After more than 25 years in the golf industry, I've seen golfers spend money on all sorts of things.
Some purchases make very little difference. Others can genuinely improve your enjoyment of the game, help you play better, or simply make golf a lot easier.
What's interesting is that the best purchases aren't always the most expensive.
If I was starting again tomorrow, or advising a friend who wanted to get more out of their golf, these are the five purchases I'd recommend most highly.
1. Golf Lessons
This would be my number one recommendation every time.
I know that might sound predictable coming from a PGA Professional, but the reality is that a few good lessons can save years of frustration.
One of the most common mistakes I see is golfers spending thousands on new equipment while continuing to battle the same swing issues.
A good coach can help you:
- Build solid fundamentals
- Improve contact
- Understand ball flight
- Develop better practice habits
- Avoid common mistakes
I'd honestly rather see a golfer spend $300 on lessons and $1,000 on clubs than spend $3,000 on clubs and never get any coaching.
If you're looking for coaching, check out our Golf Lessons & Coaching.
2. A Rangefinder
The second purchase that consistently delivers value is a rangefinder.
Most golfers think they know how far they hit the ball. In reality, many are guessing.
A rangefinder removes that uncertainty.
Instead of estimating whether the flag is 120 metres or 135 metres away, you know exactly.
That leads to:
- Better club selection
- More confidence
- Better distance control
- Fewer costly mistakes
I've seen countless golfers improve simply because they started making decisions based on accurate information rather than guesswork.
If you don't already own one, browse our range of Golf Rangefinders.
3. An Electric Golf Trundler
This one surprises some people.
An electric trundler won't magically lower your handicap, but it might make you enjoy golf more.
And that's important.
I've lost count of the number of customers who have purchased an electric trundler and then told us:
"I should have bought one years ago."
Walking 18 holes while pushing or carrying a heavy golf bag can be tiring, especially on hilly courses.
An electric trundler helps you:
- Stay fresher
- Enjoy the walk
- Conserve energy
- Focus more on your golf
For many golfers, especially those playing regularly, it's one of the best investments they make.
Take a look at our range of MGI Electric Golf Trundlers.
4. A Proper Club Fitting
Golf clubs have never been better than they are today.
The problem is that the best clubs for one golfer aren't necessarily the best clubs for another.
That's where club fitting comes in.
A proper fitting helps match:
- Shaft type
- Shaft flex
- Club length
- Lie angle
- Head design
to your individual swing.
I've seen golfers gain distance, improve accuracy, and enjoy the game more simply because they were finally using equipment that suited them.
Before spending thousands on new clubs, I'd strongly recommend considering a Golf Club Fitting.
5. A Launch Monitor
This is the newest addition to my list.
Twenty-five years ago, launch monitors were something only tour players and professional club fitters had access to.
Today, golfers can have that same feedback at home, at the driving range, or in a simulator setup.
A launch monitor helps you understand:
- Carry distance
- Ball speed
- Launch angle
- Spin rates
- Club speed
Instead of guessing what's happening, you can actually see it.
For golfers who enjoy practising and improving, that's incredibly powerful.
Whether you're looking at something simple like a Garmin R10 or a premium option like the Garmin R50, launch monitors have changed the way golfers learn and improve.
Browse our range of Golf Launch Monitors.
Honorable Mentions
A few other purchases that narrowly missed the list include:
- A quality pair of golf shoes
- A well-fitted putter
- A good golf glove
- Practice nets for home use
- Golf simulator access
- Premium golf balls that suit your game
All of these can add value, but if I had to pick just five, the list above would be where I'd start.
Final Thoughts
The best golf purchases aren't always the flashiest.
In my experience, the golfers who get the most value tend to invest in things that help them:
- Learn faster
- Make better decisions
- Enjoy the game more
- Play more comfortably
Lessons, rangefinders, electric trundlers, club fitting, and launch monitors have consistently delivered those benefits for golfers over the years.
If you're wondering where to spend your money next, I'd start there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best golf purchase for a beginner?
Golf lessons are often the best investment for beginners, helping build good habits and making the game more enjoyable from the start.
Is a rangefinder worth buying?
For most golfers, yes. Knowing accurate distances can improve club selection, confidence, and overall course management.
Are electric golf trundlers worth the money?
Many golfers find electric trundlers make walking the course more enjoyable and help conserve energy during the round.
Should I get fitted before buying golf clubs?
If you're investing in new clubs, a fitting can help ensure the clubs suit your swing and maximise performance.
Do launch monitors help improve golf?
Yes. Launch monitors provide valuable feedback on ball flight and club delivery, helping golfers practise more effectively and track improvement.
Happy golfing
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder - Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
