It's that strange time of year that can bring great fear for some and great joy for others. Tax season is winding to a close, and while some are walking away cursing the government, others have some extra cash burning a hole in their wallet. For those of you in the latter category, look no further: here's your guide to spending that refund on what really matters.
Upgrade your gear
Photo: Callaway
Let's start with the obvious one. Everyone knows that when you look good and feel good, you play good. Manufacturers are releasing their new lines now so whether you're Team TaylorMade or Team Callaway, you can be the first among your friends to rock the latest club tech. Or maybe you've got Masters fever and want to embrace your inner dad by rocking these special edition New Balances. Or maybe you golf like me and go through a sleeve or four of balls every round, so now's a good time to snag some ProV1s in bulk (or really get your money's worth and hit up Costco for some K Sigs). Go ahead, I'll let you take a minute stocking your cart before we continue on...
Take lessons
Photo: Golf.com
Hopefully you've made it back from your shopping spree and are ready to get hit by a sobering dose of reality: all the new gear in the world is only going to have a marginal (at best) impact on your game. Whether you're trying to become a bogey golfer, grinding your handicap to the single digits, or on the arduous journey to scratch golf, you need professional help if you want to make noticeable improvements. When you're ready for your reality check, head on over to this site to find a PGA certified coach for your skill level in your area .
Cross some courses off your bucket list
Photo: Torrey Pines
What's the point of spending money on golf stuff if it never sees the course? Now's the time to hit up one of the courses that will hit your wallet more than your typical weekend round but will play on loop in your memory (and your Instagram feed). There's plenty of courses that check that box available at home in SoCal, or you could go big with it and take that long-awaited trip to Pebble, Bandon, or Scotland.
Join a golf club
Photo: Thomas Reiten
Think of this as using your money to make a long-term investment in your golf game. Playing a round only lasts you 4-5 hours, equipment eventually gets old and needs to be replaced, but joining a club will connect you to a network of golfers that will provide you with friends and playing opportunities for life. This could mean finally saving up to join a country club and also gaining access to all the premium amenities that comes with your membership. But it could also mean joining a public club, which typically costs somewhere between $50-$150 a year, and using your leftover funds for all those extra rounds you'll be playing with your new community. Either way, the SCGA is here to help you find the right golf home.
Give back to the game
Photo: SCGA Junior
For those of you that answer the question "What would you do if you won the lottery?" with "Give the money to charity," here's the option for you. The game of golf is in a healthy place right now, but it won't stay that way forever without new players taking up the game. You could choose to give some of that refund to a local organization, like the SCGA's Junior Golf Foundation, that provides opportunities for the next generation to take up golf, or take the opportunity to get a friend or co-worker out on the course that wouldn't without your help.
Play more golf
Photo: Thomas Reiten
In case you hadn't already noticed, or hadn't guessed by reading this blog, golf isn't cheap. There's a reason "it costs too much" is one the most popular excuses for why more people don't golf, but as you know, once you're hooked you want to spend every extra penny you have on this stupid, frustrating, wonderful sport. So if you were fortunate enough to come away with some extra spending cash this month, I hope you'll use it to do something you love, especially if that thing is golf.
