Besides the mechanics of your swing, your clubs impact your game significantly. However, golf equipment can be expensive, so many people wonder where is the best place to buy used golf clubs.
Here are the 11 best places to buy used golf clubs:
- Global Golf (up to 70% off)
- Amazon
- Golf Avenue
- RockBottom Golf
- 3Balls.com
- Local pro shop
- Second-hand dealers
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Websites
- eBay
- Craigslist or Online Classifieds
- Facebook Marketplace
A risk of buying used golf clubs is selecting a set that’s a great deal, but not right for your game. Read to the end so you know all your options so you can find a low price AND the right set to help your game go to the next level.
Check out the latest Black Friday deals at GlobalGolf, Amazon, and more.
Buying Used Golf Clubs: Pros And Cons
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Should You Buy New Or Used Golf Clubs?
There is no right or wrong answer. It will differ from person to person. The first thing to note is that many new golf clubs sell for an affordable price. Often these are from lesser-known brands, although even the leading manufacturers offer budget sets of clubs.
You mostly want to find a set of golf clubs that work for your playing style.
Many people outgrow their clubs or simply demand new equipment every year. As a result, you can often get a great bargain on a set of quality clubs at far below the standard retail price when buying them used.
If you’re considering buying used golf clubs, we’ll lay out everything you need to consider, starting with the pros and cons.
The 11 Best Places To Buy Used Golf Clubs
The internet has made buying and selling used golf equipment infinitely faster and more straightforward. Many people sell online. But it’s nice to try out your new golf clubs for yourself before you purchase as well.
Although this article covers places where men and women can acquire pre-owned golf clubs, we do have an article dedicated to places where you can buy used ladies’ golf clubs as well.
1. Global Golf
I’m a big fan of GlobalGolf.com for buying used golf clubs. They have a wide selection of clubs from all major brands, and prices are generally very competitive. I’ve found some great deals on clubs on GlobalGolf, including a set of TaylorMade M6 irons that were in great condition for a fraction of the new price.
One of the things I like best about GlobalGolf is their easy-to-use search filters. You can browse by brand, model, or price and filter results by condition, shaft type, and other criteria. This makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
I’ve also had good experiences with GlobalGolf’s customer service. I had a question about a club that interested me, and I received a helpful and informative response from a customer service representative within a few hours.
Overall, I’m a big fan of GlobalGolf.com. They have a great selection of used golf clubs, competitive prices, and good customer service. If you’re looking for a good deal on used golf clubs, I highly recommend checking out GlobalGolf.
A few years ago, I was looking to upgrade my driver. I was on a budget, so I decided to check out GlobalGolf. I found a great deal on a used Titleist TSi3 driver and was really happy with the purchase. The club was in great condition, and it helped me improve my driving distance.
I would definitely recommend GlobalGolf to other golfers. They have a great selection of used clubs, competitive prices, and good customer service.
2. Amazon
Based on the selection available, Amazon is undeniably the best place for used golf clubs. They generally offer browsers a choice of new or used equipment, the latter obviously being less expensive. Amazon also offers increased security to protect you against theft.
Not only can you search Amazon for “used golf clubs” by searching Golf Equipment and checking the Used option in the left sidebar. You can also search your favorite golf clubs and see the New and Used offerings below the About This Item section.
Not all clubs will have them but some will and you can find great deals on your favorite clubs this way.
3. Golf Avenue
Golf Avenue is a popular website for buying and selling used golf clubs. The site has a wide selection of clubs from all major brands, and prices are generally very competitive. Golf Avenue also offers a variety of other golf gear, including balls, bags, and apparel.
To find used golf clubs on Golf Avenue, you can browse by brand, model, or price. You can also use the site’s advanced search to filter results by condition, shaft type, and other criteria. Once you’ve found a club you’re interested in, you can read the product description and reviews to learn more.
You can also use their new Club Finder tool. This is great for beginners; you just need to answer a few questions, and they’ll set you up with the right club. It’s like online dating for golfers!
