Used Golf Clubs

by Karl Edmunds ::

The game of golf continues to attract seniors. It provides great exercise if you don’t take a cart on every round and the beauty of a golf course is hard to beat. But the costs to play are a barrier to some seniors that struggle to afford a good set of clubs.

The good news is there is a robust market for used golf clubs. Buying used clubs is a good option if you are managing a tight budget, you don’t get to play much or you are not sure if you will play long term.

But to buy right you must be able to recognize the real value of the clubs you are considering for purchase. The following guide will help you determine how to evaluate a quality used set of clubs.

Clubheads First…
Hard use will show up in severe wear on the face of the clubs. You may see a distinct wear spot in the center of the club face. If this is the case, then pass on the purchase. Also, the grooves on the face should still have well defined edges and be free of dings or indentations that can affect the ball’s flight.

Shafts Second…
There are two types of shafts: graphite and steel. If you are a novice golfer, most recommend leaning to steel shafts for control. If you are looking at graphite shafts, check for worn areas or damage that can cause poor performance. If you twist the head a graphite club and the grip in opposite directions, you should feel a strong torque. Steel shafts should be straight and true. Certainly verify that each club in the set has the same shafts and heads so you gain a consistent feel with each shot. No mixed bags.

Grips Next …
Severely worn grips are a tell tale sign of aging clubs. In addition see if there are distinct cracks, tears or splits in the grips. If so, you may have to incur the costs of new grips. Depending on whether you do it yourself or pay somebody, the costs could range from $5 to $15 per club. Also, be sure the grips are consistent. Different grips can cause changes in swing consistency.

Compare…
Depending on the time of the year, it is not unusual to find new clubs of the same brand at a lower price than used. Shop in different retail outlets as well as the internet to confirm current club pricing on the brand you are seeking before buying used.

Ask to Test Drive the Clubs
Nothing tells you more about a set of clubs than actual play so don’t be afraid to request an opportunity to test the clubs before buying. If you are considering new, take test swings in a swing cage if possible using real balls.

Final Details…
When searching for used clubs, confine your search to name brands to improve the likelihood of a good outcome. Unknown brands aren’t necessarily worse but comparative research is easier and more dependable with leading brands.

If you are prescreening on the internet, compare descriptive terms with different sites so you don’t get caught up in promotional language. For example, one site may use “mint” condition while another may use “excellent” condition. It is hard to tell the differences so be sure to ask lots of questions before you make the final purchase.
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About the Author

For more than 20 years, Karl Edmunds has been a noted author within the business and management consulting arena. As a senior, he now engages his curiosity and observations about life to write about key issues of importance to the growing community of seniors (Boomers), and the value of living life to the fullest every single day. Give me your comments and suggests at <a title=”For-Seniors.org” href=”http://for-seniors.org” target=”_blank”>http://For-Seniors.org</a>