Smart spending: The best ways for a mid-handicap golfer to invest in their game

In golf, as in real estate, you always aspire to a better neighborhood. Movin’ on up — aka improving your handicap — requires many things, and one of them is money. The cliché that you can’t buy a better game? Nonsense. Spend wisely and you’ll be primed to ascend the leaderboard this season. So I created three sample plans — based on skill level — for a $5,000 budget to get you thinking clearly about how to use your golf cash more wisely on the fairways and in the pro shop. Here are the best ways for a mid-handicap golfer to invest in their game.

The best ways for a mid-handicap golfer to invest in their game

$200-an-hour instructor, 10-lesson package: $2,000

— Refine mechanics
— Dial in the driver
— On-course game plan and strategy

Tournament and/or league fees: $132

There’s nothing like competitive golf for feedback on what your game needs.

Six dozen Titleist Tour Soft golf balls: $210

High-quality “fresh eggs” without breaking the bank.

MNML V2 carry golf bag: $249

Fewer ounces to hoof can mean fewer strokes — and a healthier back.

MNML x GOLF Stand Bag

We’ve partnered with our friends at MNML Golf — originators of the highest-tech bag on the market — to bring you a limited-edition GOLF-branded bag. At just five pounds, it features a solar battery pack for on-course charging, a bluetooth speaker and phone holder filming pocket that works with any size phone. Read more about why we LOVE this bag here.

$330 from proshop.golf.com

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J. Lindeberg Brad polo: $100

Contemporary fit and style. Look good, play good.

Gapping session: $75

Spend an hour with a pro or fitter learning your exact yardages.

Bushnell Tour V5 rangefinder: $300

After your gapping session, it will prove even more handy.

Bushnell Tour V5 Patriot Pack Laser

Bushnell has added even more clarity and improved jolt technology to the Tour V5 Shift. The Tour V5 Shift is designed with a built-in BITE Magnetic Cart Mount and a newly designed premium carry case. Each rangefinder also sports a CR2 battery. This device offers 6x magnification and can reach targets up to 400+ yards. It is equipped with Pinseeker because of the visual JOLT Technology. The clearer and brighter optics allow you to lock into your target much easier and the distance displays much clearer. GOLF.com’s senior equipment editor Andrew Tursky mentioned these as a potential major headache-saver on the course.

$299.99 from proshop.golf.com

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SuperFlex Golf Fitness Kit: $75

Easy-to-use bands and workout handles, great for improving strength and flexibility.

Adidas S2G golf shoes: $100

These comfy kicks say “I’m a player.”

Wedge fitting and three wedges: $700

It’s time to start taking advantage of those scoring opportunities.

Driver fitting and new driver: $889

It’s time to start setting up more scoring opportunities.

Perfect Putting Mat: $170

Roll it better with the practice mat used by the pros.

Total: $5,000

Want to overhaul your bag for 2021? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.