4. RockBottom Golf
RockBottom Golf lives up to its name with its Lowest Price Guarantees. They’ll match the lowest prices, which is a boon for the super-budget golf shopper. For beginners, this is a great place to start to find gear.
Plus, with their 90-day guarantee, you can test the equipment and ensure it works for your game. I love the risk-free approach and think this is one of the best places to buy used golf clubs.
You can also trade in your old clubs, which is helpful if you want to trade up without spending a fortune.
The downside is they have less selection than Amazon or GlobalGolf.
5. 3Balls.com
3balls.com is similar to GlobalGolf.com and Amazon, offering a wide selection of used golf clubs at competitive prices. However, 3balls.com has a few advantages over these other sites. First, 3balls.com has a pretty user-friendly interface. Second, 3balls.com offers various filters to find your desired clubs easily. Third, 3balls.com has a solid reputation for customer service.
Like RockBottomGolf.com, you can trade in your own clubs or other golf equipment. They will sometimes give up to 40% bonuses on your old stuff.
They have great categories with gear under $50 or golf clothing up to 60% off.
3balls.com should definitely be bookmarked when you’re looking to upgrade your golf clubs.
6. Local Pro Shop
Many golfers trade in their used equipment to subsidize the cost of new clubs. Your local golf store or pro shop is likely to sell used equipment. If you shop around, you can find great quality bargains at a fair price.
Your local public golf course might offer used sets or clubs at a competitive price. That is how I have acquired most of my 2nd hand golf clubs over the years. It is worth investigating this option when shopping for the best-used golf clubs.
7. Second-Hand Dealers
Many general second-hand stores also sell used golf clubs, and you can often find competitive prices. You should understand the retail value of the equipment to prevent overpaying for clubs. Not everything you come across will be a bargain.
8. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Websites
The majority of manufacturers now sell products directly from their online stores. However, few offer pre-owned clubs besides Callaway.
They offer trade-ins or outright purchases. Generally, there is a wide range to choose from. Plus, they provide security in the form of warranties.
They have a brand reputation to maintain, so pre-owned clubs from the manufacturer are a safe option. The price might be a bit higher than the average private sale.
9. eBay
eBay is also a great option; one can often find great bargains if you are vigilant. Check the history of the seller and their rating for peace of mind. Regular sellers want to maintain a good reputation.
10. General Online Classifieds
Several classified websites, such as Craigslist.org, offer various pre-owned golf clubs. Golf clubs are regularly featured on these pages; if you have the patience, some great bargains can be found.
11. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a solid option for finding used golf clubs in your area at a fair price. You must be fast as the best value-for-money offers will go quickly.
Furthermore, ensure you belong to the relevant groups to avoid missing out on bargains.
Rules For Buying Pre-Owned Golf Clubs
Purchasing 2nd hand golf clubs used to be a challenge, but with the ease of online websites and long risk-free guarantees, it’s no longer a financial risk. But you will want to survey the top sites and do your due diligence before purchasing. Here are some best practices before buying used golf clubs.
1. Buyer Beware
The first rule is to purchase used clubs from a trusted site. The internet is rife with scams, and the lure of a good bargain is one of the ways unscrupulous people operate.
There are some fantastic deals in the most unlikely places. Do some research and exercise caution to ensure you are buying from a legitimate seller.
I came across an incredible deal on a Titleist Pro Titanium 905T driver a decade ago. It was listed on eBay, and I ended up winning the bid. The seller contacted me to provide shipping details, and I thought I was set.
I was looking forward to teeing off with it, but the seller went quiet, and the club never arrived. Fortunately, thanks to eBay’s Money Back Guarantee, I was protected. As a result, they refunded me. The story’s moral is to be careful and only purchase from reputable source like Amazon, GlobalGolf, RockBottomGolf, and 3balls.com.
