3 Keys to Buying Better Used Golf Clubs: A Guide

Beginners in golf or golfers that don’t play it too much may decide to buy used golf clubs. This is particularly useful when the golfer is on a budget and the beginners can master their skills using the used golf clubs before investing in new ones.

Before you read through this guide, you may have been looking for more details on

How to Buy Golf Clubs

There are five categories of golf clubs today. You can purchase all of them used. Typically golfers sell their used clubs for several reasons, including.

  • Unable to play well with the new clubs they purchased
  • Always buy the latest technology every few years
  • Scratches on the clubhead make looking at the club uncomfortable

There are many reasons people sell their golf clubs. Here are some Top Used Golf Clubs for Sale

Woods

This term is usually referred to as the driver and fairway woods (3 and 5).

Despite being called woods, their clubheads have been advanced and are not made of wood any longer. They have the largest heads among others in the club. They are mostly used for the longest shots.

Irons

These golf clubs are provided in numbered sets that range from 3- iron to 9- iron. Some sets include a pitching wedge.

Their club heads are smaller than those of the woods. The heads are solid, but you can still find some that are hollow (or cavity back).

Their loft is etched with grooves to provide an amazing grip and spin. Their shaft length is decreased compared to drivers and fairway woods and are typically used for second shots, approach shots or tee shots on par 3s.

Here are a few previous editions of iron sets you may want to take a look at. These are solid clubs.

Hybrids

Hybrid golf clubs are a combination of the characteristics of iron and wood.

Iron, Crossover, Hybrid golf club

They are also numbered as irons and are typically meant to replace irons, hence the name ‘iron-replacement clubs.’ Their performance is higher compared to that of woods and irons.

Wedges

Golfers use a variety of wedge clubs. You may hear people talking about the following.

  • Gap wedge
  • Lob wedge
  • Pitching wedge
  • Sand wedge.

These clubs look like irons since they have similar clubheads. They are mostly used for chips and pitches around the green or for playing out of sand bunkers.

Putter

They are the most- specialized golf clubs and are available in shapes and sizes of wide varieties. They are readily available in the market and are easy to choose since it all depends on your personal preference.

Considerations When Buying Used Golf Clubs

Clubheads

A golf club that has been used for long may be worn out and you can identify this by seeing a shiny worn spot in the center.

This negatively affects how the clubhead will hold the ball. 

For the woods, check for any dents around the clubhead or in the crown, especially when the clubhead is not made of steel.

Shafts

Check keenly to ensure the are no indentation or worn areas on the graphite shafts.

These weaknesses could lead to the shaft’s breakage. Twist the head and the grip in opposite directions to test the torque.

Lack of great resistance is a sign that the shaft is weak. Moreover, when the shaft is made of steel, check to see whether it has been bent back into shape for more durability.

Grips

You should check whether the grips have splits, cracks or worn areas.

This will ensure that the clubs will not need re-gripping.  Re-gripping will cost you more, ranging from $6 to $15 per club. Check our blog, we plan to write a step by step guide on how to replace golf grips yourself – it’s easy.

Golf Club Set Consistency 

Compare the clubs throughout the set by lining them up, like the image below. Notice how the ends of the grips are evenly staggered.

Staggered length of used golf clubs

Lining your clubs up ensures a few things.

  • All clubs in the set appear to have been in the original set without any inconsistencies
  • Each club has the correct length
  • Each club has an even change in length from the PW to the 3-Iron

A set that has different types of shafts and models from different clubs is distracting and not convenient. Checking the consistency will also make sure that the progression of lengths is normal from one club to the other.

You can have irons that are the same length. Learn more about single-length clubs.

Check Prices of New vs. Used Golf Clubs

It’s important to check the current prices of new clubs of a similar model you are looking to buy.

For example, I currently play Mizuno MP68 Irons, a much older version of the newer MP20s. There are several ways to learn the value of clubs.

  • Trade-in your clubs at the local golf store
  • Look on eBay to see what clubs are selling for
  • Look on Amazon for Used Golf Clubs

A set that hasn’t been used for so long, for instance, one or two years, maybe in great shape. Best Golf Clubs for Beginners

The golfer may, therefore, price it high justifiably. Nevertheless, the manufacturer may have some discounts or offers for the same model, and you may end up saving more.

I use the PGA Value Guide to research the value of used golf clubs.

Request a Demo of the Used Golf Clubs

The performance of the clubs may not be easily identified by looking at them, thus a few swings are very relevant.

At a garage sale, you should carry some whiffle balls with you, and be allowed to make a few swings in the front yard.

When purchasing from a retail shop, they should allow you to make the swings using real balls. If they fail to accept your request for a demo, think twice.

If you find a set of used golf clubs online you’d like to buy, see if you can go down to your local golf store and find the same or similar clubs and take a few swings. There are several local stores you

  • Puetz Golf
  • Pro Golf Discount
  • Golf Galaxy
  • PGA Tour Superstores
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods

Buying used golf clubs saves on expenses, but you have to be critical when scrutinizing them to ensure that they don’t affect your performance negatively or lead to more costs when repairing them.

How Much are Used Golf Clubs Worth

Old and Used Golf Clubs

There are several places where you can buy used golf clubs. One option is to visit local golf shops or pro shops that may have a section dedicated to used clubs. These stores often have a variety of brands and models available, allowing you to choose from a wide selection.

Another option is to check online marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. These platforms provide a convenient way to browse through a large inventory of used clubs from different sellers. You can often find detailed descriptions and photos of the clubs, making it easier to assess their condition.

Here are some websites where you can buy used golf clubs:

These websites offer a wide selection of used golf clubs, allowing you to browse through different brands, models, and conditions to find the best fit for your game and budget. Remember to carefully review the descriptions and ratings provided by the sellers, and compare prices to ensure you’re making a well-informed purchase.

How to Price Used Golf Clubs

If you currently own golf clubs and are considering a new path in life, selling your golf clubs can be a smart move. Here are some helpful tips for successfully selling your golf clubs and maximizing their value.

  • Pricing used golf clubs requires careful consideration of several factors. Start by researching the current market value of similar clubs, taking into account factors such as brand, model, condition, and age.
  • Consider any unique features or accessories that may add value. Assess the overall condition of the clubs, including signs of wear, damage, or any necessary repairs. Lower prices for clubs in poorer condition, and adjust your pricing accordingly.
  • Consider the demand for the particular clubs you are selling, as well as the time of year and any fluctuations in the golf industry.
  • Be open to negotiation and willing to adjust your prices based on potential buyers’ offers. By considering these factors and staying informed about the golf club market, you can effectively price your used golf clubs to attract the right buyers.

Final Thoughts

New golf clubs can be very expensive. If you are a beginner, it is worth it to try a few different brands of golf clubs. You should be looking for the following in the used golf clubs you purchase.

  • Weight – can you swing the club without a lot of strain?
  • Feel – can you feel the bottom of the swing? Can you feel the clubhead?
  • Control – can you stay balanced when you swing the club?

My biggest advice would be to try several types of all the clubs in your bag and a few different sets of irons until you start playing well (lower scores). If you stay with golf for years and better your game, you will most certainly change which clubs you play. Buying used golf clubs along the way will help save your pocketbook.

The biggest footprint in golf - Golfsquatch