But even at "a couple of bucks" a pop — awful pun — it has all been worth it.
The 60-year-old Dunedin musician is addicted to the sport he describes as "physical chess".
"I play table tennis every day. I absolutely love it," he said.
"It is just good for general health and a great sport for everyone."
He took up the sport as a child and his passion for the sport has only grown.
"It is just very addictive."
Playing has been reward enough but Fogarty has been selected in the New Zealand veterans team for a test series against Australia in Christchurch in mid April.
It is the third time Fogarty has represented his country. His younger sister Catherine Fogarty (53), who lives in Christchurch, has also been named in the team.
"I really don’t know who their team is at this stage but we’ll be very competitive. It is always a real keen contest."
Dunedin’s Ben Duffy was a late inclusion in the New Zealand side and will compete in the men’s over 40 category.
The test series will be followed by the New Zealand Open Veteran Championships during the Easter break. It is also being staged in Christchurch.
