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Can You Buy a Better Golf Game with $500?

BY Connor Lindeman
Aug 8th 2024
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It’s an interesting question. One that I’ve been thinking about a lot.

Is there anything you could buy with $500 that would make you instantly better at golf? No lessons, though. We’re strictly talking golf gear.

I don’t want to influence what you choose, so I’ll keep my list to myself. But I will share a few things I know I wouldn’t spend $500 if I wanted to improve my golf game.

Golf shoes. I don’t think any golf shoe can instantly make you a measurably better golfer
New clothes. While you might look better, I don’t forsee a new polo making you better
Training aids. I’m not a big fan of most training aids, and personally don’t see much value in most any of them

So, how would you spend your $500? New clubs? Golf balls? There are a million different things you could do. But what will have the most impact?

Drop a comment down below and let me know. I’ll choose a winner and send you a MyGolfSpy care package!

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Connor Lindeman

Connor is MyGolfSpy's resident sneakerhead who believes that golf is more enjoyable with a fresh pair of kicks. When he isn't scrolling Twitter to find his next golf shoe purchase, you can find him at the piano or trying a new dessert place with his wife. #Lefty

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Connor Lindeman

Driver Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond	Hybrid Cobra KING TEC
Irons Srixon ZX4 MK II	Wedges Titleist Vokey SM10
Putter L.A.B Mezz.1 Max Custom	Ball Maxfli Tour X

Connor Lindeman

comments

Join The Discussion

Gerry Teigrob

4 weeks ago

I would look into a demo set of Radspeed irons in UST Mamiya recoil graphite shafts. That way I would be playing an upgrade to my Speedzones and have this newer design to work down to the Speedzone irons and the F9s. I can never get enough of game improvement irons and have found that the stronger lofts in the Speedzone irons are not as concerning as I used to think. Unless I came across $500 somehow, I will stick with my current Speedzone irons and F9s.

Richard Voeks

4 weeks ago

I would get the: 1. Best putting mat for indoor practice: 2. Get fitted for a new putter: and/or 3 .Fitted for/and purchase a new set of wedges.

Alan Quigley

1 month ago

Perfect sit up and perfect push up to strengthen the core muscles so you can last a whole round and have a strong core to perfect your swing around.

Brett Alan

1 month ago

Well I’d put the $500 into an electric trolley. I know that they cost more but to be able to play the final 5 holes with energy has been the biggest improvement in my game in the last 2 years. I’m not worn-out, dragging my trolley down the final holes. I’m actually standing on the 18th tee launching it down the middle and thinking about the next shot and smiling. I’m 56yrs old.

Ian

1 month ago

Arccos or Shot Scope, a HackMotion, and a gapping session fit (if that even costs anything at a big box store or Club Champion). Being able to track stats on where in your game is losing the most strokes while also knowing your yardages and basically having a virtual caddie to help with club selection is invaluable. HackMotion can course correct a ton of swing faults and dial in the key ingredient of club face control. Their haptic feedback makes drilling these positions pretty intuitive and it’s a training aid that links to your phone via an app where you can track your session progress. Knowing your bag is set up with the right gaps between clubs is huge. Bending an iron here or there can make a player a lot more confident that they can reach a green or clear a hazard.

You’d be hard pressed to get a fitting and new driver these days for under $500. Putters can be so personal that a decent player can make a lot of different things work and render a whole putter fitting useless, ie look at Tony Finau…

Sarodge Dechgan

1 month ago

I would say a launch monitor. There are a few under $500. You will always need to know your club’s distances. It’ll help when you need to dial distances under 100 yards. Some models will give you spin. Sometimes on the range, you’ll never actually see how far the ball goes.

Travis Olson

1 month ago

I will say, that as a beginning golfer, shoes made a huge difference. Going from tennis shoes to actual golf shoes in high school made me way more consistent. But assuming someone has shoes, clubs and balls, I think the most important thing for a golfer to know is their distance and the distance they hit their clubs. I tried a few gps tracking golf apps. Some were good, some did not work. Finally decided to buy the Arccos things. They have made me better just based on the data I get after a round. Distances are known and monitored. So new golfers should get something that will track/record distance. Good golfers probably need something else. I’ll let you know what that is if I ever get good enough.

Rick

1 month ago

I would pick up a 49* and 57* Edison 2.0 wedge to go along with my 53*. With the money left over I would regrip the rest of my clubs.

Matt

1 month ago

I’d say a putter if we’re talking about spending an entire $500, but to make it interesting, I’d say a Range Finder and good balls. Could also consider fresh wedges.

Manuel Camunas

1 month ago

Iv never been fitted for a driver so I’d love to to spend that money having someone who knows what they are talking about selecting options for me.

