There are few retail rivalries as intense as the one between Sam’s Club and Costco. The membership-only wholesale retailers have been locked in a feud for market share since both were founded in 1983.
Now they’re taking that rivalry to the links. Sam’s Club has recently started going after Costco loyalists by entering the golf supplies market.
Sam’s Club may have just dipped a toe into the sport, but it’s made enough of a splash that one influencer is already urging his followers to consider getting a membership.
Last week, golf influencer CD Golf (@cd_golf) showcased several items Sam’s Club sells for golfers to his 60,300 followers.
After noting that Sam’s is expanding its offerings for people who play the sport, CD first highlights its golf balls.
At $25.98 for two dozen, CD suggests that they’re worth buying.
“They’re not like a super high-end ball, but I’ve heard great things about them,” he says.
CD goes on to describe the $20 pack of four golf gloves as a “wild” price.
“These come in a pack of four gloves, and they’re made of, like, a soft cabretta leather, which is actually much softer than the Costco ones,” he says.
He then points to an $89.98 Bridgestone golf bag as another example of why golfers should check out Sam’s Club.
“The price on this bag is just absolutely crazy,” he says.
Sam’s Club sells a wide variety of golf gear, including umbrellas, balls, clubs, and even a $4,800 simulator.
Golf On A Budget
Golf is one of the most expensive sports you can play. But there are ways to save.
In addition to buying gear somewhere cheaper like Costco or Sam’s Club, you can stretch your dollar by buying used clubs, getting an annual membership at a course, and playing during off-peak hours.
Other advice for saving money includes bringing your own food and drink and walking instead of renting a cart.
If you really want to be frugal, a Redditor offers an unconventional tip on a thread about how golfers can cut costs: work at the course.
“Get a job at a local golf course working part time,” they wrote. “If you have a 9-5, ask if they are looking for weekend help. I do this at a place that gives employees FREE GOLF! It saves me sooooo much money. Free range balls, free greens fee, free carts.”
Sam’s Club Or Costco?
Judging by their websites, Sam’s Club isn’t ready to go toe-to-toe with Costco in the golf supply arena. Costco has been in the market much longer, and it offers a much wider variety of gear, apparel, and other supplies for golfing.
A few who commented on CD’s post shared their view that Costco is the way to go.
In response to one, CD agreed but said Sam’s is “starting to catch up.”
CD told BroBible via email that he’s “always been a Costco person.”
“I still lean toward Costco overall mainly because their golf apparel options are way ahead of Sam’s,” he said. “But Sam’s is definitely another solid option for golfers, especially at that price point.”
As CD points out, for the golfer on a budget, it might be worth investing in a Sam’s Club membership for some items.
“I’ve tested their balls and gloves,” he said. “I think they’re very solid and comparable to Costco.”
In a follow-up TikTok, CD suggests semi-jokingly that the only problem with Sam’s Club golf balls is the embarrassment factor.
“They actually feel pretty decent, but like I can’t walk up to the first tee saying I’m playing a Member’s Mark number two, right?” he says.
@cd_golf That $50 yearly membership might be worth it! 🏌️♂️ #SamsClub #MembersMark #GolfStuff #Golf #GolfDeals