By Ed Schmidt Jr, The Golf Travel Guru
For average golfers spending $500-$700 for a new driver is a huge hit on the family budget, but what if you could get the benefit of updated technology, thus longer drives by buying slightly used clubs at a discount.
If you are just starting out, spending thousands on a new set of golf clubs just doesn’t make sense. Used, or pre-owned is a much better option. Learn the game, develop your own swing and then you may be ready to plunk down a few grand for a newer set.
Most golf retailers typically have a used club section or a clearance barrel, but the easiest way to buy used clubs is at popular websites. They perform thorough inspections and grade the clubs according to wear and tear. All of them offer great discounts, especially around holidays and the four Majors as well as the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.
New club models come out once or twice for some companies and much like new cars they lose value rather quickly, especially when similar clubs are introduced. You’ll find lots of great deals on last year’s models. Be patient in your research and pay close attention to the type of shaft and lie angle you desire and don’t forget about evaluating the grips.
You can often trade in your old clubs and receive a credit toward your purchase of used clubs.
When your favorite club breaks or wears out significantly and it has been discontinued, it’s a great idea to check out the following used golf club sites.
Callaway Pre-Owned
This is the creme de la creme of pre-owned golf club sites. Callaway Pre-owned performs a 10-point inspection on each club, as well as confirming each club’s authenticity. The prices are among the lowest on the Internet, the selection is impressive and the customer service level is among the best I’ve experienced. They also offers a 15-day money back guarantee.
Global Golf
If you want lots of selection, Global Golf is one of the biggest golf equipment sites on the Web. It has a huge selection of pre-owned clubs including drivers, fairways woods, hybrids, wedges, putters and iron sets. They have every brand from Titlelist to TaylorMade. Each club receives a 6-point inspection, and a 12-month limited warranty.
2nd Swing
One of the things I really like about 2nd Swing is that they rate the condition of each club. For example, a rating of 9.5 means it’s in mint condition and a 6.0 rating means it’s in poor condition with the majority in the 7.0 and 8.0 range.
Rock Bottom Golf
I’ve used Rock Bottom Golf for several years and have always been impressed with their selection, value and prompt shipping. Besides pre-owned clubs with every big-name manufacturer, they also offer open box return specials on new equipment and 25 to 50% off clearance items.
If you want to save money, Rock Bottom Golf has a low price guarantee, 30-day playable guarantee on pre-owned clubs, plus a 90-day performance guarantee on new clubs.