Busto

1 month ago

Does a reliable club fitting count as a lesson or training aid?
I’ve had Multiple Sclerosis for almost twenty years. I’m not saying I was a scratch golfer in my healthier youth. But I know I was a better ball striker. I used to play a fade dominant game. Nowadays I have more of a draw dominant one. When my body cooperates, I can get to stretches of bogey golf. But I feel like my mid-round adjustments are equipment based Being an average sized person (6 feet tall & 160 lbs), I’ve always used standard equipment. I would love for someone to figure out how my clubs should be tuned.

Matt Barton

1 month ago

The oldest club in my bag is my putter. I had to kill a little time the other day so I stopped in Golf Galaxy and looked at a few putters. A couple of days later I saw a FB post about a putter aim challenge at Edel golf. All the signs are pointing to upgrade my putter. You set me up with $500 and I’ll go to Edel and get fitted for a new putter, post about my experience. Sounds like a MGS win, win if you ask me.

Amol

1 month ago

He can book a training session with a reputed coach and learn about his mistakes that he need to correct,ay be also video record them so that he can practice and become good at his game

Steve

1 month ago

I would get a motor for my push cart. Haven’t joined the local club because dues don’t include cart fees, and course is tough to walk. Motor for my cart makes it walkable and the dues then make sense. I then play more golf and get better.

Chris

1 month ago

Would have to be a putter. I’m thinking where you go your probably doing a fitting at no cost if buying from the store. And have the putter in hand walking out and straight to the course.

Tom McGregor

1 month ago

I would say a proper driver shaft. Everyone focuses on the head but shaft make such a big difference. I wish My Golf Spy went down that track more. I would love to see shaft breakdowns and quality reviews like you’ve done with balls. I would love to see you guys expose some of QC issues out there:

Kelly

1 month ago

I recently spend $500 on a club fitting and a new driver that absolutely improved my game. I was playing an old driver with a regular flex that the club fitter said was like swinging a roulette wheel. So they put me in a stiff flex and a heavier shaft and now i’m actually finding the fairway consistently instead of spending a lot of time looking for my ball OB after the tee shot.

KJC

1 month ago

The question is “what can make you instantly better”, but not lessons. I believe that most golfers do not know their yardages for each club. Knowing your actual carry and total distances would prevent under clubbing (and take the EGO out of the club selection). So, the most reliable launch monitor you can afford, or an Arcos like system, will help you hit more greens.

Keith Singleton

1 month ago

Best to spend that $500 on getting a fitting for the full bag. Including the ball being used. That will improve your game more rapidly than anything else you could do. Get the right equipment for where you are in your journey today and set goals for future improvement.

Corey Martin

1 month ago

Garmin R10 launch monitor. get some numbers going. I know people say it’s not the MOST accurate. But let me say its damn good enough. My score has dropped dramatically with it’s help. swing path, club face, ball speed, all are awesome. Depending on your home course conditions you may need to adjust a little for distance but I was able to map out my bag for distances over the winter and when this summer came I came onto the course drastically better than I did walking off last fall. Sure I’d love a BLP but I’ll never regret purchasing the Garmin r10. Now set up with simulation and GS pro and its just fantastic for me and my friends to improve, even when the weather won’t let us do it outside.

adrian

1 month ago

I would buy simulator time to work on strike, launch angles, etc…getting my distances and dispersion improved.

Bob

1 month ago

Get fitted for your clubs…and don’t overlook a putter fitting! If you fix your swing but don’t have properly fitted clubs you shortchange yourself and start adjusting your swing to your equipment and end up guessing why you are so inconsistent…

The Artful Duffer

1 month ago

Lessons/swing analysis, range time, and a session with the chiropractor. Gonna need an adjustment after digging the game out of the turf.

Alan

1 month ago

$140 – perfect putting compact matt
$180 – Blast swing and stroke analyzer
Brad Faxon putting videos are free with Blast
Dropped putting 3 strokes on average this year.

john

1 month ago

For most recreational golfers, I would recommend getting new grips each season and in between washing the grips every week to remove the dust, dirt and sweat from them. The feel of the club will be surprisingly better.

Dan S.

1 month ago

I’d take my wife out for a nice dinner and a show. A thank you for allowing g me the time to do the things I lo e doing.

Travis Olson

1 month ago

Ok…….this guy is on to something. This way, you might be allowed to golf more! But $500? You can get a nice pizza for $12. And then hit the early show for a discount. Then use the $400 on stuff you might need.

Taylor E

1 month ago

There are some teachers who will play a round or two with you. If you can find them for a decent price try to find someone who can play with you and write down the tips they are giving you and in each situation. Then as you’re playing on your own you can try to mimic what they showed you the first time. Depending on their cost, you could maybe get a discounted punch pass for your local course and then you have more rounds to keep perfecting what they taught you and the more you play the better you’ll get.

Zach G

1 month ago

Definitely time on the trackman. Utilizing the swing analyzer and comparing my swing to the pros as well with the cameras. Maybe a couple lessons, and throw in some gear

Jeremy Glenn

1 month ago

Get fitted for a set of irons and put the rest of the money toward the purchase. A iron game is a must!

