What does the credit crunch mean for your golf.

[Cernunnos]

auncertainty in this time of credit crunch is just that. But shouldn't we call a spade a spade. This is a resession, pure & simple. Life goes on, we adjust to situation. Yes, money will be tight, though rarely as much as we would expect in general. But we all have to plan for the worst & for some they have already suffered the worst. Golf clubs will suffer as the resession bites, as their costs rise & their memberships & visiting societys fall off. They will have two choices, either raise prices for existing members & risk chasing them off too, or encorage new members & improve the vale for money for course fees & membership fees. Reducing or removing joining fees, to at least get new members in up the driveway.

 

[cm_qs]

I could take a year out and just play on the local muni or play when invited.

Madandra - consider yourself invited. Regardless of how things pan out at Dalziel. ....if it ever stops raining that is!

What does 2009 hold for YOU ?????

A game at Wishaw with Madandra?

 

[John_Findlay]

I think it's quite interesting that everyone is making an effort to keep some golf in their life, in spite of the squeeze. It just shows that it's possibly our main form of relaxation and pretty much indispensable to us as our release from the pressures of normal life.

 

[Toad]

John,

You are more than welcome to join me every week as I virtualy get unlimited concessions.

The credit crunch has thankfully not affected my golf so far this year, I just need a new 5 wood and I will be happy.

I have next years subs hidden away from the wife, so am ok as far as fee's go but I was thinking of joining Auchterarder next year but would need to raise the joining fee so not too sure now.

 

[TonyN]

To be honest guys/gals, this credit crunch Malarky ahsn't affected me one bit, nor many if any people I know. Granted I am living with my girlfriends parents whilst we save but still.

I have changed my car to a diesel because I was sick of 30 MPG so I am actually saving some money on fuel costs.

I only payed £350 for 6 months at my place to see what it is like. If it turns out to be a good club I will look into joining next year too, if not I will look else where.

Up untill the begining of september I was paying for my golf as I played, And some weeks that was 3 rounds.

Regardless of how hard things got, there is no way I would give up golf, I just couldn't, physically couldn't. I would drop other hobbies first.

I must admit though I dont go out drinking alot anymore but I havn't done for about 3 years so maybe that helps.

I live my life by the rule: Dont carry cash and it works a treat. How often have you drawn a 10er out for a paper and some milk and before you know it that 10er has gone! Always pay on my card and the pennies add themselves up!

 

[Cernunnos]

If things start getting a bit bad I suppose I could sell a guitar or a bass or two... would rather not though.

 

[Parmo]

I say keep spending...

looks at his new FP's + GW, MD wedge & new bag bought this week, HID is going to muder me, but only if she can see the kits in the camo bag!!

The wife says... stop spending!!

 

[USER1999]

And I only spent £700 on golf stuff last week, so I haven't even touched this weeks golf budget.

 

[DCB]

Well the subs are paid by direct debit for both me and the wife. Next season we will have a juniors fees as well, so it will mount up a bit. I may well cut down on playing at other courses, (other than GM Forum Days of course) as I can't really see the point in paying to play elsewhere when I have my own club to play at.

On the gear front, I don't need to spend anything so I will try hard to keep with the stuff currently in the bag.

As long as things don't get too bad then the golf will always be high on my list as its really the only sport I'm still involved with. As has been said earlier, its a great way to unwind and relax as well as get a bit of exercise.

 

[vig]

No change for me.

Don't need any kit but never say never.

too many live beyond their means and when times are hard they struggle.

 

[haplesshacker]

My DD for the gas and elec bills has gone up by 50%, which is strangely about the same amount in £ that I spend on golf each month. With a 2 year old and a pregnant wife, I'm expecting things to get quite difficult in near future. Yes, if a gave up the smokes that'll save me £50 or so a month, but I don't pub it much anymore, once a month if that. The wife belongs to a health club, but I wouldn't want to take that away from her, and her similarly with the golf for me. Which is appreciated. We just have to find other ways of cutting back, regardless of any recession.

 

[HTL]

No change for me. Got all the gear, still got no idea but loving my golf.

 

[forefortheday]

It might be a good time to buy gear in a few months as retail trade starts to fall ,lots of my retail customers are feeling the pinch already so who knows there could be some bargains to be had!

As far as Golf goes I'll keep playing. I am only buying clubs for Christmas and birthday anyway as I'm spending money on lessons next year

 

[Parmo]

I got my Hybrids for £20 each!! bargin the flight is a tad low but a set of great clubs for £40 and my MD was only £30, I never realised that good golf gear could cost so little.

 

[Ronnoc1980]

 

[Ronnoc1980]

Well for me its a very tough time at work however the sign's for next year are looking good just got to hope I make it that far!!

On the golf front i was planing to move clubs next yr to one with a 1k joining fee but with the way things are i have made my mind up to stay put.The £1000 is saved and put aside for my joining fee however that may well need to be put towards bills ect if my job gets cut.

Having said that i have the view that if at 28 i cant find work in what ever filed be it cleaning toilets to pay the bills then i need a good kick up the ass.

I live within walking distance of my club so will always be able to get there and if i need to sell the spike out of my shoes to keep playing then so be it !!!

 

[Cernunnos]

I think I will probably save money by not having lessons in 2009, or at least not as many. It'll help topay for my golf fees in the savings I make.

 

[toyboy54]

John_F&madandra......as per craigm's comments you are more than welcome to play at Ferenze(down side is that you get me!?)

 

[OldWindy]

Oddly enough, I'm more likely to play more as it's getting very difficult to find work atm.

 

[viscount17]

it costs me more getting to and from work than it does to play golf so logically I should give up work.