What worked for you to stop buying stuff all the time?

[MotherTeresa10]

I used to try to have a full backup bag. My parents winter on a golf course, so I'd leave them there and always have it, wouldn't have to travel with clubs, etc., very convenient. Then I found myself still taking my gamer bag because it didn't make sense to me to use backup clubs.

 

Now I've decided, I have one set - 14 clubs - if I decide I'm going to try a new club, new putter, whatever, I can get it, but anything it replaces gets sold, or the item I try that doesn't work gets sold/not purchased. I'm only going to own 14 clubs at a time. It's helped me only replace clubs I think are going to improve my game. I used to think, "oh I'll keep different bounce wedges" or "I'll have a 2 iron for windy days" - it was all an excuse to be a ho, and a delusion that I'm playing tons of different types of courses or I'm better at the game than I am.

 

14 club limit is what's helped me.

[ephmen]

Get a proper fitting and build/buy custom clubs with upgraded shafts. 

[AdExec]

On 3/23/2024 at 11:22 PM, 95124hacker said:

@AdExec Looks like you stopped buying balls too, as I see some old Titleist, Maxfli & Nike in your photo…

There was an ebay estate sale with all the old titleist/maxfli balls and I must have had 20 dozen balatas and professionals, 384 tour, etc. Sold half of them, kept half of them. The Nike balls are the Tour Accuracy TW models. Figured Id keep a few boxes until Tiger retires then try to flip them. 

[kiawah]

I realized there was almost no correlation between new equipment and scoring well (with the exception of fresh grooves every now and then). Better yet, I realized there was no correlation between new equipment and how much enjoyment and satisfaction I feel on the golf course.

 

Use golf as an opportunity to be grateful for what you already have in a beautiful outdoor setting away from your personal problems. Having an insatiable desire for "more" kind of kills that spirit of the game. Learn to leave well enough alone.

[bekgolf]

27 minutes ago, kiawah said:

I realized there was almost no correlation between new equipment and scoring well (with the exception of fresh grooves every now and then). Better yet, I realized there was no correlation between new equipment and how much enjoyment and satisfaction I feel on the golf course.

 

Use golf as an opportunity to be grateful for what you already have in a beautiful outdoor setting away from your personal problems. Having an insatiable desire for "more" kind of kills that spirit of the game. Learn to leave well enough alone.

 

That's easier said than done, lol.

 

Kind of like the friend telling his depressed friend to not feel that way because he doesn't and can't understand that it's not a choice.

[kiawah]

2 minutes ago, bekgolf said:

 

That's easier said than done, lol.

 

Kind of like the friend telling his depressed friend to not feel that way because he doesn't and can't understand that it's not a choice.

That wasn't my intention, and I'm sorry if you read my post that way.

 

I know it is not an easy thing to do -- I struggle with this concept even when it is present in my mind at times. The message that I was trying to convey is that although some clubs certainly work better than others for certain people, there is no "magic" out there that will automatically make you a better player. What helped/helps me is setting aside a couple of times per round to just be grateful to be out there (I usually try to do this around the 8th and 17th holes, or holes where I'm likely to start counting up my score to distract myself from doing that) and realize that fixating on what you don't have (skill wise or material things wise) is an endless cycle that won't make you any better or happier. I'm not trying to sound preachy or tell anyone what they should do with their money, but I think that most people just buying new stuff all the time when it's not needed aren't likely to figure out that their attitude and talent are the common denominator for success, not the newest or shiniest driver.

[bekgolf]

1 minute ago, kiawah said:

That wasn't my intention, and I'm sorry if you read my post that way.

 

I know it is not an easy thing to do -- I struggle with this concept even when it is present in my mind at times. The message that I was trying to convey is that although some clubs certainly work better than others for certain people, there is no "magic" out there that will automatically make you a better player. What helped/helps me is setting aside a couple of times per round to just be grateful to be out there (I usually try to do this around the 8th and 17th holes, or holes where I'm likely to start counting up my score to distract myself from doing that) and realize that fixating on what you don't have (skill wise or material things wise) is an endless cycle that won't make you any better or happier. I'm not trying to sound preachy or tell anyone what they should do with their money, but I think that most people just buying new stuff all the time when it's not needed aren't likely to figure out that their attitude and talent are the common denominator for success, not the newest or shiniest driver.