Jamahl Thomas

1 month ago

New wedges and/or a hybrid. With any leftover money, I’d get a swing analysis or driver fitting. If it’s not for me, I’d get my son his first set of clubs.

Curtis

1 month ago

I would put it towards new fitted clubs for my daughter. She is 14 and just made her varsity golf team as a freshman yesterday. She currently has an old set of Stratas.

Mike Fugatt

1 month ago

I believe getting your swing analyzed and find out what the best clubs/shafts are that fit your swing. Game forgiving heads and senior shafts might be exactly was is needed and golfer might be playing with the wrong equipment just because they might think those sound beneath them and they’re trying to make “what the pros play” work for them instead.

Dave Johnson

1 month ago

Pay for a fitting on your driver, invest in the proper shaft. If you can get a new driver with that shaft, even better.
HUGE difference.

Jeff W

1 month ago

What would make me instantly better would be to improve my bunker play and chipping around the greens. So as long as I could take the relentless ribbing from my weekend group, I’d buy a Cleveland chipper and a sure out wide sole sand wedge. And if anything is left over I’d buy the most forgiving putter I could stand to look at.

WhoaNellie

1 month ago

Amen, brotha! Cleveland Smart Sole Full Face Chipper (C) and Sand Wedge (S) will improve the short game immensely. If one is distance challenged and having to use longer clubs for approach shots, these two clubs make “up and down” much more gettable. You can buy two clubs and have $200 left for a putting mat. It doesn’t have to be large–the Smart Soles will be leaving you with shorter putts.

Christopher Berry

1 month ago

I would either get a Ai One #7 putter and a Vokey 60 degree wedge or I would get a Vokey wedge set 60.08, 56.10, 52.10 Sm10s and I would be happy as can be 😉 Flash ⚡🏌🏻‍♀️⛳

Kevin S.

1 month ago

My bag is set , so I would split my $500 golf windfall between a kickass home putting practice setup and several dozen of my favorite golf balls ( currently Maxfli Tour ) . Currently the weakest part of my game seems to be my putting , so improving there would be the biggest bang for my buck .

Mike Fugatt

1 month ago

Kevin, I cannot recommend the Perfect Practice putting mat enough. I’ve had mine for 3 yrs and now I got more confidence than i ever had and putting is now my strength. I expect to make everything inside 6 ft.

Kellen

1 month ago

The answer to your question is yes you can. And what you buy to do this is a pack of lessons. $500 in lessons over $500 on any equipment or training aid all day every day if improvement is your goal.

Nick

1 month ago

I’m easily buying some kind of lesson package with the 500$!! I’d like to think my gear is top notch at the moment but I have a 2$ swing 😂

David Rieke

1 month ago

At 80 years old I need all the help I can get so I would add a few dollars and get a Ping 3 and 5 G430 HL Hybrid and fly high.

Jeff Ricciardi

1 month ago

Lessons!

Bob Jerabek

1 month ago

I recently donated 2 bags of children clubs to the local First Tee, I could throw a little extra money in and probably get 3 more sets to donate. I have more than enough equipment and it would make good karma to help my game.

PA Smith

1 month ago

Yes. I would donate the $500 to the local kids teaching facility. I’ve already spent enough on me…fittings, golf clubs, bags, shoes, memberships, group and private lessons, indoor simulators sessions, etc… and I’m still a 12 handicapper.

Jim

1 month ago

New wedges is the only thing that would help and be within the $500

Pete

1 month ago

What I should buy is lessons. What I probably would buy is a new driver.

James

1 month ago

$500 goes really fast – not enough for most high-end drivers, and definitely not enough for new irons. That pretty much leaves you with fairway woods, hybrids, wedges, and putters – with very few exceptions. So it I’m taking $500 to buy a better game, I’d spend it this way:
– Rapsodo MLM Launch Monitor – $299.99
– Tee Strike Pro Mat – $157.95
– Sleeve of Titleist ProV1 RCT balls – $24.95
– Titleist hat that I keep seeing on TikTok with discount for first order – remaining $17.11
– Still topping your driver short of the ladies’ tee on #1 – priceless.

David Nowacki

1 month ago

My formula for better golf:
1. Reduce mis-hits and penalties.
2. If I’m off greens inside of 100, make sure I get on
3. Reduce 3-putting

To tackle number 1 this year, I bought the Prosendr to correct wrist conditions (I was way too radial on my backswing) and become a more consistent striker, better contact and smash factor with the same speed. Huge reduction in misses / dropped shots. Also- upgraded to a stouter after market shaft that was shorter, big increase in playable balls off the tee. $300.

To tackle number 2, replaced my 56 wedge to one with more bounce and a higher CG that matched my iron shafts. This helped on wedge shots that were fat on soft turf and rolled up the face in the rough coming up short. $150.

Finally, regripped my putter, did a free static fitting and adjusted the putter lie. $17.

