So, for most of the country (a.k.a. those of us not lucky enough to live in B.C.’s Lower Mainland or around Victoria), the golf season is about to unfold.
And, along with that glorious news, comes the perennial plaintive blat: “I don’t play golf because it’s too expensive.”
Translated, that means: “I don’t want to play golf.”
I’m not arguing that it costs an arm and a leg and at least one internal organ to tee it up in most metropolitan regions. (My advice: Pick a kidney. You’ve got a spare.)
But how many of you ski in metro areas? (OK, Vancouverites. Shut up.)
Skiers think nothing of driving a couple of hours to the slopes early in the morning, having an enjoyable day with family and friends, and then driving back home. They might even spend a weekend at a ski destination.
So why not do the same thing for a day or two of golf?
I just came from a tour of a very good new course named Settlers’ Ghost near Barrie, about an hour north of Toronto.
Greens fees: $53 weekdays, $63 weekends. Juniors half price. Nice 6,300-yard, professionally designed, links-style layout. Excellent restaurant. Cool stay-and-play packages at some beautiful villas across the road. There are other reasonably priced courses nearby.
Not that I want to take anything away from Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia or the Kootenays or any other region that’s marketing the hell out of itself by featuring Huronia, but Canada is positively riddled with these great, affordable golf destinations, no matter what province you live in.
Now get off your fat butts, dust off the clubs (If you don’t have any, Golf Town has a full set and bag for $129, two dozen Maxflis for 20 bucks), stop complaining, and play golf.
I’m on the first tee at 9 a.m. Sunday at Simoro Golf Links: Greens fee $38, annual membership $1,160.
Such a deal.
But that’s just the price of admission. You should see the skins game pot…
You were right. Golf can be very expensive!
I just hope some of you pigeons show up at Simoro. I need to pay off my membership. The line starts here.
John Gordon (www.johngordon.net) is Sportsnet’s golf analyst.
you’re right john, if you want to play golf you play, but it’s not a cheap pasttime for those of us who don’t boast a six figure salary….good thing my college student membership is $500….WOOT!
jaybc |
6:11 PM, Thursday April 17, 2008
You are a complete moron. I live in Medicine Hat, Alberta and I have to drive to Bow Island to get a decently priced round of golf. $1500.00 memberships, $70.00 dollar rounds at $25 for a cart. Get bent! Every course thinks they’re Pebble Beach with their members only courses in butthole nowhere fighting off rattlesnakes with my seven iron, dry as hell and windier that a chicago spring. $245.00 to take my wife and son for a round of golf. Yah, I’d say its a little pricey for the average Joe to get off his ass and hit the course.. And by the way; who are you and what did you do with Chris Nichols and his awsome fantasy hockey blogs?
WestAllstar |
8:51 PM, Thursday April 17, 2008
For me I do get spoiled living in the Okanagan area of BC, but my god if they expect to get young people to golf then bring the memberships down from the 2000-5000 dollars a year. I can play a summers worth of soccer for $150 plus shoes and a kit. I can also buy a kayak and a mountain bike for one year’s membership. I used to golf 40-60 times a year ($500 university membership), but like one blogger said I’m in my late 20’s, out of school, just starting out, and I want to golf, but green fees are crazy!! How do they expect people to play when they’re young adults and it’s that expensive?
popejohn4 |
9:59 PM, Thursday April 17, 2008
Just another comment out of toronto that makes no sense at all!!! I live in Rural Saskatchewan and there are some gems out here that you can go and golf 18 with a cart for less than $60.00 however go into saskatoon…..Where???? and you are looking at green fees that are nearing the 70 dollar mark then add a cart and a snack after nine and your a $100.00 a person. Give me a break. I love to golf, thank god i work in an industry that likes to take their retailers golfing otherwise i’d never golf a round in Saskatoon!
OilSlix |
10:35 AM, Friday April 18, 2008
I’m fortunate enough to hail from a small town. We have a gorgeous 9-hole course, nothing fancy, and all it costs is (are you ready for this?) $27.50 for an adult to play 9 holes, and $43.50 to play 18. Memberships cost as low as $750/year. It’s just a matter of taking the time to find a good golf course! Naturally some are going to be expensive, but once you find a lovely little gem, even if it is just 9 holes, it’s worth it. If you are complaining about having to pay so much money for golf, then don’t golf. Enough said. If you really want to golf, you want to golf. Don’t sit here and post these complaints! Get over it!
smartguy101 |
12:15 AM, Wednesday April 23, 2008