Buying used golf clubs is one of the smartest ways to build your dream bag without breaking the bank. But it’s also a project that requires some strategy. Here are our best tips for building a used golf club set you’ll be proud to bring to the first tee.

Don’t be fooled by clean clubs, check the grooves 

A sky mark on a driver is nothing compared to grooves on a wedge that are completely worn down. Irons and wedges don’t last forever. If you are purchasing clubs from someone who has played a ton of golf, chances are the grooves are probably kind of shot. 

Run your finger across the grooves if you can. If they are shallow in the middle with deep edges on the side, it’s not worth your money. Anything that’s a few years old and played regularly will not have the same spin performance as a newer club would have. 

Worn grooves directly impact your ability to score. 

The shaft can ruin a “Deal”

Don’t overlook the shaft. It’s where most of the dangerous damage hides. Since replacing a shaft can cost as much as the club, it’s probably not worth the money.  

Look for wear about three-quarters of the way up the shaft (where it rubs in a bag). If the paint’s chipped, that’s cosmetic. But is there a dent or dip in the shaft? That’s a weak point.

Grips are cheap if you can do it yourself 

If you’ve found the perfect used club for your setup but the grip is worn, don’t let that stop you. 

Regripping a club can cost less than $8 if you do it yourself. If you get into used club buying, consider purchasing grips in bulk and learning how to install them. It’ll save you time and money and let you experiment with grip size and feel.

Sometimes, grips on used clubs are also put on incorrectly, so changing them out on your new clubs is worth a few dollars.

No Headcover? That might tell you everything

If someone’s selling a driver or putter without a headcover, at first glance, it may seem like no big deal to replace it. However, you may want to consider how the club was taken care of. Take a close look at the face wear, scratches, dings, etc. It’s not a dealbreaker, but maybe just a warning sign. 

Don’t build your whole bag from one year

Here’s a mistake you may not even realize you are making. Don’t purchase all of your equipment from the same release year. You’ll end up having a complete bag that becomes outdated simultaneously. 

Try to include clubs from a variety of years and then rotate through replacements. Driver one year, irons the next etc. That way, you’ll always have some fresh technology in the bag. 

Remember, tech upgrades are incremental, so purchasing something from last year or two years ago at a great price is often well worth it.

Know your specs (especially shaft flex) 

Even if you don’t plan on purchasing custom golf clubs, you should consider attending a fitting. A golf fitting will help determine if you need a regular shaft, stiff flex, or even senior flex.

In addition, you’ll learn things like the ideal lie angle and loft of the clubs that will work best for your game. You’ll have a checklist when searching for the best used clubs, and you may find something that works for your specifications.

Final Thoughts

Building a dream bag on a dime is possible. If you know what to look for and avoid when buying used clubs, there are deals to be had. If you are on the hunt for something right now, here are four used golf drivers that can still get you some great distance off the tee. (Four Used Drivers That Still Perform)

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