2. If It Looks Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is
This old expression is particularly relevant when buying online or second-hand. While you may come across spectacular bargains, if something really looks too good to be true, it usually is, and you should proceed with caution.
Many people are selling counterfeit clubs and golf equipment online. The problem is that it is too late when you realize you have been taken, and little can be done. That is why you should buy from reputable dealers or sites with a track record and some form of recourse should you have any issues.
3. Look At The History Of The Site
Some sites, particularly the bigger ones, have controls to prevent nefarious activity. The older and more trusted sites are generally a better bet unless you have confidence in a specific page. If in doubt, a quick Google search will give you feedback.
4. You Do Not Have To Buy a Full Set
You can find complete used golf club sets for sale. However, if you conduct your research and mix and match, you may save yourself a few shekels.
Buying a driver, woods, irons, and a putter separately over time could save you significantly. You might not need to replace all clubs at once, and this is a cost-effective way to upgrade your existing equipment over time.
5. Sell Your Old Clubs
If you wish to upgrade to better equipment, there may be some value in your existing clubs. If you sell those through one of the many channels we have discussed, it might cover a fair amount of the cost of the new equipment.
6. Check Shipping Costs
Many bargains become a lot more expensive once shipping costs are added. This varies from site to site or across different offers or platforms. Be sure to factor in the delivery cost before making your final decision.
FAQs
Do You Need To Buy Used Clubs?
Although you will find discounted bargains when buying used golf clubs, there are several new sets of clubs that are highly affordable.
Look at the more affordable sets or clubs. Many options are quality clubs manufactured by lesser-known brands. However, most renowned producers also offer a selection of affordable options.
It is often less expensive to buy a new set that offers good value than to buy used golf clubs. It is vital to familiarize yourself with the options when evaluating the two.
How Do I Find A Good Second-Hand Golf Club?
f you follow my advice in this article on where to buy used golf clubs, you will find good second-hand club options. From my experience, the best place to look is at your local pro shop or golf warehouse store.
The reason for this is that these stores check the quality and condition of the clubs before selling them. Secondly, you have the chance to test these clubs before making a purchase.
Are Old Or New Golf Clubs Better?
When you consider value for money, old clubs are better. As a result, you stand a higher chance of finding a set of used clubs that fit your budget.
However, you may lose a few yards of distance and generate excess sidespin with older clubs. Which Tiger Woods explains in this interview.
Do New Golf Clubs Really Make A Difference?
In most cases, new golf clubs do make a difference. But, Golf.com’s Andrew Tursky suggests that purchasing new clubs every one to two years will deliver minimal gains. Especially in terms of distance and spin.
However, when your clubs are decades old and have endured significant wear and tear, new clubs certainly make a difference.
I recently upgraded my fourteen-year-old TaylorMade r540XD irons solely because of distance. When I got fitted for a set of SIM 2 Max’s, I found that I was hitting my 7-iron an extra 12 to 15-yards on average.
Are 20-Year-Old Golf Clubs Any Good?
While my r540 XDs were only 14 years old, they had developed significant wear and tear over the years, which caused me to generate excess side spin. This resulted in a loss of accuracy on any off-center strikes.
To be fair, it doesn’t mean that the clubs are unusable. I just needed to strike the ball in the center more consistently. With that in mind, I would not suggest that you use 20-year old golf clubs unless you are absolutely comfortable with swinging them.
Final Thoughts
If you are keen to buy used golf clubs, it is necessary to do your homework first.
Don’t rush out and buy the first thing you see without weighing up the options. There are some epic bargains around at online or brick-and-mortar stores. However, there is no shortage of scams or rip offs, so I urge you to be cautious.
The best place to buy used golf clubs is in physical stores like pro shops and golf equipment stores. The reason is that you can inspect the clubs and test them before pulling out your credit card. These places also have a reputation to maintain and probably won’t sell junk.
However, if you don’t have the luxury of a nearby store, stick to purchases from reputable online retailers like Amazon or Global Golf.
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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.