 

I will agree that I'm very grateful to be able to golf and to be part of a group of good people who golf.  We have a saying that it's better than sitting on the couch watching reruns.  That saying usually comes out when it's raining and windy.

 

I find that I purchase things when I can't get out to golf.  I start looking at the internet and researching (I'm not a person who can just sit and relax, my mind never stops).  My current fixation is with one length irons, researching the heck out of them right now.

[kiawah]

Just now, bekgolf said:

 

I will agree that I'm very grateful to be able to golf and to be part of a group of good people who golf.  We have a saying that it's better than sitting on the couch watching reruns.  That saying usually comes out when it's raining and windy.

 

I find that I purchase things when I can't get out to golf.  I start looking at the internet and researching (I'm not a person who can just sit and relax, my mind never stops).  My current fixation is with one length irons, researching the heck out of them right now.

I totally understand that and can relate. By all means, buy yourself some new clubs if you want them or if yours don't fit. But most people could probably ditch all of their odd/even irons and half of their woods/wedges and shoot within 5 shots of their average round. If you're gonna spend a bunch of money on new stuff, at least keep your expectations in check. Odds are, they will not change your game markedly one way or the other.

 

One length irons would be cool to try.

[bobfoster]

Personally, I like to think I'm like the guy that was addicted to brake fluid - I can stop anytime I want. 😂

 

Seriously though - they say that the first step is to admit you have a problem. So I figure as long as I don't admit I have a problem, I'll be good.

[Zach.buckler23]

My belief is… you’re not dying with money in your grave. So spend it while you have it 

[ago33]

Becoming a Ventus Black and X7 whore

[PARETO]

I’ve made rules for myself……

1 putter at any given time (✔️) 
2 iron sets only at any given time. (✔️)
1 driver at any given time.(✔️)

Wedges only when grooves wear. (✔️)
Buy used at all times based on my best known specs.(✔️)

Must sell current before buying “new”. (✔️) 
 

This deal with myself (and my wife) allows me to use funds from selling to cover “new to me” gear. It’s usually a wash thus not impacting the bank account. Old Pings can be remarkably cheap. Having said that, I’m not a serial ho - it’s all fun. My next mission (I’m actually happy with what’s in the bag right now) is investing in lower scores via lessons. My coach could care less what’s in my bag when I show up to his lesson tee.  Don’t think he’s ever even looked in my bag if I think about it. It’s all about getting in the reps with good habits to create consistent strikes. 

Plus, the best players I’ve ever played with over the 35 years that I’ve played golf are trunk slammers with a bag of old sticks that look like they’ve been to war. Tools not Jewels they say. 

[MotherTeresa10]

Golf manufacturers aren't spending millions making/marketing clubs because it doesn't work. I think it's okay that we all fail sometimes and give in to it. 

 

It also feels better spending shop credit at my club than cash at club champion, etc. Maybe I'll add shop credit only rules to my rulebook. 

[bekgolf]

1 hour ago, MotherTeresa10 said:

Golf manufacturers aren't spending millions making/marketing clubs because it doesn't work. I think it's okay that we all fail sometimes and give in to it. 

 

It also feels better spending shop credit at my club than cash at club champion, etc. Maybe I'll add shop credit only rules to my rulebook. 

 

A friend of mine did that for years.  In his mind he never paid for a club but got a new set of irons and driver every few years from the books at the club house.  His entry fees were thought of as golfing fees.  He won a lot too.

 

Worked for him.

[CDLgolf]

I just came to the realization that new clubs all the time never helped my score. Plus they all started to get ridiculously expensive. 

[Dustdevil]

Go play.

By the end of the round, you'll realize you suck and no amount of money spent on clubs will help.

Where you get yourself in trouble is when you give yourself time to think.

 

That and the jacked up lofts on the new irons helps.

[sm_watts]

To answer your question- nothing. The only thing saving me is that I’m a single-income school teacher, so my addiction has to be done on a budget. I did BioLife last year for a new putter. Now THAT will make you carefully consider how much you need that new club!

[nvr3putt]

If you read or watch enough reviews, you quickly realize they say the same thing year after year.  

[TheShark1]

Not a darn thing has worked….. as is evidenced by the 9 drivers I took with me to the range last weekend!

[bekgolf]

Reading this thread hasn't helped.  Just bought 7 heads and a bundle of closeout shafts.

[AllDunn]

I'm sure this has been said, but try having a kid!