Started the season as a 17 index, down to 12 with my eyes on single digits.

J. D. Smith

1 month ago

I would buy a new putter, sand wedge, and golf balls. too many tweener distances for lob and gap wedge.

Wes

1 month ago

For $150 buy a SuperSpeed System. Who doesn’t want/need to be 15yrds longer? Even Bryson is trying to get longer and faster. The other $350 is a range finder to dial in your numbers. So now you’re longer and you can hit your number. I guarantee these two things will make you a better golfer.

Bill

1 month ago

Sub 70 pro v2 three wood and new driver when it’s released.

Fred Guerrero

1 month ago

I would need to find a deal for a Ping Max 10K Driver (What are they $600). These slices from the tee need to stop. My heart cannot take it anymore..LOL!!!

Rory Spears

1 month ago

I would buy a new Lab Golf putter

Andrew

1 month ago

I think one of the most overlooked ways to improve is to get a wedge fitting. Not as flashy as a driver fitting or even a putter fitting, but probably more important when it comes to improving your score. I don’t know if $500 would be enough for a new set of custom fit wedges, but that is definitely where I’d start.

Seth

1 month ago

Id get fit for a 3 wood and get an orange whip. New club and training aid, sounds fantastic to me.

Scott

1 month ago

With $500 I would probably buy 2 golf lessons with a top-rated PGA golf instructor. This personalized coaching can help me refine my swing technique and address any specific issues in my overall game.
I would also do a club fitting. A custom club fitting session can optimize the equipment for my swing. Properly fitted clubs can lead to immediate improvements on the course.
The last thing I would purchase would be investing in a high-quality rangefinder or a golf GPS device.

Will Rowland

1 month ago

With a $500 limit a new driver would be the way to go. Have the driver fit to your swing in the store and get to the range/course. Adapt your swing to the new driver. Your new driver will get you closer to the green. Closest to the green wins amateur matches.

Jay

1 month ago

I would buy Dr. Bob Rotella’s book Golf Is Not A game Of Perfect and then I would buy a putting mat and practice my butt off. Get your head right and improve your putting.

Mike Fugatt

1 month ago

Jay, Rotella is awesome. I would suggest his book “Putting Out Of Your Mind”. Also, I cannot recommend the Perfect Practice putting mat enough. I’ve had mine for 3 yrs and now I got more confidence than i ever had and putting is now my strength. I expect to make everything inside 6 ft.

Adam Reynolds

1 month ago

Do they give lessons? $500 worth of lessons and range balls to grind your drills would be likely to do far more for your game than a new driver or training gadget

Jason Tulloch

1 month ago

Swim! Yes swimming has helped my game recently.20 laps of freestyle 3 days a week. My swing is stronger and my distance and control have improved. I also noticed I can walk 18 holes comfortably without fatigue over the final finishing holes.

Darrell Mitchell

1 month ago

A new putter.

AndySp

1 month ago

New wedges to replace my old as dirt ones. Look for a G400 lst or similar to make me a jerry-rigged “mini” driver.

Or…just tees…I’ll become the tee czar of New Jersey.

Justin Jolly

1 month ago

As a low handicap golfer. I think the best bang for your buck is new wedges! Scoring around the green is always crucial to a better golf game

DeShaun Calhoun

1 month ago

More golf apparel and balls. I got custom clubs a few years ago no need to buy any more equipment.

JB

1 month ago

I would no doubt buy new irons. I’ve been swing the same ones for 12 years. Being trying to catch some on sale.

Scott Zimmerman

1 month ago

I can only share my recent experience. I retired 2 1/2 year ago and have been playing 3 -5 times per week. My Index had floated right around 9/10. That makes me a 7/8 on forward tees and 3 to 4 higher HDCP on longer tees (say 6100 – 6300 yards). In early July, I got fitted for a new driver: a Wilson Staff Dynapower TI. And a couple of weeks later, I put a Wilson Infinite putter in my bag. Neither purchase was really planned. I was hunting a new (used driver), but not planning to buy something new. To your Topic question: The driver was $269 and the putter $129– so $400 of new equipment. The driver is night and day better than the Ping, Mizuno and Srixon drivers I was trying to make work. And the putter? Well, in my last 15 rounds, I have had 5 birdies once, 4 birdies twice, and shot 3 rounds of even par, 72. My scoring average over those rounds is 74.7. I *do* have a launch monitor (SkyTrak)– but I have practiced way less the last month than in the last 2+ years. I would say my game is rounding out, but the 2 new clubs (equipment purchase) in the bag have performed amazingly well and have had a lot (maybe the most) to do with my improvement.

Ryan

1 month ago

Probably couple wedges and a putter, need to redial the short game!!

Adam

1 month ago

Replace my driver from 2006 or new wedges to replace my cg14’s.

Sal

1 month ago

A Chipr! Simplifies many aspects of the short game and technique is relatively easy to learn. And switch to a premium ball that fits. Once you find the right ball, stay with it.

