Purchasing Used Golf Clubs
Things you should know before you buy

Thinking of taking up golf? Well, if you live in Tucson, Arizona it's hard not to. