colej Callaway and Taylormade are well on their way to that $1,000 mark for a new driver.
There have been $1000 + drivers around for some time now. Typically these were Jspec or high end boutique clubs.
Covid created a golf frenzy that not only impacted demand for tee times but also for equipment....supply/demand dynamics = increased pricing. Heck, i've been selling used gear at some crazy prices since c19, sometimes close to what it was new. ( there has been a slight softening in the past 3 months though)
Inflationary and supply chain problems are also no doubt contributing to higher costs.
Just look at the price of new car or truck these days, it's insane.....as are used vehicle prices.
The technology in new drivers probably costs a fair bit more than the ol bonded hosel designs we once used. Multi-material construction, moving and adjustable parts not to mention all companies seem yo be using "better " quality , upgraded shaft options as stock versus the cheap made for ones we used to use that cost a couple bucks to turn. Some Shafts are pushing the $1k mark
Does this justify a $1000 price tag? Does a loaded Denali truck warrant a $100,000 price tag?
That said the golf industry is rife with exaggerated and false marketing claims ....very few industries except perhaps the cosmetics and anti aging ones can claim to have so much fluff, smoke and mirrors used to dupe, er coerce their followers.
In the end it's your or their money to spend, as I've stated before I know people who wear $300 jeans, $10,000 watches and drive $100,000 cars. Not my thing ( i wear Levis, drive two older model cars do have 3-4 nice watches but no Rolex π had a fake one tho) but it's their money to do with as they wish....... and you can't take it with you π