Time is money

Golf is one of the best social sports. It can be played by all ages and genders, and is a mainstay of business networking. You can play golf for the rest of your life, the saying goes. The drawback: cost.

According to the National Golf Foundation (www.ngf.org), 18 holes at a "premium" public golf course will run about $70 at peak season, including a cart. At "standard" or midlevel courses, green fees run between $40 and $70. Expect to pay $40 or less for 18 holes at what the NGF calls "value" courses.

The foundation reports that golfers spent $24.2 billion in 2002 on equipment and fees, and about $26.1 billion a year on golf-related travel.

Tennis anyone?