Why Are Golf Clubs So Expensive?
What's up with the price of golf clubs?
Golf clubs are expensive because golf is expensive, from the green fees to the tuition and all those essential accessories. Nothing about golf is cheap!
However, for new people entering the game, the cost of a set of golf clubs can cause a sharp intake of breath.
Faced with clubs that are either expensive or off the scale, a new player (or even a bemused regular looking to upgrade) might ponder why prices are so high.
Here are a few reasons behind the dollar signs on that club you picked up, and find out if it's necessary for your game.
Why Do Golf Clubs Cost So Much?
There are many reasons golf clubs have a hefty price tag, but they’re just one costly element of what’s known to be a pretty expensive game.
Here are some of the main reasons a new set of clubs will put a severe dent in your wallet.
Research and Development
According to the National Golf Foundation, in 2002, Americans spent a total of $4.7 billion on golf gear, much of that spending being accounted for by $500 drivers and $200 putters.
However, the price tag might be more understandable if you saw the research and science that goes into designing the perfect golf club.
Research and development are key drivers in any sport – think about the investment into motor racing tires, creating the ultimate tennis racquet, or breeding the fastest racehorse.
The strive for perfection equals greater success.
Big-name golf club manufacturers spend millions researching to improve their products. Consequently, irons are easier to swing, and putters have an ergonomic design, making the ball's trajectory more precise.
Chemists, mathematicians, and PGA professionals pool resources in the quest to develop the ultimate golf club. No wonder they cost so much!
Raw Materials
The material used to make the clubs consistently impacts the price. Historically, most clubs are made from steel, an inexpensive material imported from China.
Then there’s titanium – a highly durable and robust material. It’s also lightweight, making it the perfect choice for a driver head. Titanium is a premium material that also comes from China, but it costs more than steel.
It's not just the driver heads that have changed; modern driver shafts are almost exclusively made of graphite rather than steel.
Graphite is ultimately not the most durable material, and the club doesn't last as long — but the choice for this material is all about the results in play. Graphite is lighter and more flexible than steel, offering increased agility and fewer vibrations. Manufacturers want players to buy their clubs because they like the feel and the play.
Club manufacturers have quickly realized that graphite irons are also an excellent choice for children, beginners, ladies and senior players, and anyone with arthritis.
Graphite offers an upgrade on traditional steel but is more expensive at retail, usually costing 50% - 100% more than the steel equivalent. If the club doesn't last as long as a steel equivalent, then this is a double whammy for the manufacturer.
Irons, as well as drivers, now have graphite shafts promoting a smoother golfing experience.
Manufacturing Process
Graphite isn’t just a more expensive raw material; the manufacturing process is also more complex, adding a further layer of expense to the finished product.
However, for those that want to take a deep dive, a surprising amount of technical input goes into making any golf club.
Manufacturers use dedicated software and artificial intelligence to create the perfect club face. Science works out the best way to connect the head to the shaft, and then experts refine the process to optimize the aerodynamics.
The manufacturing process is the end stage of a long process involving time, patience, and money.
Remember, like the choice of materials and the club design, engineering experts inform the manufacturing process, which doesn’t come cheap.
Marketing and Branding
Most club manufacturers want to tell you all about how good their clubs are in intricate detail — and who's using them — to push sales.
The marketing budgets for the big club manufacturers are staggering, and the consumer pays the price when they buy a club. Think of those TV commercials, social media ads, magazine features, and tour sponsorships. It all comes with a big price tag.
Celebrity endorsement is a fantastic promotional device. Not only does it sell a product like nothing else, but it's the perfect excuse to bump up the price tag.
Retailer's Mark Up
Where you buy a golf club can make a difference to the price tag. That luxury pro shop must pay high rent and staff salaries, so they'll make a hefty markup on the manufacturer's original price.
Around one-third of the cost of the club will reflect the retailer's percentage, so it's always worth trying a club in the shop but shopping around elsewhere to see if you can beat the price.
The Psychology of Higher Pricing
The human psyche is all about believing that the more expensive something is, the better it is – that's why some brands never offer discounts; they don't want to dilute the myth.
People want them to be expensive because it's all part of the power and the cachet.
This pricing technique isn’t unique to golf, but it's a big player in golf when it comes to retailing clubs, especially those with celebrity endorsement and correspondingly high price tags.
The lure of the uber-expensive iron means it just might have something the others don't, and what player doesn't want an advantage? And if the club doesn't deliver, its branding will make a statement even on a bad shot.
The one-upmanship on the green and the kudos of a more expensive club still matter today. Marketers have been shamelessly exploiting the human perception that high cost means better quality for decades.
However, the price of golf clubs is in context with the cost of the game; golf is an expensive sport all around if you factor in the charge for other equipment, coaching, and green fees.
For most players who’ve already accepted a high financial hit in the name of their favorite game, golf clubs don't stand out as necessarily more expensive than anything else. However, these high prices can come as a bit of a shock for new players.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Typical Set of Golf Clubs Cost?
The cost varies depending on the player's handicap. Beginner's sets range from $250 to $600, while mid-level players can expect to pay between $680 to about $1,500 because there are just more clubs.
Advanced players are looking at around $2,000 for premium clubs. It's always cheaper to buy a set than to purchase clubs individually.
Are Expensive Golf Clubs Worth the Investment?
Expensive golf clubs are worth the investment because they’ll likely help your game and offer good longevity if they’re well-made and robust.
However, the price tag doesn't always equal the best quality or the ideal club for your game. It's essential to avoid being swayed by the price tag or the brand.
Keep Your Golf Clubs Protected — Shop Stitch Golf's Headcovers
If you've spent the big bucks on new clubs, looking after them will be a top priority.
Headcovers will protect the essential part of each club and prevent scraping, dents, and damage while the clubs are in transit. And don't forget the bag — a design offering separate dividers with cushioned padding will care for each club from the face to the bottom of the shaft.
Shop Stitch Golf for all your accessories and golfing gear, and put your trust in a brand that understands the importance of properly caring for and protecting your golf clubs.
