How much do you spend on golf per year?
Golf use to be expensive in Brunei. I remember back in the late 80's and early 90's, golf sets were priced starting around B$2000 (around $2800 in today's money)for a "standard" set.. does not include balls, membership etc.. if i think about it, mahal eh.. it was only thanks to my dad that I could play..
So, golf can be very expensive. According to a research by a leading golf magazine in the US, The average American golfer spends US$2700 per year on their favorite hobby, on green fees, on the latest clubs and top-of-the-line golf balls.
But that all depends on who you ask.
The bulk of the money the average golfer spends per year is on equipment. A mid priced clubs can cost more than $1,000. That's just a four or five iron through pitching wedge, or 8 clubs although cheap compared to the old days if you ask me (if you take into consideration inflation)
Then there's the driver, the club that will launch the ball the furthest off the tee; this weapon can cost up to $800 to $1000 (S yard). Utility wedges come next, and they, on average, cost about $190 each; there are usually two of these in a golf bag. Then there's the putter, which, can cost more than $400. (Scotty Cameron?) Add that all up and that is, well, a lot of dough.
That's not even factoring the clothes that golfers wear.. (habis jua tabir mama ni karang..)
Additionally, the average golfer spends thousands each year playing the game. The green fee at RBA (non member) at the weekend is $70. To play premium courses such as the Empire or Eastwood in Miri, you need to spend more.
Therefore, the average golfer spends hundreds of dollars each year just for one round of golf.
In the same research, 44 percent of those surveyed said that Pebble Beach (mahal ohh) was worth playing even though it cost about B$600 to play. That seems like a lot to most golfers. But not to others. The survey found that 2 percent of golfers spend $15,000 each year.
In addition to clubs and golf course fees, the average golfer spends a lot of money on traveling to play golf (ahem....)
Jakarta: B$ 1000 for three rounds (weekdays) transport and hotels
Bangkok: B$ 900 for three rounds, hotels & transport
Kuala Lumpur: B$800 for three rounds (but could be cheaper if using reciprocal card)
All above does not include air fare.. so you are talking the best part $1500
if you ask me, its still worth making the trip to play Siam Country Club.. at least once every 1.5 yrs