Recently, I had a rare sit-down with a few seasoned golfers like myself. We shared the same quiet truth, something we rarely say out loud on the course.

We don’t buy new golf sets anymore.

Not because we’ve stopped loving the game. Not because we’re not tempted by the shiny new clubs on display.

I remembered my golfing companion laughing loudly on the tee box as I teased him, “死穷鬼没有钱还打 golf!” He replied, “你不是跟我一样穷吗?”

But because, let’s be honest … the price now is crazy.

Let me bring you back a little.

There was a time when getting a Scotty Cameron putter for under RM1,000 was possible.

I remember holding one in my hands, admiring the feel, the balance, the weight — all under RM1K. Today? Try RM2,000 and above.

A decent golf wedge? Back then, RM400 could get you something solid. Now? RM1,000 is the new normal.

And don’t get me started on iron sets. Mine cost me slightly above RM2,000 years ago. Today’s top sets? RM10,000 easy.

You could buy a motorbike with that kind of money.

As we sipped our kopi at the club café, one of the guys said something that stuck with me:

“The ball still flies.
The swing is still ours.
Why upgrade the tools when the old ones still get the job done?”

He’s right.

It’s not about being stingy. We’ve just reached a point where value beats vanity.

Sure, new tech may help — but not RM8,000 worth of help. Especially when you know it’s still the Indian, not the arrow.

This month, I noticed the wear on my 56-degree wedge, the once-crisp spins were now unpredictable.

It was time for a replacement for my more than 10-year-old wedge.

I reached out to my local golf shop, and they offered me a steep discount on a brand-new wedge, a tempting deal, considering the rising prices of golf equipment.

However, as I browsed the shop, my eyes caught a second-hand Japanese-forged wedge.

I was drawn to the soft feel and craftsmanship of Japanese clubs, which are renowned for their meticulous forging processes, producing clubs with exceptional feel and feedback.

In the end, I chose the second hand Japanese wedge. It wasn’t just about performance; it was about the feel and second hand price.

So next time you see us teeing off with our “classic” sets, don’t laugh.

I am not outdated. I am just experienced… and a little wiser with my wallets.

Uncle no shy one… old club also can play. Score count, not the bling-bling club.