D Ship

1 month ago

The putter accounts for more strokes per round than any other single club in my bag, so I would try out a number of new putters and spare no expense to buy the best putter I can find. If that means a $450 Bettinardi, so be it. If I make more 5 ft. putts, you can keep the extra $50!

Brandon Oshaughnessy

1 month ago

I’d buy some local kids a set of clubs and balls to practice

Ryan Schmitt

1 month ago

Since lessons isn’t a valid answer for this exercise and $500 isn’t going to get me fit for a new set of irons to replace my 25 year old hand-me-down set I’m still rocking (or is it hacking?), I’d say a fitting and new wedges. Only wedge in my bag is a box store 56 SW, so having a bit more flexibility would be a real godsend.

Spencer White

1 month ago

I’d go down the rabbit hole of getting a shorter driver shaft. New driver with fitting. 8 strokes shaved my game and one step closer to korn ferry status.

Todd

1 month ago

I’d buy a new driver. The G15 I had is a tad too stiff and it’s aging.

Josh Proctor

1 month ago

I would probably add a 7 wood to the bag, those have been game changers for a lot of people I know. Then depending on budget replace a wedge or two, because I know mine are worn and near end of life.

Mike Lund

1 month ago

I’d get a new pair of shoes, some putting training aids. And of course, golf balls. You can never have enough they way I play.

Patrick Callahan

1 month ago

I’d buy a ping icrossover, a Vokey wedge and some pro v1 balls. Knowing I got three top performing products would help me improve my game.

Paul

1 month ago

$500 isn’t getting me a new driver to replace my 7 year old driver, or get the LAB putter that I’m interested in, so I’d probably go get a wedge fitting and replace my old Vokey SM7s, and get a few boxes of Pro V1x with whatever money is left over.

Mark Kelly

1 month ago

I would get a set of jumbo max ultralite large grips and have them installed. I’d also get some swing speed training aids. Depending on what I had left some Pro V1 balls.

Pete Chiappone

1 month ago

I would get the Shot Scope GPS/shot tracker. It has helped me see what I’m doing well and what I need to work on. With the extra money, you can get a club, ball, or whatever you need to work on. It has helped me lower my scores

Will

1 month ago

Full bag fitting including ball. New balls and perhaps a club or 2.

Jim

1 month ago

100% doing a wedge fitting and also looking at the gap between 5 iron and 5 wood. I have a hybrid but like hitting irons or fairway woods more than a hybrid. If it can’t be lessons then fitting/gapping has to be the go to! Of course, if not that ……….balls and balls and balls.

Nick M.

1 month ago

Putter fitting/new putter and replace a wedge with what’s left.

Bob Scott

1 month ago

I’d hire one of the girls working there to caddy for me for a weekend. Wouldn’t improve my game, but would certainly improve my attitude for the time.

Jeff Case

1 month ago

I would buy a launch monitor. Been looking at a Garmin R10.

Soonapa

1 month ago

This is easy. Find a titleist/PXG etc.. ) center and get fitted for wedges and a putter I’ll bet it shaves 5 strokes off your round in 6 weeks and I bet with custom fit you will walk past the driving range and go to the chipping/putting area and hone in you short game

John Gilbreth

1 month ago

Balls and Tees baby.

Wes M

1 month ago

Like many(?) others, consistency is the major problem. When I’m playing well, everything is “easy”. I’d spend your money and mine to keep at least two wheels on when it starts to go bad

Eric

1 month ago

An eraser so you can change your scores.

Shad Lindsey

1 month ago

The $500 will not cover it all, but I would purchase the LAB DF3 putter.

David Lewis

1 month ago

Get fitted for a putter.

Steven Campbell

1 month ago

Well, give me the $500 and lets find out.

Brian

1 month ago

Shot tracking and/or launch monitor devices. Personally, I’m thinking about picking up a Shot Scope or Arccos system. I think either would be a good use of $500 to better your game.

Victor Munoz

1 month ago

A new putter!!

Robert

1 month ago

Club fitting. Specifically irons, wedges and driver. . I did a putter fitting when I bought my new putter and I would like to finish out the rest of my clubs.

Ross Woodford

1 month ago

Putter fitting + putter (we’ll call that $300)

My stroke has changed this year and it’s showing in my misses. I just did the same thing with the driver as I worked with a pro to change my swing. It did WONDERS for me off the tee. I have a hunch that the putter data will tell a similar story.

Alignment sticks $20 (I’ve been striking the ball exceptionally recently, and have had a couple head scratching missed that were 100% due to alignment)

New range finder if I can get one for $180 or less.

Mick Martinson

1 month ago

Well I just cracked the face on my favorite Sim driver so I would buy a new driver.

Tiger Pennington

1 month ago

I would purchase a putter that has been professionally fitted to me and if there was any money leftover, I would pay for a professional driver shaft fitting and a golf ball fitting.

