Why you should consider buying your golf clubs second hand

The idea that golf is an expensive and elitest sport is a mindset that has been held for decades, but gradually it is getting knocked down and pushed aside. The golf industry is striving for growth by making the game more accessible in all areas, but one thing that will always remain is just how expensive brand-new clubs are.

There is no doubt that there is reasoning for the price tags on the very latest models of drivers and irons, the technology and features get more and more desirable each year, but there is an alternative option.

Whether you're a new golfer looking to get your first set of clubs, an established golf addict who is looking for an upgrade, or if you live and breathe golf 24/7, there are a bunch of advantages to buying your golf clubs second hand.

Bank Account Blitz

If you were to buy the very latest set of irons, or the most recent driver to hit the market, there is only one thing that is certain - the bank account blitz. Save yourself and your back account a bombing and consider some models from past years that are at a much-reduced price, whilst still having a great deal of life in them.

Golf club technology does make great strides every year, and the price tags go with them. But the technology in golf clubs from up to five years ago is still very much likely to offer what you are after. You can still find top quality golf clubs that still offer great performance at a fraction of the price of the latest models.

Opting to pick up these golf clubs second hand still gives the opportunity to get much better performing clubs. Just because the newest models are shinier and promise to give you better accuracy or bigger distances, chances are it might not be worth it for the price in comparison to what you can find second hand.

Notes to Beginners

If you are a beginner golfer looking for an upgrade, or if you are simply looking for your first set of clubs, you should absolutely be looking in the second-hand market. It feels to me that your first ever set of clubs has to be some old, hand me down-esque clubs, picked up off a friend or Facebook Marketplace for as cheap as possible - it's a rite of passage into the world of golf in my eyes.

At this level there is no need to be concerned with club technology, just find a set of golf clubs you can swing and hit the driving range. From there you can find upgrades and improvements as your game develops naturally.

Minimal Differences in Technology

There is no doubt that golf club technology comes on in leaps and bounds each year, but at the higher handicap level, just how big are these benefits year on year? Well, not too major. For the professionals, sure, they will feel every little technological advancement and all its benefits. But for the higher handicap, such as myself, I'm not going to feel it half as much.

The clubs from five years ago will do almost the exact same thing as a club that came out last week for me. Only after hours upon hours of lessons and genuine game and swing improvement will you be able to feel the benefits of brand-new drivers and fresh out the packaging irons. As tempting as the latest releases can be, a new driver won't fix your slice, a lesson will!

Things to Look Out For

Buying second hand clubs does come with a few things to look out for, basic condition of the club and wear and tear mostly. If there is a local golf shop to you carrying second hand clubs, be sure to get down and inspect what they have available. Check out the grip and head condition to be sure it won't impact your game in a negative fashion.

A lot of online second hand golf club sellers (discover some of the best places to buy second hand golf clubs) now have ranking systems in place to give you a good idea of the club's overall condition and useability. If you are considering buying clubs off a friend or off an online marketplace, don't be afraid to go and check the clubs out before making your final decision. If the grips are too worn down and you don’t fancy the hassle of getting them changed, don’t hesitate to back out of the sale.

Callaway have their own pre-owned golf club website, where you can find tonnes of great clubs from recent years, still in great condition.

If you want to save money and still get good clubs from recent years, second hand golf clubs are your best option. The money you save could be used on a lesson, something which is much more productive than the latest driver to hit the market.