expensive hobbySports, collecting or being creative: we all have hobbies. But some people spend a lot more on that than others. Every week we ask someone about their expensive hobby. This week: Inge Sikkens (60) spends 3000 euros a year on golf.
Why golf?
,,I always rode horses, but my knee gave out in 2012 and I was not allowed to fall again. My husband had just started playing golf at the time and I also bought a cheap set to try it out. But I didn’t have that set for long, because I was immediately addicted.”
How did that happen?
,,Once you hit nice balls, you want more. In golf you really play against yourself. I like that because I’m not much of a team player. Mindset is important here: you can have a good shot, but your head also has to be in the right place. And of course you are outside.”
Our club is relatively cheap with 1200 euros per year, because it is in the north
It’s not known as a cheap sport is it?
,,No Unfortunately not. I have 3000 euros in my golf bag. My driver – the club with the big head you tee off with – was 500 euros. The regular clubs are between 130 and 150 euros. You can buy a set on the marketplace for 125 euros, but if you really want something, you have to have clubs made to measure.”
You also have to pay for membership. Our club is relatively cheap at 1200 euros per year, because it is located in the north. We also go to other courts to play. You pay 80 to 100 euros each time for that.”
Are there more costs?
,,I have a rain suit for 400 euros. A skirt costs 60 to 100 euros, shoes cost 150 euros. I like to buy something new every now and then, but I don’t have to. It won’t improve your game, haha. What you do need are a lot of golf balls: they are between 3.50 and 5 euros. On a bad day you can just throw a few into the woods.”
,,And I participate in competitions, because I like the competitive. For that I have lessons once every two weeks: that’s 30 euros per half hour. Entry fee for a competition costs 100 euros. There is no prize money, but you can win a shoe voucher or a new putter. Every now and then the main prize is a golf trip, but then you have to participate in several tournaments.”
Are you going on a golf trip yourself?
,,We went to Portugal and Spain a few times for a golf holiday. The ground and grass are different there, so the track is faster. After playing golf you can sit on the terrace. Such a holiday costs 1000 euros, then you can play golf three or four times.”
I spend about 3000 euros a year on golf, so I don’t drive an expensive car
Do you have to leave something financially for this sport?
“It’s more about time. Girlfriends go shopping, I go golfing. If you play 18 holes, you will be on the road for 4 hours. If you want to play well, you are on the court 16 hours a week. At a competition match you sometimes get up at half past four and you are home at midnight.”
,,I spend about 3000 euros a year on golf, so I don’t drive an expensive car. I think it’s a shame it’s expensive, that’s why the sport has such a posh image and that is no longer the case.”
New?
“It is certainly not just for notaries and general practitioners. I have a lot of fun with my club friends. The atmosphere is sporty and everyone approaches each other with respect. But it is not the cheapest sport. This is because the lanes require so much maintenance. Fortunately, it is cheaper for young people: they pay 125 euros per year. The sport needs to rejuvenate a bit.”
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