[BirdieBob]

Unemployment works

[RoverTiger]

Now that I've ordered a new set of irons only six months after seemingly upgrading, I promise I'll stop buying for a little bit. Well, after I get my new 4W as well...then I'll stop. 😅

[bogeyk]

Playing and practicing more helps me.  

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Definitely getting fitted and finding a set of irons that has what I’m looking for

[TNin22]

Agree with above, after 24 months of playing: P7MC, Apex TCB, T100, ZX7, i210, and many return trips to my backup Tour Preferred MB’s, I finally decided to get fitted and dialed with P7TW build and I’ve never been more happy with irons. More money upfront, but now I don’t see myself buying another iron set which should actually save me a lot money (see last 24 months).
 

I also love that they’re a product line without a seemingly endless new version cycle, so no getting hammered over the head with “more forgiveness, speed, etc marketing”. 

[9ClubberLang]

There's certainly a very serious answer here about consumerism and retail therapy etc. I won't respond down that route as it can sound judgemental, and I'm certainly not going to judge anyone for how they want to approach their leisure activity.

 

I started playing golf as a teenager and had three sets up to my mid 40's. So I roughly got 10 years out of each set. I had a few years out of the game and when I returned I had a bit of a disastrous fitting last Autumn. My lack of experience here with different brands meant I didn't appreciate how sets use different tech within a range, or how much leading edge design is different between manufacturers for example. A 7 iron on a mat did not highlight these issues and when I took the clubs to the course I was digging trenches. I've never taken much of a divot so it was really disconcerting. One divot was so bad I swear I could see Australia!

 

As a result, and stung by the loss on them, over the winter I have bought about seven different sets second hand, from manufacturers that I hadn't played before, in order that I could learn about different manufacturers styles of clubs, and the different head types each manufacturer produces. I had only ever played 3 different GI clubs in my entire life. These had all looked very similar. I should have experimented more with clubs back in my 20's really to nail this down early. I have learned a lot about equipment and what suits me this winter.

 

This has been a very interesting experiment. I have now settled on a winter half-set and my main set. This is all I will own and I'd expect these to last ten years or so again. I've sold the others at either small losses or small gains.

 

I can quite easily see though how this process could become addictive. The buzz of finding a possible set that may be the solution, or is slightly different to this other set that is very similar, but may provide a marginal gain is real. There's excitement in waiting for the clubs to arrive in the post, and excitement at taking them out and trying them. Will they feel amazing and hit a ball like I've never hit a ball before! 

 

Hopefully we all know though that once we have identified what suits us, and is the right length, lie, weight etc, then the equipment is no longer holding us back, and our limitations are now our own. That's all we can ask of any tool. A bicycle, running shoes, woodworking tool or a golf club, once the quality and attributes match our needs then we're good. We are now the limitation and it's not the equipment holding us back because it doesn't fit, suit us or is not of sufficient quality. The hunt should end at that point (unless someone enjoys trying different equipment and has the financial means to do so without issue).

 

Maybe there are 250 sets of clubs out there across brands and the last few release cycles. Maybe I could successfully play with 30 of those that really suit me and I would feel comfortable with and enjoy using. I don't need 30 sets, so like any product where there are a range of choices, I've just got to make my choice and then try to get as close to mastering that selection as possible.

[Nickb333]

Well, for the most part I used to splurge on drivers only. Then I said the word retired out loud. I spent more on golf stuff in two years than in my previous lifetime. 
 

Two things just changed all that. 
 

Realizing a $350 putter doesn’t make putts for you. And…

 

We just joined a nice golf club. Now my wife plays with me a lot and notices my gear. Her clubs are as old as my putter, but my other stuff is pretty fresh. Her clubs also look brand new because she hardly used them. Anyway, she’ll bug me for new anytime I add something so… whoa Nelly. (I did give her the $350 putter and she gets the Zip Navigator when we play together) 😉
 

For now…

 

Regardless, definitely not saving any money with the above strategy. 

[rickshaw]

Nothing!...still search the classified like like I'm looking for the cure to cancer!

[Ger21]

Nothing. Nothing at all. Decided at the end of last fall, after replacing most of the bag, that I was good, and didn't need anything else for the next several years.

Had my 25 year old Newport, the only putter I've used in those 25 years, refinished, and put a new shaft in it. It's better right now than it's ever been.

 

So I bought another putter.