Should You Buy Used Golf Clubs?
Used golf clubs are usually for beginner golfers (Thompson). If you buy good quality used clubs, they can be a great way to get into the game without paying the high prices required for top name-brand clubs. However, make sure you buy quality used golf clubs because bad equipment will only make it more difficult for you to improve and enjoy playing (Puett). The game of golf doesn't need any assistance in being difficult and frustrating.
Intermediate and advanced golfers don't typically buy used golf clubs because they can't be custom fitted, and if you want top performance from your golf clubs, you need to have personally tailored clubs (Foley). Studies have found that if your club's lie is off by only one degree, your shots will land five yards farther away from your target (Anderson). Imagine how off your shots will be if your flex, shaft length or loft are wrong. However, if you like the feel of some used golf clubs, don't be afraid to buy them.
Put simply, if precision performance is your goal, don't buy used golf clubs because they can't be custom fitted. But, if you are just starting out or simply playing for fun, used golf clubs can provide you with quality clubs at a greatly reduced price. The money you save will be better spent on extra rounds of golf and a few more buckets of balls at the driving range.
Where to Buy Used Golf Clubs
You can buy used golf clubs almost anywhere: garage sales, flee markets, friends, classified ads, online auctions, sporting goods stores, pro shops, online retailers and many more locations. However, when you are buying used clubs you want to have assurance that you are getting a quality product. Unless you personally know the person selling the clubs and trust them or can inspect the clubs in person before buying, make sure the seller offers some type of quality assurance. Look for retailers' warranties and return policies on used golf clubs before you buy. Also, find out if the seller certifies their pre-swung clubs, the way some car dealers certify pre-owned vehicles. The last thing you want is to end up with a dented driver or a bent iron.
What's a Fair Price for Used Golf Clubs?
To find out what a particular used golf club should cost, visit the PGA Value Guide (valueguide.pga.com/). The collaborative effort of the PGA, Ebay.com and 3balls.com sets the national standard for golf club values. You can find the expected trade-in values as well as re-sale values for most name-brand clubs. Another resource for finding expected prices for used golf clubs is golfculbexchange.com's Golf Club Blue Book (www.golfclubexchange.com/bluebook/). Like the PGA Value Guide, it lists expected re-sale and trade-in values for used golf clubs. However, The Golf Club Blue Book has suggested prices for many more brands of clubs. If you check both resources before you purchase used golf clubs, you can make sure you get a fair price.
Although used golf clubs aren't for every golfer, they are certainly worth looking into if you are a beginner or if you just play for recreation. With a little bit of research and some searching, you can get great value for your money. But remember, only get quality used golf clubs because no amount of money you save can makeup for hours of frustration due to poor equipment.