Bruce Newman

1 month ago

I would donate it to the kid next door to get him some new irons. He’s just getting started in golf so he
And I went to play not long ago while he was on summer break. Me teaching him what I know ( I’m a 9 handicap) brought my own game around and shot a 74 while teaching this kid. Fact is I’ve been playing very good since. He a Great Kid and like a Grandson to me, so that’s the only thing I could possibly think that’s helped my game recently.

Clark Bending

1 month ago

replace my 7 iron and sand wedge, clubs I count on in tricky and go to shots, pitch and run and sand shots can always improve.

Paul Laubersheimer

1 month ago

I’d invest in a Launch Monitor. That way I could practice at home and have it be productive. As a parent, it’s hard to find appropriate time to play rounds or practice at courses, driving ranges, etc.

Michael Nass

1 month ago

I’d use it all on golf balls and gloves. No more using the scuffers and saving the new balls for the good courses, no more black palmed fully slicked out gloves and bye to the no holes it’s still good policy. I’d feel like a pro.

Dave R

1 month ago

Given my need/currrent bag:
-SM10 60 degree to replace my SM5 that has lost a good amount of bite in recent years. $189
-Ping G430 Hybrid to cover a gap I currently have at top of bag…probably 22 degree $239
-Grafalloy Prolaunch Blue Graphite Wood Shaft, Stiff to replace demo rack R flex 5 wood that I’ve been hooking too often. $59

That leaves me with $12 to spare, which I’ll spend at the drive-thru on the way to or from the course with my new gear and surely perfected game!

Chris Yourdan

1 month ago

I’d probably replace 2 wedges and grab a couple dozen pro v1x (high numbers) and call it good. Nothing I buy there will make me better. Time and purposed practice is the real key to seeing improvement.

Darren

1 month ago

Laser rangefinder. Knowing the exact distance to the pin, carry distance and trouble is a huge advantage once you can reasonably hit your yardage. A quick look at the slope around the pin doesn’t hurt either.

Curt Bonnem

1 month ago

Custom fitting for driver, irons & wedges. That’s first. I’m done buying gear without knowing it’s tailored to my game. From the fitting I would then decide on which purchases or tweaks to my own gear were needed. I’m currently most interested in new irons and wedges.

Felix Hernandez

1 month ago

I would get a wedge fitting, new wedges

Matt Fankhauser

1 month ago

A few short game lessons for sure and a quick lesson to check grip and fine tune the swing.

Bacrobb

1 month ago

My friends said I couldn’t buy a game, and I proved them wrong. Wasted $2k at Golftec, they teach a ball-position that just didn’t work for me. I’ve been fit 3 times at Club Champion, and have seen benefits from all 3. 2 sets of irons, 2 wedges, 1 hybrid, and 1 putter later, I’ve dropped my handicap from 18 to 10. Not because I golf more, I don’t, but from confidence in my clubs, and more in myself. Different strokes for…

RC

1 month ago

The answer is simple: get an aftermarket shaft that fits your swing. Immediately improved my ability to start in the fairway, and this is coming from an 11 cap who has never had a golf lesson of any type.

Kevin

1 month ago

I would spend the money on short game improvement, either forgiving wedges like the Smart Sole or Edison Wedges, or a mallet putter. This has the potential to save you a few strokes a round

Mike Wolff

1 month ago

I’d upgrade my old Cleveland HiBore irons or my old Cleveland BioCell driver. Both are in need of upgrade.

Dr tee

1 month ago

Remove 6 iron. Add adjustable 5W and 21 degree Heavenwood (I am in love with an older Cally BB V-series with Bassara R shaft). Remainder of set Driver, 3HL, 23 and 26 degree hybrids, irons 7-GW, 50, 55 and 60 degree wedges. The 5W bridges the gap between 3W and Heavenwood.

SANDBGGR

1 month ago

When I purchased the Ventus Blue 6-S w/Velocore, my driving improved a lot. Then added the TM Qi10Max to the shaft, and now my dispersion has decreased and am driving farther and more accurately than ever before. I would invest in a driver shaft first if given the choice.

Mark Soto

1 month ago

Callaway ai 6h, Vokey 62° M grind. LFG!

Kuso

1 month ago

A new 3wood head. As in, a newer model than what I play now, it doesn’t have to be the latest brand new one, but one that gets me 10 yards more than the current one, and I would buy 2 heads, one as a backup.
Always new grips. Unless I changed them out very recently, if somebody gave me money I would change out my grips to fresh new ones immediately.
Also gloves. I go through gloves pretty much every couple rounds, so a stockpile is always needed.

Dennis Blankenbaker

1 month ago

Ditch your 4 & 5 iron and get fitted, then buy a new 5W & a 7W to replace those irons. Once I made that move in my bag, my SGA to green & my final scores dropped, exponentially!

