Are Used Golf Clubs Worth Buying? (7 Tips)

Written by Todd in Uncategorized

Yes, you have to know what you are looking for, but there are some great options in today’s golf market.  I would recommend buying irons, fairway woods, or putters used to save money, but staying away from drivers and the wedges in the used market.

In the market for a different set of golf clubs?

Or maybe you simply need a new putter or set of irons.

Golfers are fortunate to have many options in today’s market.  There are a wide range of golf clubs both from a money perspective and a performance perspective.  

While not every golfer is going to need the very best set of golf clubs out there, having a quality set is worth the money.

I would highly recommend staying away from the very cheap sets, even if you are just a beginner.  Getting a quality set will help you get over the big learning curve when you first start playing golf.

I am often asked by people what is the best set of clubs or the best way to get started in the game.

I would highly recommend considering used golf clubs.  

However, I am not talking about the 30 year old set you found in your grandfather’s garage.  There are some quality options out there with used clubs on different sites such as Callaway.  

Are Used Golf Clubs Worth Buying?

Personal Experience: I have now purchased my irons and my 3 wood from Callaway Pre-Owned and have been thrilled with both purchases. I maintain that I wouldn’t buy a driver or wedges used. Too much potential for a driver that has been slammed into the ground, etc. or worn down wedges.

Stay away from old golf clubs! They make the game that much more difficult. If buying used, get something from the last 5-10 years!

Why Buy Used Golf Clubs?

The bottom line is that the golfer can save money.  Golf can be expensive and saving some money on some of your clubs might help you actually play more golf.  Most golfers have a budget and being aware of the tips below will help you maximize your dollars and get the best clubs possible in your hands.

For some clubs, the option of a better brand or model in used is better than the cheaper models brand new.  Make sure you check out the tips below!

7 Tips to Buying Used Golf Clubs

Tip #1: Irons Are A Great Option

When it comes to irons the technology doesn’t change drastically over a 5 year period of time and sometimes even in a 10 year period of time.  The irons are a great option to buy used because the technology doesn’t change and even the most irresponsible golfer has a difficult time ruining a set of irons due to the material they are made with.  

Finding a quality used option on a site like Callaway pre owned is my number one tip to saving money, but still have a quality club in your hands.

I purchased my Titlelist 716s online in 2018 and still used them to this day.  They provide a player like workability and a solid option.  One of the quality options about Callaway pre owned is that all clubs are regripped before they are sent to you.

They will rank the irons based on their condition they are in, so I would recommend staying on the top half of the rating scale, but the money you will save makes it well worth it

Tip #2: Putters Are A Great Option

Putters are another great option.  While the technology has improved with site lines, balance points and other factors, many golfers would use a putter that is 15 years old and have a quality experience.  The used putters are a great option for the golfer that is frequently changing putters.  If you are someone that likes to have plenty of options when it comes to putters, the used putters is the way to go.

Stop paying $400 for the new putter and go with the used putter and save around half the money.  Chances are, you will move on to a different putter at some point if you are someone that is frequently changing and wants a different feel or look.

I own both a two ball odyssey putter and a Scotty Cameron Newport.  I find myself going back and forth depending on the time of year and how I am putting at the time.  Most golfers should have multiple options to provide different chances to build the confidence. 

Often times the change in putter is enough to provide that extra level of confidence or a new look over the ball that helps you to start to see the proper line and actually hit the proper line.

Stay away from used wedges that looks like the one above!

Tip #3: Stay Away From Wedges

Did you know that some PGA Tour pros change their wedges every tournament or every several tournaments.  While most amateurs do not need to do this, you must be ware of the used wedges as the grooves wear down and you decrease your spin rate.  This will make the club more inconsistent and impact the overall performance.

If you are someone that doesn’t mind and you can find a used wedge that looks pretty new, it might luck out and find the perfect option at a reduced price.

Tip #4: Be Cautious With the Driver

The driver is a difficult club to buy used.  Some people are rather difficult on their drivers and the technology changes frequently.  If you are buying a driver that is 5 years old, you may be missing out on newer technology or advancements in club design that help you gain some extra yardage or accuracy.

The best option for buying a driver and saving money is buying last year’s model at a reduced or clearance price.  The one year old technology will still be pretty good and you don’t have to worry that some golfer mistreated the club and slammed into the ground after a bad driver on a par 5.  

Tip #5: Study the Rating System and Be Patient

If you are in the market for “new” used clubs, make sure you have some time to properly shop and look for the best option out there.  I would recommend giving yourself a 2-3 week to select the right clubs for you!  Most importantly understand the rating system and make sure you see a picture of the actual product you are purchasing.  You want to ensure the rating system and the picture match up to understand what level of club you are buying.

Ultimately, any credible place will allow returns and will want to provide quality customer service.

Tip #6: Don’t Forget About Trade In Value

Did you know that your current clubs will have some trade in value?  Oftentimes the sites like Callaway Pre Owned will give you an offer or trade in value on your clubs.  Might you be able to sell them for more in a golfer to golfer sale, yes, but it might take longer with more headaches.

Make sure you take care of all of your clubs on a regular basis to keep them in the best condition possible for trade in value when you are ready for a new set!

Another option is demo clubs! They are often sold at a lower price point!

Tip #7: Check Out Different Brands

When you are playing golf with different friends keep an eye out for new clubs or new models they are hitting.  I first tested out my 2 Utility Iron by Titleist and hit a friend’s utility iron before buying mine.  After hitting several shots with the club, I was convinced I needed one! 

I went ahead and searched the internet for a used utility iron, but struggled as there aren’t many out there.  I ended up buying new because my options were limited on the used market.  When it comes to irons, putters and fairway woods, there are plenty of options out there on the used market!  Make sure you check them out and save some money!

I prefer Titliest Irons, Callaway Woods and Odyssey putters! But much of this is personal preference!

Closing Thoughts: My Secret To Golf Improvement

Let’s face it, in order to get really good at golf, we must practice frequently.  About three years ago, I made the leap and invested in a golf simulator build for my garage.  

I went with a SkyTrak Launch Monitor and the TGC software and can now play over 100,000 courses including Augusta, Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black, Whistling Straits. St. Andrews and many other of the top 100 courses in the world.

This golf simulator setup, which is more affordable that you might imagine, has been a game changer.  I can now play golf everyday of the year regardless of rain, snow, cold weather or time of day.  I can practice or play rounds of golf.  I can stand in the 11th fairway at Augusta and with the auto-rewind feature I am able to practice my approach shots from various differences.

It is worth checking out through Rain or Shine Golf as they offer some incredible packages along with financing offers that are difficult to beat.

Some direct links to Rain or Shine Golf for pricing and financing:

Take Action – What You Can Do Today to Get Better

What does this mean for you?  I believe in the following recipe to get better:

1 – Improve your motion in the golf swing by identifying a golf instructor.  Here are some options:

Here is a list of golf instructors that we have reviewed:

2 – Train to swing faster and improve your swing speed.  Here are some options:

Looking to gain more Speed and Distance in your swing. Two Options:

3 – Understand course strategy and work to break through your next barrier.  Here is a series on breaking through:

We have provided guides on how to break 100, 90, 80 and 70. Check out more below, if interested.

4 – Practice Frequently

Did you know that I build a golf simulator in my garage and have played over 500 rounds of golf on my SkyTrak system?  It has been a game changer and one worth checking out. Here are some of my other posts on golf simulators frequently asked questions:

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