1. Do your research
You wouldn’t go and spend £800 on a new set of irons without doing some research beforehand, so don’t do it with used equipment, either.
Have a good look at golf club reviews of any clubs that catch your eye. Get a good idea of when the product launched, how much the original RRP was and weigh up what tech it has compared to the very latest models.
Used golf clubs can save you a stack of cash.
2. Think about custom fitting
We’re not talking about getting custom fitted for the used golf clubs you’re buying (that is rarely possible).
We’re referring to how, depending on what you’re buying, it might have been custom fitted to its previous owner.
Pay special attention when buying Ping golf clubs second hand, as a good percentage of their clubs get fitted to their first owner.
Don’t forget to consider the shaft in any prospective purchase and whether it suits your swing.
3. Know your own specs
There’s no point buying the driver you’ve hankered after for months if it’s the wrong loft, or comes with an extra stiff shaft that simply doesn’t suit you.
If you’ve been fitted before it’s likely you have got an idea which specs suit you. Bear these in mind and try to find used golf clubs that match what you would be fitted for if buying new.
4. Be prepared for a regrip
The grip is your only contact with the club, so it’s worthwhile making sure it’s in good shape and gives the feel you like. Not many people put new grips on their clubs immediately before trading them in, so it’s safe to assume that the ones you get on used clubs will be at least part-worn.
Putting new grips on used golf clubs makes them feel like new.
We’re not saying every secondhand club will need a regrip – some will have plenty of rounds left in them – but just be prepared to make a switch sooner than you would with a brand new club. Regripping your clubs is the best way to make a used club feel like new again.
5. Used putters are a great buy
Any seasoned golfer knows that putters can go cold, so it’s great having a back-up to switch to when you’re not holing your fair share.
Used putters are a good way to try buying used golf clubs.
Putters don’t tend to suffer as much wear and tear as other clubs, and depreciate slower than woods, irons and wedges. So if you buy a used putter and it doesn’t work out, you’ve not lost the world, simply trade it in and try another one!
6. Be (a bit) wary of used wedges
Testing over the years has shown how groove wear on wedges can reduce spin on full and half shots by 1,000rpm or more. So think twice before considering wedges that show any sign of face wear.
That doesn’t mean you should never buy a used wedge; just be extra careful about checking the condition of what you’re buying.
