A whole set of top-of-the-line golf clubs may cost approximately $2,200. The top drivers cost from $310 to $620. An excellent putter may cost up to $300. A set of the best irons could cost around $1,200.

The top balls cost as much as $53 to $60 a dozen. Sounds expensive, however when you think about the fact that many high-performance laptops have a price tag of $2,000 and up, it’s not a bad investment at all for equipment that you will enjoy throughout your life.

Fortunately for budget-conscious golfers is that it’s possible to start playing for only a fraction of the price tag on top-of-the-line equipment. You’ll find great deals on golf equipment today, on the Internet as well as at pro shops.

A golf beginner can purchase a good golf driver for about $35 to $40. A set of irons can be bought for as little as $100 to $200. Many good putters are available for $20 and under.

You will find dozens, if not hundreds, of websites on the internet that sell new balls for as little as $10 to $12 per dozen.

And don’t despise the bargains available on used clubs. Getting a feel for the several types of clubs involves a trial-and-error learning process that takes time. Beginners can never go wrong by starting off with a set of used clubs.

Don’t be worried to buy a set of used clubs at a garage sale. Whatever you start out with, you may find after a year or two that your game would benefit by switching to a different type of club.

Check out flea markets and classified ads as well as Internet sites. If you look around, you can find a complete set of used clubs for $100 or less.

The simple fact is this: You won’t feel a huge difference between the garage-sale bargain clubs and new top-of-the-line equipment until you gain experience and a certain degree of mastery over the golf swing.
If you are planning to play regularly enough to justify the investment in a new set of clubs, make sure you visit a pro shop before you spend a lot of money. Tell the pro about your goals, your level of experience, and how often you think you’ll be playing and practicing.

You can find competitive prices on all major brands by surfing the Web, but only a pro can evaluate your swing by watching you hit some balls. A pro’s suggestions on the best type of clubs for you will add tremendous value to any purchase you decide to make, and it may save you from making a costly mistake.
It’s also possible to spend less by ordering used golf balls. Practice balls have nicks, club marks, scratches, and discolorations. Name-brand used balls, such as Titleist and Callaway, cost no more than half the price of new balls.

Here’s a sampling of among the best bargains I came across by using a quick Google search:

•    A dozen used golf balls for $5.5

•    1 dozen Callaway used balls for $5.65

•    100 Dunlop used balls for $32

•    A complete set of new men’s or women’s clubs for $230

•    3 wood, 7 iron, wedge, putter, and carry bag for $90

•    3 wood, 6 iron, 8 iron, wedge, putter, and carry bag for $124

Municipal golf courses are wonderful places for newbies to train their game; it costs much less to play a round at a public course than to pay for a round at a club. A 9-hole course is an excellent option for budget and time-conscious golfers.