Used Discount Golf Clubs

    Used discounts golf clubs can save you a lot of money. To find the estimated trade-in and resale prices of used clubs, check out the PGA's value guide (http://valueguide.pga.com/). Use the estimated prices as a reference guide while shopping to make sure you really do get a good deal on a used discount golf club. If you are lucky, you can find the exact discount golf club you are looking for at a great price. If you do find what you are looking for, make sure the retailer has some guarantee of quality, whether it certifies their pre-swung clubs or has a good return policy. You don't want to get stuck with a half-bent driver or a severely worn-out iron.  
    The biggest drawback to purchasing used discount golf clubs is that they won't be tailored to you or your swing. If you're lucky, you can find the right length and flex, but what about lie, head weight, loft or grip? If you want to get the most out of your swing, used clubs aren't for you. Unless you find the needle-in-the-haystack discount golf club that fits like a glove.

Older Model Discount Golf Clubs

   Past year's models may no longer be in style, but they certainly hit as well as they did a year ago. Although typically more expensive than used golf clubs, you can customize them because they are new. The better fit may be worth the extra money. As PGA Professional Chris Foley wrote in his article "Invest in Your Game," "If a club doesn't suit a player's swing or physique, it is very difficult to hit the club consistently well." However, if the golf clubs fit and you don't mind missing out on the latest technological improvements, you can save a good deal of money.

Clone Discount Golf Clubs

    Imagine getting the performance of a top, name brand club for under $100. That is the claim made by clone golf companies. Whether their claims are valid is for you to decide. However, some clones do live up to their word, such as the SMT Nemesis, which was the World Long Drive Champion in 2003 with a distance of 403 yards (smtgolf.com). Also, considering the fact that the high price tags on many of the industry leaders is not only due to their higher quality materials but to their extensive marketing, clone clubs may offer you great value for your money (How to Play Better Golf).

Clearance and Closeout Discount Golf Clubs

    A great place to search for discount golf clubs is in the clearance or closeout sections of Web sites and local retailers. You will mostly find used or older models, but the prices are even lower than usual because the stores are trying to get rid of the discount golf clubs. However, some of the prices may not be as good as they seem. For example, I have seen a pre-owned TaylorMade 320 titanium driver marked down from $300 to $43. On first look, it seemed like a great deal, but when I check the PGA Value Guide, the recommended price ranged from $26.86 to $29.09 (pga.com). The driver was well overpriced at $43. Diligent searching can uncover great bargains, but shop carefully.

    If you are looking to take your game to the next level, you need custom-fit golf clubs (Foley). However, if you play for recreation, exercise or a good time with friends, buying discount golf clubs is a great way to save some extra money. Money that is better spent on extra rounds of golf and a few more buckets of balls at the driving range.