Why Do Rich People Play Golf? [7 Main Reasons]

For a lot of people, golf might still seem like quite an elitist sport to play. At one time, the game was predominantly played by old rich men, and if you didn’t fit into that category, you wouldn’t really have much opportunity to play.

Thankfully, these days, golf is a far more inclusive sport that is trying to open itself up to more walks of life. Growing the game is of huge importance and something that we’re all about here at eeegolf.

However, with that said, unfortunately, there’s still a stereotype around the game of golf that it’s just for rich people to play and it’s a rich person game.

So why do rich people play golf? Let’s have a look at a few of the reasons why rich people play golf and what makes it a rich person game.

Why Do Rich People Golf?

Why Do Rich People Play Golf?

Rich people play golf because it’s a fun sport that can be played with friends and business colleagues. This means it’s a great place for wealthy people to build a network and discuss business deals. Golf is also an inherently expensive sport to play, so it’s far more accessible for wealthy people.

There’s many good reasons why golf is a popular sport. I love to play golf because it’s a great place to spend a few hours with your mates in the sunshine having a laugh, out on the golf course. It’s also a very challenging game, so the drive to improve and get better is too enticing to not play.

Now, these might be good reasons why rich people love golf, however, there’s also a few other big reasons why playing golf is such a popular sport for the rich and wealthy.

Reasons Why Rich People Play Golf

If you’ve ever wondered why golf courses are always full of rich people playing golf, there’s a few reasons for this.

Here’s a look at the main reasons why rich people play golf.

Expensive Hobby

There’s no denying, playing golf is expensive. For starters, golf equipment is very expensive to buy, especially the latest and best equipment.

Adding the newest and top-performing golf equipment to your game is going to cost you a lot of money. Golf clubs, golf balls, golf clothing – it all adds up.

So unless you’ve got a lot of money available, it’s unlikely you’ll be spending your spare £500 on a new golf driver or other pieces of expensive equipment.

Then on top of golf equipment, you’ve also got the cost of a golf club membership at private courses. Depending on where you’re located, and the level of golf course, you’re looking at £500 to over £5000 in annual membership fees.

Add on the joining fee for some clubs, which can range up to £50,000 and you’ve got yourself a very expensive sport with a real entry barrier.

Of course, you don’t have to become a member of a golf club. You can always play as a visitor at courses you wish to try.

But like with most things in life, the nicer the venue the more expensive it will cost you to play. When you’re paying £100+ for a round of golf on expensive courses, it certainly has that rich person’s sport feel to it.

Then you’ve also got golf lessons to pay for at the driving range. If you want to get your golf game in shape, most people will need to have a few lessons.

If you’re after a good golf coach, these aren’t cheap to come by, with some costing upwards of £200 an hour. Playing better golf doesn’t necessarily require expensive golf lessons but it certainly helps.

So as you can see, all the costs associated with golf can quickly add up and you’re left paying a large sum for what is an expensive hobby.

Free Time

Playing golf is certainly not a quick sport. Sometimes a round of golf can take 5 hours to play, which for a lot of people is far too much time to be away from work or family.

Those working a 9-5 job or have a busy schedule aren’t able to get out and play golf during the week or find the time to play golf during the day.

However, rich people tend to have far more free time which gives them more time for golf.

Rich people tend to own businesses or have more passive income sources. Therefore instead of trading their time for money, they have their money work for them and this allows them to spend time on golf.

Rich people also have far more flexible schedules which they can work around their golf games.

Social Status

As much as rich people would like to deny it, playing golf and spending lots of golf is very much a status symbol. A golf club membership at one of the top golf clubs in the country is only achievable for the top 1% of society.

Unfortunately, the average person won’t have the money to afford that sort of membership or won’t have the network to get into such a club. A lot of these sorts of clubs are on an invite-only membership basis.

If you’ve got mates in high places then you’ve got somewhat of a chance, but for most golfers, it will never be possible.

Therefore, having that sort of club membership is very much a status symbol that shows you’ve got good connections and lots of money.

Business Network

As mentioned, golf clubs are a place for people with money and free time. Therefore, these clubs are full of people that are top businessmen, wealthy CEOs, investors, and other successful people of high value.

Here they can discuss business deals, find business partners and meet other business people.

If you’re looking to grow your network, this is the ideal place to meet great connections – and rich people know this.

Having access to hundreds of other wealthy people will only be good for your own situation. If you’ve got business deals to work on, you’ll more than likely find someone at the club to help you with that.

Therefore rich people play golf because they understand that it’s a brilliant place to network with other wealthy individuals and those in high-class society.

Safe Sport

As it goes, golf is a fairly safe sport to play. Apart from the dangers of getting hit by a ball, fallen tree, or a bolt of lightning, the chances of getting injured whilst out playing are pretty slim.