Rick

1 month ago

I would hire a fitness trainer to focus on nutrition, stretching and strength.

Stoosher

1 month ago

This is a great idea. This does assume your swing is pretty good in the first place. I think for most of the 90+ golfers I play with I’d advise buying a card for $500 worth of practice balls at a range and just groove your swing and work on chipping.

Doug Emmons

1 month ago

I would really love a wedge fitting as mine are old, and aren’t really helping my game right now.
Combine those with a new 4 hybrid, and I think the weakest parts of my game might be shored up a bit.

Peter R

1 month ago

I agree with the guy who said putting lessons. My scores would drop by 10 strokes if I hit more putts within 10′. Secondly, anything that brings more practice is going to help whether its a launch monitor, or training accessory.

Golfer XY

1 month ago

My buddy got an instant improvement when he binned his old 1990’s era driver for a Ping 410. Didn’t make his game better, but he enjoys it a whole lot more. Defining “better” as shooting lower scores, I would spend the dough on time at the range and practice green. If the definition is hitting better shots, I’d spend the money on a Garmin R10 or Rhapsodo launch monitor.

J Kates

1 month ago

$500 is not enough to practice and play more and not work. Do not believe truly that me annual expenditures on new drivers, irons, and clothes have any impact. Will say $30 putting mirror did make minor improvements in putting though.

Robert Michael Hunter

1 month ago

Finally get the Tour Edge Ironwoods I’ve been wanting

Sam Albert

1 month ago

I would spend the $500 on lessons because no clubs, shoes, or shirts will make me a better golfer, just look like I am good.

Kuso

1 month ago

Literally says no lessons, only gear lol

Joseph Parent

1 month ago

I would put the $500 towards putting lessons, and any leftover would be spent on the balls of my choice, Taylormade TP5’s. I have had the “Putting Yips” for years, have tried probably every grip type there is from Claw, left hand low, side saddle, broomstick, and even the prayer grip. I’ve also probably tried every known golf grip from Super-Stroke, 2 thumbs, Garsen, JMX, through to Flat Cat. Not to mention i have a collection of putters that may rival Golf Galaxy.

Dick Read

1 month ago

If you ever find answer, let me know. Been fighting them since mid 1990’s.

Kuso

1 month ago

Literally says no lessons, only gear lol

Randy

1 month ago

Lab putter.
You might have to trade in one from your collection to get under $500 but my Df3 was a game changed for me

TripleB

1 month ago

Depends. The $500 mark is a tough one. You can actually buy a game without practice. A good club fitting will give you the clubs needed to play your best with your current swing. It really does make a big difference. The catch of course is that the fitting is less than $500 but the clubs will not be..

If sticking to a strict $500 limit then new wedges and a premium ball will pay big dividends around the green for most anyone. Lose the old beat up wedge and get some fresh grooves. Your score will love you for it.

EddieEdwards

1 month ago

Putting mat.

Yaaqob

1 month ago

LAG Circle for $35, golf ball retriever $30, pack of sports cones $10, and then whatever it costs to use the short game practice area near you. Set up your LAG circles around the hole, set up cones all around the green, and play “around the world” where you have to chip into the circle to move to the next station or chip and make a 1 putt. If you miss 3 in a row you go back to the beginning. Do this until you run out of that $500 using different wedges and clubs each time. Perfect this and your scores will go down guaranteed.

Zach Bostwick

1 month ago

Spend some dough at the local fitting stō (store)! Get fitted for the clubs you have. You don’t have to buy new ones. If you haven’t been fit for your size and swing, You’ll be surprised at what (plus or minus) 1-2 degrees of loft and .25” – .75” can do for your game.

Tim Gilbert

1 month ago

Whole bag club fitting, including my putter.

Steve Hagensieker

1 month ago

It was a bit over $500 but replacing my 7yo driver with a properly fit new one definitely improved my game.

Michael T

1 month ago

Course Membership, the more you play the better you can get.

Woody

1 month ago

Depending on where you are losing the most strokes, either driver fitting or putter fitting. Having these clubs fit for you can knock off penalty strokes, punch outs or 3 putts… the strokes that kill your score.

Bob

1 month ago

Pocket the $500. Simply stop playing golf clubs and balls designed for the pros

mike

1 month ago

Non PC alert: its not the arrows its the Indians. However getting fitted for clubs will help most everyone.

Clete D

1 month ago

Replace your most worn wedge(s). For me, that’s the 56 because I use that thing for just about everything inside 105. Look at your gapping at the top of the bag and get either a driving iron or 5/7w. If there’s money left over, look at either a putter or rangefinder/gps system. Putter is the most used club and knowing your distances can help drop strokes pretty quickly (bonus points if you get shot tracking and stats to help identify further ways to improve). If you’re thrifty and *STILL* have some coin left, get some new grips.

Kory Zimney

1 month ago

New club fitting if you have not been fit. If you only have $500 it will have to be a driver, putter, or a few wedges. Full iron set will most likely be above the $500 range.

