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Hey, big spender!

TV company is looking for a golfer whose lifestyle is spiralling out of control because of their passion for the game. Is that you, or someone you know?


Posted: 6 January 2005
by Bob Warters


Golf at exclusive Sandy Lane

Is your spending on golf equipment spiralling out of control? Are you splashing out on a golfing lifestyle beyond your budget?

If you can recognise yourself or someone you know, from these two questions, you (or they) could become the subject of a new television series currently in production.

‘Retail Therapy’ is a ten part series – one hour each - for the BBC, currently in production, which focuses on a real character that tends to overspend and live beyond their means.

They can’t stop spending and the situation with their lifestyle is coming to a head. Something has got to give!

And the series’ associate producer Richard Martin has asked for Golfmagic members’ help to find someone so obsessed with golf their world could crumble without warning.

He says: "If you know anyone who needs to stop spending on their golf passion, we want to hear from you. We are looking for people to nominate loved ones or themselves who have been pushing their financial limits to breaking point.

"We want them to take part in this informative and life-changing documentary series. With the help of our savvy experts, we aim to put them back on track with their spending."

Each programme delves into the life of a particular character and observes how they run their life over a 10-day period. It has two expert presenters who offer lifestyle tips and solutions, helping the character to change their spending habits while still buying or spending in the area they love.

The aim is to change the pattern of their bank accounts but improve their lifestyle.

Richard is looking primarily for men in their late 20s and 30s as men tend to purchase more in the way of alcohol, gizmos, cars, watches, and computers and have the more time consuming hobbies like golf or socialising down the pub!

Is this you? Or do you know someone who’d fit the bill and would agree to take part?

It’s a serious subject demanding a serious remedy, so no wind-ups or prank suggestions.

Send recommendations, in confidence, to editor@golfmagic.com and I will pass them on to the company in charge of production.


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Re. Bobs article - There are a couple of equipment freaks on this site and I think they should own up BEFORE I NAME AND SHAME ....or shall we just put it to the membership ballot box?
Posted: 06/01/2005 12:22

How a talking chimp can call any of us freaks I don't understand, but are there any takers?

I am the proud owner of a TV that has never been tuned in to view Big Brother, Pop Idol or any other of these reality shows. I consider participants to be worthy of compulsory euthanasia.

you wouldn't guess that December was financial year end would you?
Posted: 06/01/2005 12:34

Name them Lionel!
Posted: 06/01/2005 12:35

Well - that's two


Any more?
Posted: 06/01/2005 13:19

You for a kick off!

I'm exactly the opposite. I need lots of time to learn to love my gear. I didn't buy one single club last year. I still cannot bear to part with my XR03 I've had for 3 years. I've only ever owned 2 sets of irons and 2 putters and I've been playing on and off for 17 years.
Posted: 06/01/2005 13:21

"You for a kick off" meant Nick not Lionel!
Posted: 06/01/2005 13:22

ok i have changed a few clubs in the last year!
Posted: 06/01/2005 13:26

I reckon 'you're the man' Nick

Fancy bein' on TV?
Posted: 06/01/2005 13:28

not got the looks for tv
Posted: 06/01/2005 13:57

Nick or Chris.
Posted: 06/01/2005 13:57

I would love to be on TV, problem is I havn't updated my equipment for months. If I start spending now will that count.
Posted: 06/01/2005 13:58

Hmm, since Xmas 2003:

bought:
1 vokey wedge
1 set irons (2nd hand)
1 driver
2 3 woods
1 snake eyes wedge
1 bag
1 rescue club

sold:
1 driver
1 set irons
2 3 woods
1 putter
1 rescue club

(bought & sold are not usually the same items, except one of the 3 woods and the rescue club).

In addition probably another £1000 on club fees and visits to other clubs (incl st. andrews golfing holiday)



Posted: 06/01/2005 15:34

Dare not list all mine!
Posted: 06/01/2005 16:44

+ of course, re-grips, a re-shaft, gloves, tees, balls, towels, driving range tokens, lessons.

Quite scary really.
Posted: 06/01/2005 16:46

Go on Nick, this should be interesting reading.
Posted: 06/01/2005 17:07

Ok here goes. This is in 18 months when i started playing again. I know i have a problem!

Drivers
£5 cheapy from AGD
MD Golf Superstrong
Titleist 975LFE
Srixon XX10
Titleist 983K
TM 580XD
MacGregor Eye O Matic
Srixon W302 (Didnt even hit it!)
Nike Ignite
Retail R7
Tour Issue R7

Fairway Woods/Rescues
Again £5 cheapy 3 & 5 wood from AGD
Mizuno MP001 3 & 5 Wood steel shafts
TM Rescue No 3
TM TP Rescue No 2
Mizuno MP001 5 wood Grafalloy Blue
Nakashima NP1 3 wood
Sonartec MD 17*
Titleist 980F with NV
Tour Issue V Steel 3 Wood

Irons
Fazer IT4G
TM RAC OS
TM RAC LT
Titleist 704

Wedges
Vokey 54*
Vokey 60*
Cleveland 588 53*
Ping Tour 60*
TM RAC Y Cutter 54*

Putters
Cheap Wilson
Ping Specify
2 Ball
Futura
Ping B60
Wilson TPA XVIII
Scotty Cameron Newport 2

Other
3 Bags
3 Pairs of shoe
Qlink
Most balls you can think of!
2 swing aids
5 lessons
Membership to club

There might be others but thats all i can remember at the moment!

