Great news for European golfers

By Brandon Tucker, Golf Publisher Syndications

updated 6:06 p.m. ET May 21, 2007

European golfers, there's never been a better time to take your cash and frivolously spend it in the States.

A global superpower America may be, but its currency is as weak as linguini compared to the other side of the pond. The euro was worth a near record $1.36 to the greenback in early May, and the British pound is hovering around $2.

Much like Americans might venture to Mexico for cheap tequila, Europeans are jumping budget flights to the United States for electronics, clothing, even golf gear. The exchange-rate discounts only boosts the savings overseas shoppers get by avoiding the import costs and sales taxes that can boost European equipment prices by 30 to 60 percent.

"We just had someone in here from the Netherlands who bought $2,000 worth of equipment," said Brantley Wilkins, a manager at Golf Dimensions, a golf-gear superstore in Myrtle Beach.

"Then someone else from Europe was trying to decide between the Superquad [driver, $400] and the Superquad TP [$800]. He decided on the TP because he figured if he went home and decided he didn't like it, he could sell. They go for $1,200 over there."

Related links from TravelGolf.com European Golf News & Notes Podcast: All the latest golf-gear news Travel tips: From playing private courses, to free car upgrades Grand Strand golf complements great surf 'n' sand Hidden gems of Myrtle Beach golf

Depending on what you're shopping for and how high-end you want to go, the savings can be significant.

Looking for a driver? Nike's new Square Sasquatch runs £249.99 (about $500 U.S.) at OnlineGolf.co.uk, versus $399 at Edwin Watts. TaylorMade's R7 Quad series, £199 overseas at British online outlets, can be found on sale for $199 at some U.S. stores.

Irons? Nike Combo Tour Irons and Titleist 755s run as low as $699 in the States compared to £499 in the U.K.

Don't forget to stock up on balls stateside. Online retailer Direct Golf U.K. lists a box of Pro-V 1s at £32.99, or $66 - $20 more than you'll pay at Edwin Watts.

But you're not going to fly transatlantic just to stock up on cheap goods and head back to Europe, are you? Who wants to wait to play with all those new toys? On the east coast, Myrtle Beach and Orlando offer a great combination of super savings on gear and great golf courses to try it out on.

MORE FROM GOLF TRAVEL

Golf Travel Section Front

PGA Tour-host courses for the traveling golfer Tee it up at these top casino golf courses Top 10 golf cities in America Making up for lousy Christmas gifts Now’s the time to hit the links in Sin City Best value golf in uncertain times Tee up and land the big one in British Columbia A St. Andrews golf vacation on three budgets Tee up for bachelor parties and golf Lowcountry golf comes to life near Myrtle Beach Golf Travel Section Front   Add Golf Travel headlines to your news reader: