The 'so called' top end stuff is getting totally out of the price range that I would want to spend for a round of golf.
Tend to play the reciprocals available and cheap courses with amazing views/ride of holes and some mid range courses, if we play at a course we arent a member of.
Probably changing home membership to a cheap course this year and dropping another, to help to save some pounds, as costs have spiralled the last couple of years, when you include the cost of travel to courses each time.
Pass on cost of equipment, as tend not to spend much on that or look at it.
In answer to your question, yes in many ways, however there are cheaper options still available thankfully.