Show notes
Is golf too expensive, or are we just soft? This week Cole and Stefan stop crying into their credit card statements long enough to actually run the numbers — and what they found is wild. From the COVID golf boom that added nearly 50 million players, to drivers that somehow cost a grand, to $83 dozens of Pro V1s, we break down exactly where your golf money is going and whether any of it is actually worth it.But first: a full recap of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, including a course that spent $1 million+ per hole and STILL got lit up for 60. We get into Wyndham Clark's win and why his post-round comments rubbed us the wrong way, and the 446-yard drive that broke our brains. Plus the Blades Brown breakout at 19 — and the brutal PGA Tour status catch-22 that comes with it.Then it's the main event. Green fees in the US vs. Canada vs. the UK & Ireland (North Berwick, Nairn, Turnberry — the numbers are insane), why the one-year driver cycle is finally cracking, the truth about Miura and direct-to-consumer irons, golf balls being the only purchase that actually makes sense, and why $5,000-a-day golf lessons exist. We even put it all in context against NFL tickets, movie nights, and ski passes.A PGA of Canada pro and a 3.5 handicap who buys too many clubs argue economics, status, and whether the bubble is about to burst. You already know the answer — but you'll enjoy getting there.#golf #golfpodcast #golfequipment #pgatour #wyndhamclark #titleist #taylormade #provi #golfcourse #sandbaggersessions⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 — Cold open: hole-in-ones, Habs vs. Leafs & a Premier League tangent02:46 — The big question: is golf too expensive?03:49 — CJ Cup Byron Nelson recap & a $1M-per-hole course design rant06:17 — Wyndham Clark's win + the Oakmont controversy he won't own09:00 — Longest drives on tour (446 yards is not real)10:23 — Blades Brown's breakout at 19 & the PGA Tour status dilemma17:11 — The brutal gap between a plus-handicap and an actual pro18:13 — Fantasy picks update + Charles Schwab Challenge picks22:29 — Scotland trip hype: Carnoustie, North Berwick & birthday golf24:22 — MAIN EVENT: Is golf too expensive?25:59 — The COVID golf boom, by the numbers29:19 — Green fees: US vs. Canada vs. UK & Ireland37:49 — Resident pricing, golf tourism & Ontario destinations41:18 — Drivers: why are they $1,000 now? (one-year vs. two-year cycles)49:00 — Grips, used clubs & the great golf price-gouge57:00 — Miura, direct-to-consumer irons & golf as a status symbol59:00 — Golf balls: the one purchase that actually makes sense1:09:00 — The truth about $5,000 golf lessons1:12:00 — Everything's expensive: NFL tickets, movies & ski passes