"Don't Buy, Rent Instead"... Rental Trend Hits Golf Clubs Too

The Biggest Advantage Is the Ability to Experience the Field Directly Before Purchase
Long-Term Rentals Available Besides Short-Term...Rental Fee Burden Must Be Considered

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] As the number of golf enthusiasts has surged due to COVID-19, the demand for golf club rentals is also increasing. This is because there is the advantage of being able to try using the clubs firsthand before deciding whether to purchase, which helps alleviate the financial burden of buying clubs or equipment.

According to the industry on the 30th, companies such as Myomi, Foursome, Golfzon Market, and Pick&Pick Service currently offer short- and long-term golf club rental services. According to Pick&Pick Service, which provides golf club rental services at convenience store franchise CU, the number of club rental users this year has increased by 42.3% compared to the previous year since entering CU stores.

The short-term rental service operates on a structure where a fixed amount is paid as a rental fee, followed by borrowing and returning the clubs. The advantage is that users can try various brands of clubs at a low cost and compare them. According to companies, the daily rental fees for each item are 3,800 KRW for a TaylorMade driver, 3,200 KRW for a Callaway driver, 4,600 KRW per day for a Callaway iron set, and 6,500 KRW per day for a Srixon iron set. In one company’s case, a TaylorMade driver and wood set available for rental in 3-month increments can be used for 79,000 KRW.

There are also providers of long-term rental services. Generally, the rental period is set from 24 months up to a maximum of 60 months, after which customers can choose whether to purchase the clubs. This is useful for individuals or corporate/business customers who find lump-sum payments for high-priced items burdensome.

However, it should be noted that a deposit is required. Depending on the company, users must pay a deposit equivalent to “30-50% of the new product purchase price” or “one month’s rental fee” when using the rental service. The deposit is fully refunded after the clubs are returned.

If damage occurs to the clubs during the rental period, the customer must bear the repair (AS) costs. According to a company representative, “Minor scratches are not an issue, but significant damage such as breakage will incur repair costs.”

Golfers’ satisfaction with the rental service is also relatively high.

Jung (33), who lives in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, said, “I haven’t purchased golf clubs yet, so I’m looking into various options and paying close attention to rental services,” adding, “Since golf clubs are not cheap, I plan to compare thoroughly and purchase carefully.”

A golf equipment store official in Nowon-gu, Seoul, also said, “Unlike test swings, rental allows you to actually use the clubs during rounds, which is an advantage.”

However, there is also advice that rental services are not always efficient.

A professional golfer active in the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA) 2nd division tour said, “Especially for beginners, it can be difficult to notice subtle differences, so experiencing various clubs may not have much meaning,” and suggested, “If beginners can test-swing beginner clubs, there is no need to spend additional costs on rental services.”