Written by Jordan Fuller
Whether you’re completely new to the game and looking for your first set of clubs, or you’re an experienced golfer who needs to replace your set, buying golf clubs can be a tricky endeavor. More than half of golfers don’t really know what they’re looking for!
If you’re serious about your game and aiming to improve or play often, it’s absolutely worth investing in mid to top-tier clubs. With that in mind, we’ve put together the do’s and don’ts of buying a golf club or set, so you know what to look for when you shop.
How Can Golf Clubs Affect Your Game?
The quality of your golf club or its wear and tear can affect your game in various ways, including:
- Spin: If your clubfaces are worn, they won’t be able to grip the ball properly, leading to reduced spin. On the other hand, if you’re using an older set of clubs, you may find yourself with too much spin, as they were made using older golf club technology.
- Distance: There’s not as much power in older clubs; if you’re using one that’s a decade or more old, you’re likely missing out on 20+ yards on your drives.
- Control: With reduced spin and shorter distance comes less control over your own shots. If the clubface isn’t gripping the ball as it should, your shots are likely to be less accurate.
The Do’s of Buying a Golf Club
Here’s what you want to do when you’re looking at new clubs. Trust us—it’ll make a big difference in the long run!
Set a Budget
You know what you can afford. Decide on a budget range—either for a full set or for a single club, depending on what you need—so you can compare a variety of different options within that range.
Have a Professional Assess Your Golf Swing
It’s a good idea to get your swing analyzed because some of the things you’re putting down to your old or worn-out golf clubs could instead be attributed to small flaws in your swing.
Getting your swing analyzed will help you to understand what shaft stiffness would suit you best based on your swing speed—one of the most common things golfers get wrong.
Get Fitted for the Right Golf Clubs for You
Did you know that over 90% of golfers are playing with poorly fitted clubs? That means the chances are high that you are too! If you want your clubs to really work for you, get yourself professionally fitted.
You can find in-store and even online fittings, and with their expert advice, you can make an informed decision on which clubs might be the better choice for you.
Consider a Hybrid Over a Long Iron
A hybrid is a cross between a long iron and a fairway wood, and they’re quite versatile. You can save yourself both money and space in your bag if you opt for a hybrid—plus, they typically offer more distance and loft than a long iron, so you’ll benefit from that.
New vs Used Clubs
Used golf clubs are often—but not always—cheaper than new ones. The obvious potential issue here is that there’s a chance that you’ll get clubs that are already worn.
If buying used is your only option, do thorough research. Have a test run with them before deciding, or if they’re coming from afar, get ample photo proof to ensure that the clubs are of top-notch quality.
Also, if they’re being shipped to you by another person, we highly advise paying for them to be packaged with extra care so they don’t get damaged in transit.
Test Different Clubs Before Making a Purchase
It’s always a good idea to get real-world experience with clubs before you buy them. Most golfers will have a few practice swings in-store and then settle on one club, but did you know that there’s a real “try before you buy” option?
UTry is an innovative company that sells golf clubs in a different way. You can choose two products to try for $25 or an iron set for $50. They’ll ship it right to you, and you head out to the course to play to your heart’s content. You’ll have 14 days to test the equipment.
If you love it, you can buy it. If you aren’t impressed, you can simply package and return them—they provide a prepaid label with your purchase. This is probably the easiest and most comprehensive way to test clubs—and other equipment—before buying.
The Don’ts of Buying a Golf Club
Now for what NOT to do. Pay attention here, so you don’t get caught up and lose focus on what really matters!
Don’t Let Marketing and Hype Influence Your Decision
Go into the store with a solid idea of what you need and want. Don’t let a salesperson talk you into something that you aren’t sure is rig. If they sound like they’re trying too hard to convince you that a club is a good choice despite a higher price tag, it’s probably not the right one for you.
Don’t Buy Clubs Based on Price Alone
This goes for both low prices and high prices! Choosing a club because it’s cheap could be a disaster for your game. But choosing an expensive one because “It must be top quality” is the wrong way to go about it. While your budget does come into play, choose a club that fits your needs. In the end, that’s what matters.
Don’t Buy Golf Clubs Without Trying Them Out First
Don’t fall into this trap. It’s essential to try before you buy, even if it’s just a few swings in the net or on the simulator at the store. It’ll give you a feel for the club—you may instantly know it just doesn’t feel right. If you take it home before trying, and that’s what you feel on day 1 of the course… You’re now stuck with it.
Don’t Ignore Expert Advice
Salespeople aren’t always experts, so be careful who you listen to here! However, the pros who analyze your swing and fit you for clubs know their stuff. Don’t assume you know better because you’ve played with your mate’s clubs, and they felt great. Listen to expert advice—you may be surprised at how handy it comes in!
Conclusion
Just a bit of knowledge on how to buy a golf club can make a big difference in your choices. It’s less about your level—although you can get junior-specific sets and even senior-friendly golf clubs—and more about comfort and performance.
Ultimately, you want to get the best bang for your buck. So if you’re playing with old, worn-out clubs or if you’re looking for your first set, figure out what you need and go shopping… Use this list as a reference to make sure you get the right clubs for you and your game.
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.
