There has always been a market for used golf clubs, probably ever since the game began. The game of golf tends to be very expensive in every way. Course fees or club membership is one of the biggest expenses. Then you have all of the equipment, of which clubs are just one part.
There are many reasons why people buy used golf clubs. The first is when they need a club or set of clubs and simply do not have the money to buy new. Many people assume this to be the case when they hear that a player has bought pre-owned equipment. However, it is often not true.
You may want to buy used clubs because you are just starting out and are not yet sure that you will want to take up the game of golf permanently. Be warned – it’s addictive! Or you may be buying used clubs for a family member who thinks that they might want to play with you. You don’t want to let a beginner loose with your own prized clubs, so buying them a second hand set seems like a great idea. At the same time, they are happy that you have bought them such a valuable gift!
Another reason to buy used golf clubs is that maybe you want to try a particular style or brand that would normally be outside your budget. Perhaps another player that you know is giving up the game and selling his clubs, or just selling one because it doesn’t suit him. You try it out and yes, you want to own it. So buying pre-owned is not necessarily a question of money.
Whenever you are looking to purchase a used golf club, you always have to be sure that the previous owner took care of it properly. Of course when you talk to them, they will probably tell you that they really made sure to keep the club in best condition, but you have to be careful and remember that all in all, they are just trying to sell the club and get rid of it. Once you walk away there’s going to be no returns. So check the club or clubs over very carefully for damage, especially if you do not know the previous owner or are suspicious of his reasons for wanting to sell.
When you check if the club was maintained properly, you have to see if there are any dents or cuts that are out of the ordinary. Obviously, the club is there to hit a golf ball and it might show some minor and unimportant defects such as marks or scratches, but generally speaking there shouldn’t be anything major visible on the equipment.
Another thing is that it obviously should have never been bent. You should be able to tell that from a close look at the shaft, particularly the area near to the head. Signs that a club has been bent and then straightened again include bumps and malformations of the surface of the head, discoloration or any signs of weakness in the shaft.
Your best chance of being happy with your purchase will come from buying from a trustworthy source. This could be either somebody that you know or a store that offers a guarantee. If you buy on eBay or from a stranger, ask what is their policy for returns if you find that you are not happy with the club after trying it for yourself. They may agree to give you a short guarantee period.
But even if not, you may decide to go ahead and hope to get a bargain. The game of golf is a challenge and finding the best used golf clubs among all that is available can be part of the fun!




