I’m not the kind of person who has to have the latest and greatest of anything. No, I’d rather wait for a while until I can find a better deal or the prices come down from the intro of a new product. Some examples – Of all the cars I’ve owned, I only purchased one of them brand new. It’s just not a good investment considering you lose a minimum of 30% of the value as soon as you drive it off the lot. I’d rather buy a car used and let some other sucker take that hit. Electronics/computers/phones? Forget it. With the way electronics are pumped out of factories these days, what you buy is practically obsolete in less than a year. So to me, overspending on a laptop, tablet or cell phone (which have all become practically disposable) is not exactly a wise decision either. Even when the PlayStation 3 came out years ago, I held out until I felt like I was missing out on something. And by that time, the price had dropped about 25% as well. There’s something to be said for waiting.
But one place where I’m a little different with my thinking is when I’m purchasing golf accessories. I’ve only owned two sets of golf clubs, one off-the-shelf and my current set which were custom-fitted. Neither were bought used. I’m not sure what it is, but I don’t know if I could purchase a set of used clubs. Although my putter was used, but it was free…so that doesn’t count. I don’t buy my golf clothes used either obviously, but I will look at discount department stores rather than golf specialty shops or sporting goods stores with the latest fashions for about triple the price. Same goes for clothing accessories like hats and sunglasses – a nice new pair of Oakleys from Blackleaf never hurt anyone.
Also, I find that purchasing your accessories and equipment in the off-season can certainly save a few bucks as well. Clothing will be on clearance, as will balls, tees, gloves…whatever, all in anticipation of newer products stocking the shelves. Granted, the selection might not be as great as at the beginning of the season, but all the money you’ll save can be put toward the courses you want to play during the season.
Hey, golf is an expensive sport. We have to do what we can to save our pennies where ever possible. If cheaper clothing, less expensive balls and buying things in the off-season will allow me to put more money into playing more or nicer courses, then as an alternative to winning the lottery, I’ll keep it up!
Swing ’til you’re happy!
It’s a nice feeling when you get to say “It’s Monday and I’m not at work.” Everyone hates Mondays. There’s a reason it’s not called “Blue Tuesday.” No one gets a “Case of the Thursdays.” No, we all start feeling that way about Mondays, usually, on Sunday mornings. But when you have that Monday off from work, even though you have to go in on Tuesday, it somehow just doesn’t seem nearly as bad, does it? But do you know what’s even better than being out of work on Monday? Being on the golf course on Monday.