Buying used golf clubs can be one of the smartest ways to save money, upgrade your bag or experiment with gear you’ve always wanted to try. But it’s also one of the easiest ways to make equipment buying mistakes. Some second-hand clubs are steals and others are being sold cheap for a reason. Here’s how to know the difference when buying used clubs makes sense and when you’re better off walking away.
When buying used clubs makes sense
Here are three times when buying used golf clubs makes sense.
You’re getting a high-quality club with life left
If you’ve reviewed our testing results from 2023 or 2024 and determined that there was something that would have been a perfect fit for your game, don’t hesitate to shop for it used. Those clubs likely have lots of life left, the technology is still relevant and you may be able to upgrade your game.
Look beyond the brand name and pay attention to the condition.
- Sharp grooves on wedges and irons
- No major scuffing or browning on forged faces
- Clean topline and face on the driver
Ask for photos of the face and grooves, not just the back of the club. That’s where the wear shows up.
You plan to regrip anyway
If the club is solid but the grip is worn, shiny, or cracked, it really doesn’t matter. In the grand scheme of things, grips are cheap. Regripping costs about $10–$15 per club. It’s an easy fix and a good way to make the club feel more like it’s yours.
The only time to watch out is when comparing two sets of irons, one of which needs to be regripped and the other doesn’t. This could add up quickly and make one set a much better deal than the other.
You know the club fits you
If you’ve tested the club or are familiar with its specs, buying used is a smart move. Look for clubs that have the correct length, lie angle and shaft flex for you, not just the latest releases. Some shops will let you test used gear before you buy and that’s a great benefit.
When buying used clubs doesn’t make sense
There are dozens of reasons why buying used clubs may not make sense. These are the most important ones to keep in mind.
The grooves are worn out
Worn grooves on a golf club mean that you won’t get any spin. You’ll notice this to be a problem, especially on wedges and scoring irons. The groove condition matters. If the center grooves are shallow or smooth, it’s not the club for you. You’ll also need to check if the wear is even. Any visible groove wear should be avoided.
The shaft has damage
You should go into the process of shopping for used golf clubs with the understanding that shafts are very expensive to replace. Look for rub marks or dents around three-quarters of the way up the shaft, which is common from bag wear.
If you are able to see the club in person, run your finger along the club shaft. If you feel a dip or a soft spot, it’s not the club for you.
The putter face has dings or scratches
Grips can be replaced. A damaged face is difficult and expensive to fix. Check for chips, dents, or cracks — especially on insert putters. For milled putters, surface scratches across the face can throw off roll.
The whole point of buying a putter is precision, feel and consistency. If the face is damaged, skip it.
No headcover
A missing headcover tells you one thing: the club probably wasn’t cared for. Even if the headcover is not the original, ensure the club (driver, fairway, hybrid, putter) has one or appears to have had one. It’s usually pretty easy to tell.
The technology is too outdated to help you
Even if an older club looks good, that doesn’t mean it performs well by today’s standards. You need to assess the clubs you currently have and determine whether this new equipment will be a genuine upgrade. Drivers get significantly better every few years. If you are purchasing something more than six or seven years old, you’ll be missing out on modern face technology and forgiveness.
In recent years, manufacturers have learned how to combine forgiveness and distance in the golf equipment they make and if that’s something your game needs, newer is better.
If the tech is too old, even a perfect swing won’t get the distance or forgiveness you’d get from something newer — and still used.
Final thoughts
Buying used clubs can be a great way to save money while still giving yourself better equipment choices. Don’t get distracted by the price tag or the logo on the club. Inspect the grooves, feel the shaft, check the grip and know when a “deal” is actually a dud.
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