There are plenty of ways to quickly spend your paycheck pursuing your pastime on the golf course. According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, Americans spent $2.76 billion on golf equipment in 2008, making it the largest segment of sporting goods equipment sales.
Clubs
The Rules of Golf allow you to carry 14 clubs in your bag. Most players carry a driver, a putter and a variety of woods, hybrids, irons and wedges. You can buy clubs individually or as a set, and it's best to try them out before making a decision. You can spend as little as a couple hundred dollars or as much as a couple thousand.
Balls
Like clubs, there is a wide price range for golf balls. They are usually purchased by the dozen, and can run anywhere from less than $10 to up to about $50. Some balls are designed for longer distance and others for better control. With water hazards, trees and rough, many golfers go through several balls in a round. Before choosing a ball, you should make sure it meets the U.S. Golf Association's requirements for size, speed, roll and other criteria.
Tees
Tees, which are used on the first shot of every hole to elevate the ball, are the least expensive piece of equipment. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and it's smart to take a handful with you for each round. Use the longer tees when you're teeing off with a driver and shorter tees when you're using a wood, hybrid or iron. You can buy tees in bulk, and you should be able to get about 100 for a few dollars.
Apparel
Outfitting your hands and feet are the two most important wardrobe decisions in golf. A glove can help you maintain a good grip on your club and at the same time prevent blisters. Most golfers wear them on their less-dominant hand. Make sure you try on a few before purchasing one because sizes vary among manufacturers. Expect to spend anywhere from $7 to $30. Shoes are designed to help you keep your balance on terrain that can be uneven and slippery. Most shoes feature plastic spikes, although some still come with metal spikes. Shoes come in a variety of colors and styles, from sneakers to dress shoes to sandals. Just like any shoe, comfort is the most important feature. You can expect to pay somewhere from $40 to $250. Some manufacturers also sell replacement spikes for shoes.
Tools
There are two tools you'll want to keep handy as you approach the greens. The first is a divot repair tool. Balls that land on greens often leave an indentation, and courtesy dictates you repair your own mark, as well as any others you might see. A ball marker allows you to accurately mark your ball when you pick it up to clean it or move it out of the way of your playing partner's line. Some manufactures combine these tools into one. Many golfers use a lucky coin to mark their ball.
Gadgets
Once you've taken care of the necessities, that's when the fun truly begins. There are tags for your bag, heads for your clubs and brushes for your shoes. There are specialized towels, umbrellas, ball retrievers and cigar holders. You can buy digital scorekeepers, GPS systems, drink dispensers and remote control golf carts.
Bags
The last thing you'll need is something to carry your clubs, balls, tees, tools and gadgets. Bags come in a variety of sizes and colors. If you like to walk rather than take a cart, the most important consideration might be weight. Almost all bags have dividers to help you organize your clubs. Most also have several pockets for gear and personal items. Most come with shoulder straps and some come with legs so they can stand on their own. You can get a new bag for around $60 or you can spend up to about $500. If you plan to play courses that are far away, there are special bags that are suitable for air travel.
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