When you spend money on golf gear, there should be a payoff. Maybe it makes your time on the course more enjoyable. Maybe it lowers your scores, helps you play longer or straightens out your drives. Whatever it is, there should be something of value.
So what happens when there isn’t? I’s frustrating, especially if you’re trying to make every dollar count. Here are eight purchases that often don’t deliver and what to spend on instead.
1. Custom headcovers
They look great but they don’t necessarily protect your clubheads any better than the stock covers. Hearing two clubs click together is fingernails on a chalkboard for me. I see covers as protection first. There are some great ones out there but I’m not sure they’re worth the price when a stock cover does the same job.
What does pay off: The stock covers that came with your clubs. If you want one nice cover, make it for the putter.
2. Cheap rain gear
Either get good rain gear or don’t waste your money. There’s no point spending money on something that lives in the bag and when you finally pull it out in a downpour, you still get soaked. We tested some rain gear in 2026 and while it’s not cheap, good rain gear can get you through a rough round without having to pack it in.
What does pay off: One real waterproof jacket, bought once and kept in the bag. Check that it says waterproof, not water-resistant. There’s a huge difference.
3. A bag bigger than you need
Big bags are pretty and they carry a ton of stuff: extra balls, layers, all the little accessories. Then you have to lift it. Or you just want to run to the range quick and you realize the whole thing is kind of pointless. You probably spent more than you needed to, too. It’s important that all your clubs and grips fit just fine with some room for golf balls and tees. That’s probably enough.
What does pay off: A lightweight stand bag sized for what you actually carry.
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Read story →4. Custom-printed logo balls
The custom-printed logo golf balls get lost in the woods like any other ball. If you want to get creative, grab a Sharpie and mark them and then spend the money on golf balls that fit your game. Custom logos can make a nice gift once in a while but most of the time it’s fine to just mark your ball so you know it’s yours.
What does pay off: A Sharpie and a dozen balls that fit your game.
Use the MyGolfSpy Golf Ball Selector to compare 48 golf balls using data from our 2026 robot test. Filter by swing speed and see how each ball performs from driver to wedge to find the best fit for your game.
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5. Training aids that won’t travel
If a training aid doesn’t transfer easily from home to course, it ends up in the garage. If you want something that helps your game, think about how much you’ll use it as well as where and when you’ll use it.
What does pay off: Portable aids you’ll use at the range like a simple alignment stick; even the new smaller Divot Board is a good choice.
6. Cheap slope rangefinders
They just aren’t necessary anymore. There are good slope rangefinders at a fair price. If you don’t want the slope adjustment option, skip the cheap slope model and get a good non-slope unit with targets that are easy to hit. The cheap ones take too long to lock on and when there are trees or plants behind the flag, they struggle to pick up the flag.
What does pay off: A good rangefinder at a fair price with slope you can switch off for tournaments, such as the Shot Scope Pro L2 at $149.
7. Equipment you think you’re ready for
Make sure you’re really ready for it because it gets expensive fast when the blades or the extra-stiff driver shaft don’t work out for you. Tour pros and amateurs need different clubs and going for a fitting is the best way to tell what works for your game.
What does pay off: A proper fitting before you buy. It tells you what you can use today, not what you hope to grow into.
8. Lessons when you can’t put in practice time
As a golf professional, I loved watching people make progress. But if you can’t put any time in between lessons, you won’t get far. It reminds me of the summer slide kids take when school ends, when they forget everything they learned during the two months off. It’s the same concept.
What does pay off: Waiting until you can commit to practice time between lessons and then booking them close together.
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