The Budget Golf Gear That Actually Plays Like the Expensive Stuff
Let me hit you with some real talk: I’ve wasted thousands of dollars on golf equipment over the years. Premium …
Mike Patterson
I started playing golf in 2008 when my father-in-law dragged me to his country club for a round. I shot 127. It was humiliating. I was hooked.Since then, I've spent way too much money on golf equipment—some good, most mediocre, and a few purchases I'd rather forget (looking at you, $600 driver I bought in 2019 that's now collecting dust). Through trial, error, and thousands of dollars in "research," I've learned what actually works and what's just marketing hype.My Philosophy: Golf should be fun, not bankrupting. The best equipment is the stuff that helps you enjoy the game more and shoot lower scores—not necessarily the gear with the biggest price tag or the most tour wins. Credentials:
- 15+ years of golf experience
- Current handicap: 12 (down from 24 in 2018)
- Tested over 200 pieces of golf equipment
- Member at Pine Valley Golf Club
- Certified in basic club fitting (yeah, I went that deep)
- Driver: TaylorMade Qi35 (finally found one that works)
- Irons: 2024 Callaway Rogue (bought on clearance, no regrets)
- Putter: Changes every 6 months (still searching for "the one")
- Ball: Kirkland Signature (I lose too many to justify Pro V1s)