Posted: 06/01/2005 17:20

F***!!! You've got my vote. That is incredible.

And the R7 with tour shaft how does that go? And where did you get it from?
Posted: 06/01/2005 17:24

I dont know yet Al. I got it from Bombsquadgolf. Courier has tried to deliver it the last 2 days but nobody has been home. Hopefully will be able to get my hands on it tomorrow
Posted: 06/01/2005 17:29

Got my vote too

Yoo hoo!!!!

That's a habit
Posted: 06/01/2005 17:59

Have you still got the Q-Link?
Posted: 06/01/2005 18:00

Yep still got it Lionel and not getting rid of it!
Posted: 06/01/2005 18:01

I wonder if tying a chimp round your neck would give the same benefits as a Q-Link. I don't know but guess I'll just have to give it a try!
Posted: 06/01/2005 18:05

That's a little naughty Lionel!!!
Posted: 06/01/2005 18:30

Chris who?
Posted: 06/01/2005 18:55

Yes that's the one. Welcome and would you like to tell everyone your purchases over the last 12 or 18 months?
Posted: 06/01/2005 19:12

Lol, I can't believe how much people spend!
Posted: 06/01/2005 19:16

Nick, how many of them came in under the radar?
Posted: 06/01/2005 19:32

Bl**dy hell Nick you've got my vote. I feel I've been quite restrained in my purchases now. :-)
Posted: 06/01/2005 19:50

Pity you can't buy a swing too!
Posted: 06/01/2005 19:52

Hacker

None! Am a single chap and women get in the way of my golf obsession. Was seeing a girl last year and one weekend we had to go away so didnt get to play. I was not happy and she had to go!

If i could buy one Kev i would be first in the queue
Posted: 06/01/2005 20:03

Nick - you have got to sign up for this programme. We, the public, demand it.
Posted: 06/01/2005 20:48

How much would you pay to play off scratch?
I'd borrow £25000, maybe more. I obviously would be getting a divorce too.
Posted: 06/01/2005 20:49

Not up to me Alan!

I would pay that Kev. Scratch is only a dream at the moment
Posted: 06/01/2005 21:05

you haven't seen me right!
Posted: 06/01/2005 21:34

NH - thanks mate, for making me feel better. I thought I was the only sucker on here who wastes far too much money on this addictive game. I think I have it under control now but I bought a new steel insert 2 ball putter t'other day to add to my other 2 custom 2 balls and I hate it - got to sell it.

Mind you, I did once have 30k's worth of bicycles when I was racing, so golf is a cheaper sport by far.
Posted: 06/01/2005 23:47

Nick H - you need help mate!
Posted: 07/01/2005 08:15

Lovesy beats you all,
Nike blades,one round ,no don't like them,
four drivers in one purchase,left three in the boot,two fujikura shafts@£200 each and the same shaft?.
Toyota Supra,MV Augusta,£200 worth of sex toys for his chick,golf holidays all over the world every two months,drinks like a fish,loves pole dancing clubs,the whole of Southampton Golf Club is equipped with his cast aways,sailing boats and on and on and on.Powercaddy with all the toys,two rounds,sold to old manish.
He's famous down here.

He once bought me a treble in a lap club,three girls and told them it was my birthday.:)
Posted: 07/01/2005 09:33

I'm certainly on par with you Nick - only I've got a son who's up and coming junior so my spending has been more or less doubled as I'm a soft touch and whatever I get - he either nicks or I have to get him as well (he's big pals with the club junior pro which doesn't help either)!
We started about 18 months ago &
Between the two of us
1 X Junior starter Set
1 X RAM Driver
3 x Cobra Drivers
1 x TaylorMade Driver
1 x Tileist 983 Driver
6 X Titleist gap/lob wedges
1 X Mizuno 001 Driver
1 X Callaway Driver
2 X Sets of Ram irons
1 X Set Ram Wizard Irons
1 X Set Nike CPR Irons
1 X Set Titleist Irons
1 X Set Ben Hogan Irons
1 X Mizuno MX23 Irons
+ a couple of 2nd user sets as well!
3 X Ben Hogan Rescue Clubs
Not to mention
2 Ball Putter
Yes Putter
Nike putter
+ Maybe another 5 putters, 3 driving irons, More 3-5 woods than I can remember.
4 Bags + 2 Flight Bags - 4 pairs Shoes -
Loads of clothing and probably a zillion quid in Club Fees and range fees.
That's one spoilt kid and he'll have to end up on tour to pay me back!
No wonder I'm skint and I'm a 40 something not 30 so too old to go in telly.
Posted: 07/01/2005 14:10

No,your not to old as Iv'e been speaking to the producer today,theyv'e shot five and all are differing ages as to give a broad appeal,sadly one individual who would have been perfect thru his action man lifestyle,didn't want the fly on the wall intrinsic look into his spending habits as he'd have to come out of denial.
Posted: 07/01/2005 16:14

Go on Nick, put your hand up?
Posted: 07/01/2005 16:42

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