I used to have a friend, who I’ll call Oscar to protect his identity. Like most young guys his age, Oscar is into fitness and outdoor activities. One week he’s into running. The next week he’s into biking. In a month he’ll be into golf, and in two months he’ll be into hockey.

Oscar is very athletic and good (for a beginner) at every sport he plays, but I have never seen him stick to one thing for more than a month. Additionally, Oscar suffers from what I like to call “The Oscar Syndrome”.  For every new sport he starts, he needs to buy the best and newest equipment. Unfortunately for Oscar, despite his natural athletic ability, he is not good enough at any sport for his expensive brand new equipment to make a difference. 

In the lovely sport of golf, many individuals suffer from the Oscar Syndrome. The amount of amazing equipment out there is incredible. Just a walk down the isles of the PGA Super Store and you’ll be both amazed and confused by the amount of shiny new clubs. We’re bombarded by people trying to get you fitted for new clubs. I’ll admit that a good fitting might make a big difference in someone’s game, but it most definitely won't helpif you aren't practicing, taking lessons, perfecting your swing and playing consistently. I hate to break it to you, but if you aren't spending any time working on your game, that shiny $50 box of Pro-V1s is just going to end up in the woods or the water. And those perfectly polished newly fitted clubs you haven't taken to the range in a year, will end up becoming the most expensive dust gatherer in your garage.

I am here to tell you one thing: Don’t be like Oscar. Don't waste your money! Those new clubs, that new driver, and those new balls won't help one bit unless you put in the work.  It's the amount of time spent practicing, putting, chipping and swinging that will determine how good of a golfer you are. It might not be glamorous, but that’s how you get good at this sport. Once you have earned your golf level with dedication and hard work, go for it and get those new clubs because at this point in time they will make a difference! Results in the beautifully frustrating sport are earned, not bought. So save your money and head to the range. In this glorious game, money won’t buy you a good score.