play often. Part of the fun is playing different courses, but part of challenge finding the money – some courses are extremely expensive.
“My favorite part of the game is getting to experience God’s beautiful creation through the variety of courses I play,” said Krumm. “Two of my favorite, more affordable places to play are Braemar and Baker National, which both offer a great golfing experience without breaking the bank.”
For adults, Braemar is $59 and Baker National is $51 for 18 holes during the weekday. Even at Hiawatha golf course, where Minnehaha teams often practice, a single round for adults costs $46, or $69 with a cart. But for students, there are ways to play on a budget while enjoying the beauty of the game.
Buying an annual subscription through Youth on Course, which is designed to make the game of golf more accessible to teens and younger, costs $30; this gives you access to huge discounts – you can pay $5 or less for a round of golf for the entire year at over 2,000 courses around the country.
Last summer while playing a round at Como golf course, which offers this deal, a Minnehaha golfer who was playing with some other Roseville high schoolers got a chance to talk to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was golfing with a nearby group. The students mentioned they played on lots of courses through Youth on Course.
“Best deal in the country right there,” Walz responded.
There are also ways to learn more about golf while making money. A great job for teens is to be a caddie, you can make great money while learning more about the game as well as making connections with the people you caddie for.
“I’ve met a bunch of cool people while caddying, some have even given me tips or offered to help with my game and college stuff,” said sophomore and varsity golfer Malcolm Anderson.
Being a caddie can also improve your own game on the course as well.
“I get to watch how different players approach shots, and manage the course which helps my game a lot,” Anderson said.
There is so much to love and learn through the sport of golf and it can be accessible to everyone.
“Golf has taught me valuable life lessons, including patience, perseverance, focus, and the importance of honesty and integrity,” said Krumm, “all of which are essential for success both on and off the course.”