Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Golfers are continually being sold to. It’s difficult to have products put in front of you repeatedly and not start to invest and spend some money. Some golf gear is overhyped, and your money can be put elsewhere to truly help your game. Here are 8 things not worth buying if you are a golfer on a budget.
Customized Golf Balls
Golf balls do not have to be custom. They may look cool, but they don’t improve your game and are typically quite a bit more money. Instead, purchase a Sharpie marker and just put a few dots or a pattern on your golf ball so you know it’s yours.
The bottom line here is custom golf balls just won’t make you a better player.
GPS Units
I’ve debated on this one for a while. A golf GPS unit can give you great information. It’s just not another device you must have on the course.
Instead, use your smartphone or smartwatch to get the exact same GPS data. A rangefinder is slightly different because it gives numbers directly to the pin.
However, the data you get on your phone with a GPS app is the same as the data you’ll get on this additional unit. It’s just one more thing to carry and one more thing that could break.
Basic Launch Monitors
First of all, not every amateur golfer needs a launch monitor. If you don’t understand the data it provides, it’s not worth investing in.
If you do decide to invest in a launch monitor, get a model that provides accurate data. The cheap units that only give you swing speed and distance are probably not worth it and are not quite as accurate.
Spend just a little more money and get something like the Rapsodo MLM2 Pro Launch Monitor. It’s easy to work with and accurate.
Heavy Training Aids
The more portable and easy-to-use a training aid is, the more you will use it! Don’t invest in impractical training aids. I can promise you that you will never bring these with you to the course.
They will sit in your garage, and you’ll think about going out and using them, but you just won’t!
Almost all of the good training aids fit in your golf bag.
Expensive Tees
I’ve tested numerous golf tees to find something that gives more distance, from the brush tees to the step tees. I’ve found that the cheap wooden or bamboo tees work just as well.
I like a thinner tee to help with resistance through the golf ball, but the differences are so small that it doesn’t matter.
Don’t go overboard on expensive golf tees. They aren’t worth the money.
Score Counters
When I was a golf professional, many women golfers invested in score counters.
Here’s my take on this.
If you have so many shots you can’t remember, play golf for fun. Don’t worry about the score; just go out there and enjoy the day. Outside of that, you should be able to recall the shots you take and know where you stand. Then, use your free golf scoring app or a traditional scorecard to write down your score.
Premium Headcovers
Not all custom or premium golf headcovers are a waste of money. However, some are. These headcovers are often too expensive and don’t provide any more protection for your club. Let’s face it: having a unique-looking headcover is fun, but it’s really about protection for your club.
Some of these leather headcover sets cost hundreds of dollars, and I suggest using that money on lessons or greens fees.
Ball Retrievers
Finally, a ball retriever is the last piece of golf gear that is likely not worth the money. I know some people will disagree with me on this one. However, ball retrievers are not as useful as they seem; they take up space in the bag and slow down the pace of play for everyone.
Fishing for golf balls is an incredibly annoying hobby and will frustrate the group behind you that they are dealing with you.
Learn to hit the ball a little straighter and accept that if a golf ball is so far into the water that you can’t reach it with your club, it’s gone.
Final Thoughts
What other golf gadgets and gear are not worth buying? Golf is considered an expensive sport, and although I agree, I see people spending money unnecessarily all too often.
