Used Golf Clubs

If you're new to the game of golf, have played enough to know you want to keep learning, or on a budget and can’t afford a new set of clubs, used golf clubs may be the best option. For new golfers, it may not make sense to shell out several hundred dollars for a set of new clubs when they are not certain they will even stick with the game. But it’s important to get a good set of clubs so that you give yourself a fair assessment of your abilities and of the game itself. If you are hacking away with a set of bent or worn clubs, or clubs that don’t fit your build or swing, then you will likely come away from the game having had a poor experience. There are many places to buy used golf clubs, and you can get a good deal provided you do your homework ahead of time and follow these tips.

Do Your Homework
The first thing to do before buying used golf clubs is to make sure you understand proper fit, shaft flexibility and advantages and disadvantages of different golf club materials. Know how long the shafts of woods, irons and putters should be to fit your height and build. And know whether or not you want graphite shafts as opposed to steel, metal woods or true woods, etc. Do your homework on the basics just as you would for new clubs. This will help narrow your search and improve your chances of finding the set of used golf clubs that are right for you.

Wear and Damage
Once you know what you’re looking for and are ready to begin looking at clubs, the first thing is to check them for damage or excessive wear. All used golf clubs are not created equal. Some have been cared for better than others. Make sure shafts aren’t bent, worn or nicked. With graphite shafts, test the torque by holding on to the grip with one hand and the club head with the other and giving a twist. If the club doesn’t feel firm and offer noticeable resistance, it could be a weak shaft.

Face wear is another way to evaluate the condition of used golf clubs. If the face of the club head has a shiny spot, or if the grooves are worn down, the club has been used a lot and the surface has become too smooth to hold the ball well. Nicks and indents in the clubface will affect ball flight.

Many times, if a person gives up golf or gets a new set of clubs, he or she will stick the old clubs in the shed or garage. When they go to sell the used golf clubs, they may be in fine shape, but the grips may be cracked or brittle. This doesn’t mean it is a bad set of clubs, but you will have to replace the grips, usually at a cost of $5 to $15 each, which can significantly increase the end price of the clubs. If the grips are bad, make sure this is reflected in the price of the clubs.

A Matching Set
You also want to be sure that all the clubs come from the same set. Many manufacturers create a set of clubs to compliment each other. The progression in loft is based on the set as a whole and the loft of a club is in proportion to the one before it. With mismatched sets, you get different combinations of loft progressions, which can make club selection confusing. Also, if you purchase a set of mixed brand, used golf clubs, they will likely have a different feel from club to club, which could make it difficult to get comfortable and develop a consistent swing.

Compare Prices
In order to know if you are getting a good deal, you should research the cost for new clubs. Many manufacturers offer special deals at certain times of the year or when a model has been discontinued. If you find a set of used golf clubs that you like and you don’t know what the set would cost new, see if the seller will hold onto the clubs until you can check it out. Many golf stores and used equipment shops will have current catalogs or flyers that show prices for new golf clubs. If in doubt, check it out first. It will be hard to enjoy yourself on the course if you think about how much you overpaid every time you pick up a club.

Many top golfers like to change clubs every few years as new technology and designs become available. Or people buy new clubs only to find out that they really don’t enjoy the game or don’t have the time to play. There are many reasons that people choose to sell golf clubs that are still nearly new or at least in good enough shape for the beginner or average player. Using this information will help you find a set of used golf clubs that fit your budget and golf needs. If your interest in golf develops or your fortunes improve and you decide you want a new set, you can always sell your used clubs and many golf stores take trade ins to help defer the costs of new clubs.