Thomas Mchugh

1 month ago

Hey good morning in my 35 years of golfing I have found that there are no magic balls and no magic clubs there is only practice 6.4 handicap

Ed Kera

1 month ago

Arccos Golf Sensors! You learn exactly how far you hit each and every club. Gives you insights about the strengths and weaknesses of your game. Allows you to focus in on what to improve in your game. I’ve improved my handicap index by 9 strokes. The best game improvement aid I’ve ever used.

Kent Aven

1 month ago

I have the clubs I need,
So $500 towards working with an
Instructor, would reap benefits.

Todd Early

1 month ago

If your current equipment is real old or in terrible shape, you could probably improve by buying some quality used equipment.

Andrew Eichner

1 month ago

Forgiving wedge like smart soles

Andrew Eichner

1 month ago

A forgiving wedge. Like smart sole.

Steve S

1 month ago

You can’t buy a better game. You need talent and practice. Take the $500 and buy a T-bill and renew it until you retire. Then you can use the proceeds to play more golf.

Miles Dean

1 month ago

First lessons, then equipment. Always and forever true!!

Terry

1 month ago

Just purchased a set of Tacomo 101 irons for $489. I found these to be one club longer than my old clubs and have cut a few strokes. They are very straight. I still hit some bad shots but right now I consider it money well spent.

Andy S

1 month ago

From my own experience I’d spend the money on getting a swing analysis/gap analysis and getting my loft and lie angles checked/adjusted based on the results. Found out my irons were all over the place and despite being 6’4″ I benefitted from a considerably flatter lie angle. After the adjustment I was hitting the ball straighter, longer and much more consistently with good gaps between clubs – I’m hitting more GIR and scoring lower. Bonus – it only cost $60 CDN. I’d then spend some $ on a couple hours with a ForeSight/Trackman to know my carry/total distance, spin, launch etc., a subscription to GPS app for my phone/watch (the second biggest difference maker I’ve experienced), some decent balls (nothing crazy, Maxfli Tours would be fine) and the rest on green fees so I can actually see the results of the improvement.

Dules

1 month ago

I went away from game improvement type clubs to “super game improvement” sticks – the Wilson Launch pads & my lat 2 rounds were under 80. I used an app to track on course stat’s on fairways & greens hit & missed so over time was able to ID areas to improve & try sticks to impact that. Thru trial & error I think I now have a bag of clubs that work for me at improving all those stat’s – at least working so far! At 69 years old I was losing distance as well as accuracy & going to lighter clubs – used XXIO woods, Cleveland Hy-wood & Wilson “chopper” irons I am enjoying more success on the course. I also switched balls to the Snell 3.0 & interchange with the Maxfli Tour S for better results.

BH

1 month ago

Booze. With enough swing lube, everything gets better.

KeithColorado

1 month ago

I would buy one thing, a launch monitor. I understand that $500 is on the low side, but a device like the Rapsodo will help you know how you’re swinging. The other thing I would do is put more time into actual practice at the driving range. I found that my game improved so much; I lowered my handicap by 10+ strokes, by dedicating myself to practicing with just 7 irons on down at least three times a week. Within a month, my swing became more consistent, and I could start to control my shots. So out of everything, I think practice, while it won’t make you perfect, does help a great deal more than any new-fangled training aid.

BladesRBetter65

1 month ago

All of the best in this world have benefited from the helpful eye of someone that can see things that we cannot. Launch monitors are truly a big help as well because knowing your distances can be the difference between birdie and bogey or worse depending on the length of that putt, with this knowledge, shaft selections can then tighten up your shots and make your numbers more consistent.

Robert Roy

1 month ago

I would think the $500 would be better spent on lessons. Not lessons from a burnout teaching pro but from one who cares.
Better game is a relative term. Better for a scratch golfer? Better for a high handicap?
For a high handicap a forgiving driver, perhaps with offset would probably help.

Jason S

1 month ago

Putter Fitting & putter.
The putter is the most used club in the bag and can have huge affects on our scores, either negative or positive. By being properly fit into a putter (length, lie, loft, hosel, head, etc), you can shave strokes off your game almost immediately as you’ll have far more confidence on the green knowing the putter fits your exact swing/stance.

RC

1 month ago

Although I already answered to find a shaft that fits your swing, this is also very true. Confidence on the greens leads to lower scores, period.

Dan

1 month ago

I’d pick the weakest area of my game and get fitted for a new club, plus training aid if applicable. Examples:

1. Putter – Buy a mirror board, get fit for a putter, and Purchase.

2. Wedges – Get fit for three wedges (grinds and forgiveness) and purchase.

3. Driver – Purchase speed sticks plus get fit for a driver (some limitations by budget here, but you can find drivers that match you either refurbed or of value brands at price).

4. Long irons – Get fitting to determine if you should be in irons or hybrids at two longest spots and purchase.

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