There are two great reasons to buy pre-owned golf clubs. The first is that you’ll save some money. The second is that you can find solutions specifically tailored to your game. Golfers are constantly buying, selling and trading equipment. If you are smart about how you purchase pre-owned golf clubs, you can come across some excellent equipment. Here are five things to know before you buy used.

1. Grip condition and replacement costs

Adding a new grip isn’t a big deal when you buy a single golf club. However, if you are purchasing an entire set of irons, make sure you consider the added expense of grip replacement. The cost of regripping can range from around $8 to $15 per club. 

2. Grooves on wedges

Try to get a good indication of the groove condition on any wedges you purchase. The condition of the grooves can impact spin and worn grooves can make it more difficult for you to control the ball around the greens.

Wedge technology changes but not as quickly as irons and woods. You can get away with something a little older that has grooves in great condition.

3. Cosmetics are not the most important

Take a look at the club’s overall appearance. A few minor scratches are normal but serious dings are an issue. It’s pretty easy to tell if someone used their headcover on the driver or dragged it along the cart path.

Damage to the face and shaft will affect playability. Most of the time, cosmetic damage won’t have much impact other than aesthetically.

If you are working with an independent seller (e.g., eBay or Facebook), consider asking for a video of the club so you can see its condition for yourself.

4. Shipping costs versus local purchase

When determining your budget for these used golf clubs, keep shipping costs in mind. Local purchases can save you a lot and you can see the club in person.

If you find a golf club that you want from a seller who would have to ship it to you, do a quick search locally for an alternative in your area.

More important than the shipping costs are the return policies. Some policies don’t allow you to return or they require you to pay for the return shipping yourself.

5. Ask about history

This tip applies to independent sellers. Don’t be afraid to ask people about the club’s history. If a golfer says they played three rounds, didn’t like it and it’s been in the garage since, that’s great.

Amateur golfers get hung up on the concept of the model year of the club and the technology. This is understandable.

However, for most players (especially those on a budget), as long as you upgrade technology, you’ll be in good shape. It should benefit your game if your irons are 10 years old and you upgrade to some that are four years old but have only been played a handful of times.

Additional tips and tricks

If you are thinking of buying used, here are a few other things to keep in mind.

Tell your golf buddies first that you are considering buying a used driver, putter, etc. They may have some gear they want to unload and you’ll probably get the best deals. Look for reputable sellers like Callaway Pre-Owned, Global Golf and 2nd Swing. Take a look at MyGolfSpy testing from previous years or our Forum threads to see if the particular club you are interested in is mentioned. It’s easy to get swayed by a “cheap” price but performance is more important. Leverage return policies to your benefit and look for trial periods and performance guarantees when possible. Here’s a unique concept: If you are looking for a shaft upgrade in your current driver, first look to see if you can find a matching used clubhead with the shaft you need. Sometimes, it’s cheaper and easier than purchasing and replacing the shaft in your current club. 

Final thoughts

Smart shoppers find a mix of used and new equipment in the bag is ideal. If you are careful about where you purchase used equipment, you’ll save money and upgrade your bag with clubs that can make you a better player—on a budget.

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