Even though I’m still not the best golfer on the course or even somewhere in the middle just yet, I still love to take in the golf culture.  My buddies and I trade “old man golf banter” back and forth as much as possible through the 18 holes, swapping great old lines our father’s used to say, and still say.

“Does your husband play golf” when you’re a bit soft on the putter or “it never rains on the golf course” (when it’s clearly going to rain) are frequently revisited along with the classic, “the worst day on the golf course is better than the best day in the office.” Another one my pops always told me, and this was true with any sport I picked up along the way was, “you’ve got to look right to play right.”  Tuck in your shirt, don’t look like a slob, shine your soccer cleats, etc, and you’re more likely to be prepared and succeed.

That leads me to part 2 of golfing on the cheap in New York and more specifically around NYC.  (In case you missed part 1 of “NYC Golf on the Cheap,” click here.) While part 1 was about where to play on the cheap, part 2 is about where to get the golf clubs, gloves, shirts and all the other ever so important golf accessories for a discounted price.

First thing’s first, if you’re fairly new to golf you do not need a brand new set of clubs.  A full set of irons with woods and a putter isn’t cheap and at this level you just need a sufficient set to learn the game.  However with the economy tanking golf clubs and brands are struggling and you may be able to snag a good deal at basic value retailers like Costco Golf [link] or Walmart Golf [link].

Golf clubs are somewhat like cars in that the second they’re off the lot the value drops. Let someone else pay the full price, trade them in and you will be just fine with your new set of pre-owned clubs.  Many times your local course will have said sets at their pro shop which is definitely looking into but there are also plenty of viable online options.  Golfsmith has a fairly extensive pre-owned section [link] along with The Golf Warehouse [link], Golf Galaxy [link], 3 Balls [link], Golf Outlet [link] and the Callaway Outlet [link] which also has a section for other brands through their trade-in program [link].

The thing about pre-owned clubs is that you’re going to have to do some homework.  The stock is different at every retailer so it’s worth looking into each one for the set of your choice.  I suggest walking into your local Golfsmith or retailer for a free swing examination to help choose the best clubs for your swing, ie. graphite versus steel shafts, flex versus stiff, etc.

For the hardcore deal seekers there’s always Craigslist [link] and Ebay [link] as well.  Doesn’t hurt to take a look there but don’t expect to be blown away by anything.  If it’s too good to be true, it usually is.

Once you’ve got the clubs it’s time to get the rest of the gear.  All of the aforementioned retailers have all the accessories one could need, but it’s also worth checking Dick’s [link], Sports Authority [link] and Sam’s Club [link] for sales.

Look at you - you look great! Even if you’re stinking up the course, you look good and you definitely can’t blame your gear! Hmmm, maybe you need a brush up on your game before heading out to the actual greens.

Last night I was lucky enough to get an invite to a promotional party at Golf Manhattan [link], a new venture in the city that uses a highly technical simulator to play 18 holes.  You can play TPC Sawgrass, Pebble Beach and about 25 more pristine holes in their simulator.  Unfortunately you can’t putt in the simulator (“drive for show, putt for dough”), but everything else about it is top notch simulation, even the sound effects.

Right now Golf Manhattan is leasing a room in a spa on 25th between Lexington and Park, but look out for a huge complex coming soon on the west side that looks a bit like Bowlmor Lanes - the popular nightlife bowling spot outside of Union Square where the music is bumping, the lights are flashing and the drinks are flowing.

So now you’ve got the clubs, the gear and your game is in form. You’re officially ready to play. Step 1, join The 405 Golf Club here [link].  Step 2, Go back to Part 1 of “NYC Golf on the Cheap” [link] and hit the course for a discounted rate.

Godspeed on the greens my 405 club friends.  Fix up, look sharp and hit ‘em straight.

-By Garrett Dale, Founding Member, Music Industry Professional, Online Marketing Expert and golfer in-training