'Park Golf' Population Increased, but Equipment Prices Are Too High and 70% Are Made in Japan

High Equipment Prices Burden Park Golf Beginners
Used Beginner Golf Clubs Priced Between 600,000 and 710,000 KRW
Advanced 'Honma S-01' Clubs Around 2 Million KRW

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seohee] The number of seniors enjoying park golf has increased significantly, but insufficient infrastructure and high equipment prices are hindering the expansion of park golf's popularity. In particular, park golf clubs, which mostly rely on Japanese products, are criticized for their prices reaching up to 2 million won, reducing accessibility for the senior demographic.

According to the membership registration status of the Korea Park Golf Association on the 15th, the number of park golf players increased from 16,728 in 2017 to 26,462 in 2018, 37,630 in 2019, 45,478 in 2020, and 64,001 last year. This represents an increase of about 282% over four years.

On the other hand, there is a shortage of park golf courses to accommodate the growing population. The number of park golf courses has steadily increased from 137 in 2017 to 308 last year, but considering the growth rate of park golf players, this is less than half of what is needed.

Additionally, high equipment prices also reduce accessibility for seniors. Park golf clubs are mainly divided into the head and shaft. Unlike regular golf club heads made of metal, park golf clubs use three materials. The main material, which accounts for 80% of the head, is wood; the face is carbon, and the sole at the bottom is made of metal.

The higher the quality of raw materials used for the head and shaft, the more expensive the club becomes. Japanese park golf clubs are priced as high as regular golf clubs. In Korea, Japanese products account for about 70% of the market, indicating a high dependence on imports.

On Price Golf, a golf equipment price comparison site, the used price of the beginner-level park golf club ‘Honma H-04’ ranges from a minimum of 600,000 won to a maximum of 710,000 won. The used price of the ‘Mizuno MS-02,’ mainly used for beginners, ranges from 450,000 won to 600,000 won. The advanced-level park golf club ‘Honma S-01’ released by Honma is known to reach up to 2 million won for a new product.

This is not a low price compared to regular golf clubs. The used price range of the popular used driver ranked number one on Price Golf, the XXIO ‘XXIO 11,’ is set between 427,000 won and 636,000 won. Simply comparing, the price of park golf clubs is similar to or slightly higher than that of regular golf clubs.

For those who have just started park golf, equipment prices are a considerable burden. Nevertheless, seniors who prioritize safety rely on expensive imported products. The better the head and shaft of the park golf club, the better the rebound and hitting sound, and the vibration to the wrist and elbow can be minimized.

Lee Jeong-yong (63), who started park golf three months ago, said, "Because park golf involves hitting a hard ball, if shock absorption is not properly done, the elbow or wrist can be injured," adding, "Although the price is high, I thought I only needed to buy one good club rather than various types like regular golf clubs, so I chose a good one."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.