Golf also requires a pretty limited amount of physical exertion to still be played relatively well. This is obviously ideal for people with lots of money because they tend to be older and less mobile.

Compared to other sports like tennis or football, you’re still able to play golf well into older age and that makes it hugely attractive for rich people.

Even if you’re not in very good shape, you can still sit on a golf buggy and make your way around an enjoyable 18 holes of golf.

You’ll often see tennis courts at a lot of golf country clubs, however, you’ll rarely see older people playing tennis. Now have a look at the golf course and it will be packed with older people enjoying a round of golf.

The lack of physical fitness means that rich people can still have a great hobby to play their entire life and compete without having to be young and fit.

Relaxing

The golf course is a great place to get away from the pressures and stresses of life. Everyone has their own stresses and their own ways of dealing with that stress.

For a lot of rich people, they like to take time away from the hustle and bustle of running a business or doing business deals, with a round of golf.

The golf course is ideal for relaxation because it’s out in the fresh air, amongst nature, and full of calming greenery.

Even if you haven’t got your best golf game, a round of golf is still a brilliant way to clear your head and rich people understand that.

Enjoyment

It might still be thought of as a rich man’s game, but golf certainly is a really fun and enjoyable way to spend a few hours of your time.

Rich people may start playing golf for some of the other reasons listed above, but at the end of the day, one of the main reasons they play golf is for enjoyment.

Golf addiction is a very real thing for many golfers and rich people are no different. As golfers, we all strive to be the best we can possibly be. To hit the longest drives or to get that little golf ball into the hole with the lowest score possible.

The occasional great shots are what bring golfers back every week. So for many wealthy people, this is why they love to play golf.

Is Golf An Upper-class Sport?

As much as the game is trying to steer away from its elite image, golf is still an upper-class sport. Alongside other sports such as rowing and tennis, golf still has a rich person stereotype,

The top golf courses and golf clubs are only affordable to a few rich people in society, and so this does mean an entry barrier into the sport for the average person.

Fortunately, however, there are now a lot of golf clubs and golf brands making golf far more inclusive and affordable to all levels of wealth and ability.

Growing the game of golf has never been more important.

Doing so via public courses and driving ranges accessible to all, plus cheaper equipment, is how the great sport of golf will continue for generations.

The game of golf is not just for wealthy individuals at country clubs. It’s a place where people from all walks of life can grow as a person and find a sport that can be enjoyed at any age.

Of course, those with more money can always buy the best equipment and play at the best clubs. But as the game becomes more inclusive,

Tiger Woods became the great golfer and global icon he is today not from an upper-class background, but from a relatively poor family.

To Tiger, it didn’t matter that he didn’t have the best equipment or play at the fancy clubs. He’d turn up to a course and ask just two questions.

“Where was the 1st tee and what was the course record?”

Final Thoughts

That rounds off our look at why rich play golf.

So much about the game of golf makes it a popular hobby for a wealthy individual. Wealthy people will always be buying expensive equipment and using their membership to grow their network.

However, there’s also so much about the incredible game of golf that means it’s available to all no matter what, which is why I love golf.

Unlike other sports, a grandad can play with his 10-year-old grandson. Or a regular player can compete on the same course as the top professionals. People play golf because it’s a fun way to spend a few hours with their buddies. If you manage to hit a few occasional great shots, even better.

And that’s what makes golf such a special sport. Ok so it’s not a cheap sport, but it is becoming cheaper with brands such as Druids making equipment more affordable. And golf courses are offering better value green fees.

So if you’re thinking about giving golf a try and are a little worried that it’s only for wealthy individuals. Please know that there’s plenty of great golf courses out there that would love to welcome you in to play golf and show you the sport we all love!

FAQs

Why do rich play golf?

Rich people play golf because it’s a great way of meeting other people with similar interests, who they can grow their network with and make business decisions. It’s also a good way of getting exercise and can be relaxing after work.

Why golf is played by rich?

Golf has always been expensive to play and although it is becoming more and more affordable, it’s still not a cheap sport to play.

Do rich people like playing golf?

Rich people do like playing golf as it’s a way of growing their network and relaxing, but also a way of spending their money as golf tends to be quite an expensive sport.

Why do people play golf for business?

People play golf for business because it’s great for meeting other like-minded business people who can potentially add value to their business as a customer, investor or mentor. Golf clubs are full of people that have done well in business, so playing golf gives access to these successful people.

Why do rich people like golf?

Rich people like to play golf because it’s a great place to meet other rich people and build their network. It’s also regarded as an expensive sport to play, so rich people can spend their money on expensive courses and equipment.

Why do rich people love golf?

Rich people love to play golf for many reasons, such as it’s a good way to spend their money and they also have plenty of free time, so golf it’s a good sport to play.