When I started this blog, I decided to keep it golf-exclusive. But the state of our plummeting economy is a serious cause of concern and I will tell you why.
For non-Malaysians, here's what you need to know. At the height of the asian economic crises back in 1997-98, the Ringgit was pegged to the USD at $1 = RM3.80 to stabilize the Ringgit. That peg was subsequently scrapped in 2005.
Today, the Ringgit has dropped to a 17 year low against the USD and now stands at:
$1 = RM4.20++
That is insane! And how does it affect me you ask?
If you are like me, I do most of my golf equipment shopping online and trawl the likes of Ebay and Amazon looking for the best deals. Golfing equipment is alot cheaper in the States. They use to be anyway.
Earlier in February this year, I was in the market for a new Driver and purchased a brand new Cobra Fly Z which was priced at $229.99. At the time, the Ringgit was trading against the USD at about 3.7 so I ended up paying about RM851.00 (excluding shipping of course) which was alot cheaper then what it was selling for here in Malaysia.
Today (barely 6 months later), the Cobra Fly Z driver sold at the same price would cost me RM966.00. That's a hefty difference of RM115.00.
So with the new exchange rate, it's no longer worthwhile to shop with US Sellers for golf equipment, accessories or anything else for that matter. First world problem or not, it's depressing all the same!
To make matters worse, Kuching has been hit with pretty bad haze. Not ideal for those with respiratory problems and certainly not encouraging for a round of golf.
When it rains, it pours.
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