Golf ball
Fairway first-timers. If you are considering taking up the game, consider buying second hand clubs – http://www.golfbidder.co.uk, golfing magazines or local newspapers can all be good hunting grounds for inexpensive sets. You may be lucky and find a free set at http://www.uk.freecycle.org – you can always post a ‘wanted’ message on this site. If you do not want the expense of buying a new full set of clubs, you can always consider a half-set which will be a lot cheaper and the difference between the distance covered with a 5 or a 6 iron is often minimal at ‘hacker’ level.
If you are considering taking up the game, consider buying second hand clubs – , golfing magazines or local newspapers can all be good hunting grounds for inexpensive sets. You may be lucky and find a free set at – you can always post a ‘wanted’ message on this site. If you do not want the expense of buying a new full set of clubs, you can always consider a half-set which will be a lot cheaper and the difference between the distance covered with a 5 or a 6 iron is often minimal at ‘hacker’ level.
Don’t buy when high! Driving ranges and pro-shops benefit hugely from players who have a successful outing on the practice range or golf course. Sometimes all it takes is a perfect swing on the approach to the 18th green and you are prey to the pro-shop. Avoid taking out your credit card at this stage. Look at the club(s) you are considering purchasing and ask if you can try it (them) out on the range.
Golfers say ‘drive for show, putt for dough’ – a money-savvy shopper says ‘pay through the nose for show and research to save dough.’ The best way to gain a bargain is to research the best deals on offer, both on the internet and in the shops. Prices can vary hugely. Recently I researched the Cobra S2 Max Irons and prices varied between £279 and £345. Always input the name of your chosen clubs on an internet search engine and up will pop a plethora of prices.
Drive a hard bargain. Armed with your research, approach your local store or pro-shop and give them the opportunity to gain your custom – many will be happy to give you a better price if you can prove to them you could buy cheaper elsewhere. Inform them your choice of clubs are available for £x with Company Y and give them the opportunity to beat the price?
Get added value. Perhaps you want a bag or some golf balls, say ‘if they include x, then you will buy now.’
Benefit from 2009. If you consider buying last years’ model it could save you a small fortune.
Play in the Open Challenge for free. If you love the Open, but St Andrews seems like a distant dream, why not play in the Virtual Open for free at http://www.opengolf.com/virtualopen/virtualopen.aspx for an opportunity to win a trip for two to the home of golf.
Marc Lockley is a negotiation coach who writes for Guardian online. He is also the author of 'How To Pay Less For More' which can be purchased at www.sagabookshop.co.uk