Golf is a sport where precision and performance rely heavily on the right set of golf clubs. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to step onto the fairway for the first time, choosing the perfect set of clubs is crucial for your game. With so many options available, making an informed decision can be quite overwhelming.
But we’re here to make things easier. If you’re ready to add a new club to your roster, we have the tips you need to feel happy and confident in your purchase.
What to Know When Buying Golf Clubs on a Budget
When purchasing golf clubs, it’s essential to understand that used golf clubs can be pretty pricey. That’s why it’s best to draft a budget and research what you’re looking for in a golf club at the price point you choose.
Older model golf clubs from reputable brands are a great starting point, as they yield great value and performance for the price. For those new to golf, beginner sets that include all the necessary clubs can be a cost-effective option.
New Clubs and Used Clubs
Whether you’re a new or veteran golfer, the most impactful decision you can make after establishing your budget is whether you want to buy new or used golf clubs.
New golf clubs provide cutting-edge technology and customization options.
But with newer clubs comes a higher price tag and a higher budget. If your budget is more restrictive, used golf clubs are a great choice – they’re high-quality and offer excellent performance.
Regardless of whether your club is new or used, it’s great to test the condition and performance before purchasing.
Trade in Programs
Whether you're planning to buy new or used golf clubs and no matter your budget, there is a way to make getting your next pair of golf clubs more affordable.
At Global Golf, we offer a trade-in program for your golf clubs we call UTrade-In®. How it works is easy – just enter your golf club type, brand, model, flex and dexterity and our system does the rest, providing you with a trade-in-value calculator. Our system also allows you to trade in unused golf tech, such as rangefinders and GPS watches, so that you can get even more value towards your next purchase.
UTrade-In® is the perfect program for anyone shopping for new golf clubs to get more for less by trading in their older clubs and unused tech. If you're curious about the program, you can learn how the process works.
Be a Hybrid Shopper
A general rule of thumb should be never to shop strictly online. Even if you know your specs and what you want, the unexpected can happen where the iron, driver or putter you were initially looking for never turns out to be the final purchase. If you can only purchase clubs by trying them out first. Spend time on the driving range or, better yet, schedule a fitting session to gauge how the clubs feel and perform.
Going into a physical store to try out the clubs you’re interested in tends to result in unexpected but pleasant surprises. With GlobalGolf, we offer the UTry® Program, where you can test out clubs you’re interested in before you buy.
Reviews and Recommendations
Before finalizing your purchase, read online reviews, seek recommendations from fellow golfers and consult with golf professionals. These insights can provide valuable information and help you make an informed decision.
Determining Your Golf Club Type
Golf clubs come in various types, including drivers, irons, wedges and putters. Understanding the purpose of each club and how it fits your game is the first step in making the right choice.
Know and Understand Your Specs
The length of your clubs should be proportionate to your height and swing. Clubs that are too long or short can negatively impact your swing and overall performance.
There is also no point in buying your next club you’ve been wanting for months if it’s the wrong loft, a shaft style that is softer or stiffer than what you’re used to and doesn’t suit you. We all have our preferences and if you’ve been fitted before for new clubs, you have a rough idea of what specs fit your needs.
If you’re a first-time buyer or looking strictly at used golf clubs, then it’s best to ask your salesperson and discuss your playstyle and test clubs in-store that you’re interested in.
Consider Your Needs
Knowing your playstyle and the specs for your clubs is a great start to narrowing down your search, but the next thing to consider is your needs. Are you buying a complete set of golf clubs or a specific club?
For what occasion do you see yourself using the club? Golf clubs come in different lengths for different applications. Longer clubs are typically used for the colder seasons. But short or long golf clubs can be used depending on your needs and style of play as a golfer.
Clubhead Material
Clubheads are made from various materials, such as stainless steel, titanium and composite. Each material offers different benefits regarding weight, forgiveness and feel. It's essential to understand these differences to choose what suits you best.
Brand and Model
Research different golf club brands and models. While some brands are renowned for their drivers, others excel in irons or putters. Finding a brand and model that aligns with your preferences is crucial.
If you’re having trouble where to start, try our USelect® service, where you’ll answer a few questions and we’ll select the golf clubs best fitting for you.
Personal Style and Golf Club Tech
Every golfer has their own personal style, from how they play the game to how they want their golf clubs to feel and function.
For those looking for more optimization and customization to make their golf clubs 100% unique to them, new golf clubs are the best to consider. New golf clubs offer various options to make your golf clubs unique to you with custom fittings and regrippings and offer different clubhead designs and an alternative selection of golf shaft material and technology to alter gameplay performance.
Shaft Material and Flex
The material of the club's shaft can affect your swing. Steel shafts offer durability and control, while graphite shafts provide a lighter option for increased distance.
The shaft flex capability of the club is also a crucial element to consider, depending on your swing speed. Slow swings benefit from a more flexible shaft, while faster swings require a stiffer shaft for control.
Clubhead Design and Club Weight
Clubhead design influences your ability to shape shots. Perimeter-weighted clubheads are forgiving, while blade-style clubs offer precision for skilled players. The weight of the club affects your swing tempo. Heavier clubs promote slower swings and control, while lighter clubs may help with distance.
Custom Fitting
Investing in a golf club fitting can be a game-changer. Of course, this applies only to buying new clubs, as being custom-fitted for used golf clubs is outside the realm of possibility. A professional fitting ensures your clubs are tailored to your unique swing characteristics and body dimensions.
Don’t be afraid to bring up your specific need and the specs you're looking for, such as lie angles as upright or flat style irons, will have a significant impact on how you use them.
Regripping Your Golf Clubs
The grip of the golf club is the only contact you have with the club. As such, many golfers are keen on what they want in a golf grip. While it’s worthwhile to ensure it is in good shape and provides the feel you like, it’s also beneficial to consider the grip size.
The grip’s size directly affects your control over the club. Every golfer has a different grip and hand size, so ensuring it fits comfortably in your hand is critical; a grip that is too small or too large can lead to mishits.
Alternatively, if you're looking at buying used clubs, it is also beneficial to purchase new grips for used golf clubs. Not many golfers put new grips on their clubs immediately before trading them in or selling them, so it’s safe to assume that used golf clubs will have grips that are partially worn.
You also want to ensure that even if you buy used, the grip fits perfectly to enhance your overall performance. At GlobalGolf, we offer a regripping service where you can buy and regrip your clubs all in one place.
Save Money on Your Next Golf Clubs
Hopefully, these tips will help you when considering your next purchase. At GlobalGolf, buying used golf clubs is the go-to method for saving money and buying on a budget while adding the latest technology to your golf bag.
Our UTrade-In® program is also another way to save money further by trading in your current golf clubs and golf tech for the best value to use that credit towards your next purchase.
Whether you’re buying new or used golf clubs, however, take the time to do your research. In the long run, you’ll see the benefits on the golf course. So, let’s get to swinging.