Knowing the best time to buy golf clubs can save you hundreds of dollars. As a seasoned golf coach and an avid golfer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the right golf clubs in a player’s hands.
The huge golf industry is full of top brands, each vying for your attention with alluring promises of “unparalleled drives” and “exceptionally forgiving irons.” So, when is the optimal moment to invest in these tools of the trade?
Whether you’re a beginner who’s eager to buy your first set or a veteran golfer contemplating a gear refresh and wanting to get a great deal on your ideal set, understanding when to buy golf clubs can make all the difference. Dive in as I unravel the best times to make that pivotal purchase, grounded in both industry insights and on-the-green experience.
When The Best Time To Buy Golf Clubs Is
1. Look for Seasonal Sales and Closeout Deals
Golf clubs can be a significant investment, but savvy golf enthusiasts know that timing is everything when it comes to finding the best deals. If you’re looking for a new set of clubs or simply looking to upgrade your current set, here’s your ultimate guide to shopping smartly.
Seasonal Bargains
- Fall and Winter Closeouts: As the golfing season begins to wind down in many parts of the world, retailers are keen to clear out their stock in preparation for new launches. This period, especially October and November, often presents enticing discounts on the season’s gear. So, if you’re not particular about having the latest model, this could be the perfect window for you.
- Major Holidays: While winter holiday sales like Christmas are a no-brainer for deals, don’t overlook other holidays. For instance, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, and Father’s Day have seen a surge in promotional offers recently. Other notable dates include Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day. Mark your calendar and be on the lookout for those seasonal deals.
Where to Buy
- Mainstream Retailers: While your local golf store is always a good place to start, larger online retailers like Amazon and PGA Tour Superstore often have a wider range of options and frequent sales, making them a hot spot for golf gear shopping.
- Used Golf Gear Platforms: Websites like Global Golf and Golf Avenue have revolutionized the pre-owned golf equipment market. They offer a vast selection of certified, graded equipment at a fraction of the price and have the added advantage of hassle-free returns. So, if your newly acquired club isn’t the right fit, simply send it back.
- Peer-to-peer Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are treasure troves for great deals. Here, you can often find new and used clubs sold by fellow golf enthusiasts. Just be sure to communicate with sellers, check reviews, and ensure you’re getting genuine gear.
Strategic shopping can save you a bundle on golf clubs. With the information at your fingertips, you’re well-equipped to find the best deals out there. Whether you’re seeking the latest release or are content with a tried-and-true model, remember to play your cards right, and you might just score a hole-in-one in savings!
2. When To Buy Your First Golf Club Set
You want to buy your first golf club set after you’ve played for a while so you understand which club set will fit your swing. If you buy too early, you could waste money on the wrong set. Plus, buying your first set of golf clubs is a big decision since it could cost over $1000.
If you are looking for your first-ever set, I suggest a complete starter kit like this Callaway Men’s Strata Ultimate Complete Golf Set. It has everything you need to start your golfing journey, including a bag at a fantastic price from one of the market leaders.
Purchasing a set like this enables you to have everything you need for less than some people pay for one club, and if you are only just starting to play, a cost-effective kit like this is perfect in the beginning.
Some people may suggest second-hand clubs, but the problem with these clubs when you are just starting out is that you might be purchasing clubs that are completely wrong for you.
They may be too old and the grooves have worn. They may be too stiff shaft-wise, or they may even be clubs targeted towards the better player and won’t help your game.
With the full starter kit, all the clubs in the set are manufactured specifically for beginners. They will be forgiving, easy to hit, brand new game improvement clubs that will give you the perfect start to your golfing journey.
Of course, if you feel like you have the money to spend and want something more then another option is to go to your local pro shop and get custom-fit for a full set of clubs. However, you will be better off buying the starter kit and using any spare money having lessons to learn a solid and consistent swing.
Your golf swing is going to be far more important than your clubs when you begin to play.
Read more: The Best Golf Club Sets for Beginners
3. When To Upgrade Your Clubs
If you are a more seasoned golfer and fancy an upgrade to a newer model, you can pick up a bargain at a certain time of year.
To get the best deal you want, start looking for your new clubs around the start of the year (Jan-Feb). This is when most club manufacturers release their latest models and so the previous year’s models are heavily reduced by most retailers.
This is a great way to save money. After all, not that much changes technology-wise in golf clubs, certainly not within a year, and if you have had your current set for a few years then 12-month-old technology is still going to be an improvement from what you have now.
As mentioned above, marketing is big business in golf and you do not want to fall into the trap of thinking that the newest and most expensive club is the one you need. I recommend exploring various models and brands of equipment before making a purchase. Finding something that feels comfortable, offers good value for money, and can enhance your performance is important.
You may be happy with your current set but don’t know when your clubs need changing. Let’s explore a few reasons:
A. Condition Of Your Clubs
The first telltale sign you need to start shopping around is if your clubs show deterioration. Certain clubs will wear more quickly than others, and knowing when to replace your clubs is super important.
The grooves on your irons and wedges will start wearing faster than your other clubs, which will mean a loss of performance. You may want to invest in a groove tool to keep them in top shape for as long as you can. This will increase the longevity of your clubs and keep them performing well.
As far as your grips go, changing these once a year is advisable to help with the feel and control of your clubs.
A putter is the club in your bag that you will not need to change as frequently as the others. You may never need to change it. Just look at Tiger Woods. He is still using the same putter 20 years since he first put it into play.
Putting is so much more about feel, and many golfers get used to their putter’s weight, feel, and grip, hanging on to the same one for many years. There is nothing wrong with this.
B. Your Current Game
If your handicap hasn’t improved for a season or two, or you keep hitting duff shots with your woods, then maybe it’s time to switch up your gear.
There is nothing like that feeling of a brand-new shiny driver that just gives you newfound confidence when you stand over the ball on the tee. A new club can reignite your love for the game and, in doing so, subconsciously help your game.
There is also the chance that you may be using the wrong equipment for your game currently lies, performance-wise, and you need to go and see your local pro to get custom fit for some clubs that will help offer something your old set didn’t.
C. Your Age
Another reason it may be time to change your clubs is your age. As you get older, you will inevitably find that your swing speed slows down, and if you use the wrong flex shaft in your clubs, you will lose distance.
As you age you need more flexible shafts to still get as much speed from your swing as possible. So if you find you are losing distance and you are getting that little bit older it could be time to move to senior shafts.
In addition, if you’re still a young golfer, perhaps you’re upgrading from a set of teenager-specific clubs to a full adult set. This is the time when choosing the right clubs for your game is the most important.
Read more: The Most Forgiving Irons
In Conclusion
Finding the best time to buy new golf clubs or upgrade your current set can be a game-changer for your performance and wallet. As we’ve explored, seasonal sales, holiday discounts, and specialized platforms like Amazon, Global Golf, and PGA Tour Superstore offer a treasure trove of opportunities for savvy shoppers. With an understanding of the best time to buy golf clubs, you’re set to maximize value and enhance your game.
Remember, transitioning to new clubs is a process. While the allure of advanced technology is tempting, patience is crucial. As many seasoned golfers advise, it often takes around four to five rounds to truly acclimate to a new club. So, resist the urge to revert to your familiar set after a few initial hiccups. Give your new set a fair shot.
Whether you’re a pro, a hobbyist, or somewhere in between, the right golf clubs at the right time can make all the difference. So, when the itch for new clubs begins, refer back to these guidelines and make an informed choice. After all, smart shopping and dedication on the course are the keys to a rewarding golfing experience.
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Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
