The law has been laid down.

I just love my golf, I'm hoping that in a couple of months the snow will leave and I can devote my time to practice. My dear wife is a non golfer but encourages me to enjoy my time on the course and is always interested in how my rounds went. I'm in my early sixties and regularly shoot in the high seventies, now my wife comes from a family of accountants and she takes complete control of our finances. Her attitude is ( and she is correct ) if I handled the money the yard would be full of toys and we would not have a nickel in our retirement fund.
About a month ago the subject of the golfing season came up, okay I don't need any equipment we agreed on that. I have a couple of dozen new Pro-V 1s in my den, a top of the line set of clubs, three pair of shoes etc. etc. Now her question was where was I going to play this year ? I mentioned a number of excellent course in our area, okay she said and brought out her dreaded ledger.
According to her numbers it appears that I spent $855.25 on green fees and practice range fees in the month of August last year. A slightly smaller amount in the other months, the amount for last season was staggering ( $5485.00 ) she kept a record of all my debit slips. Then she laid the law down, find a course that I enjoy and one I can walk ( I hate power carts ) and take out membership. I did that, joining an excellent club with an outstanding Robert Trent Jones design links course about twenty minutes from home.
She quickly came up with the numbers, full membership, locker fees, club storage all the range balls I can hit etc. $ 1750.00 divided by seven months, $250.00, I will play a minimum eight rounds a month so thats' about $31.25 per round. My green fees at this course last season were $75.00 a round, my application was accepted and little wifey cut the cheque and into the mail it went. I had no idea that I spent that kind of money on my golf,,,it sure adds up.

IMO, the worst thing you can do is start tallying things up.

I'm in 5 digit range for the last two years. On the plus side, spending is trending downwards.

Joining a good club also opens up many other opportunities for your game. I enjoy the competitions, the social events, the acquaintances and friends and the great course.

yea i definitely think joining a club is a good option for a golfer that plays as much as you. You can meet so many people... and if they have special events at the restaurant/bar, your wife could go with you. maybe she would enjoy it. or maybe see if she wants to get into golf herself she could join the club's women's league.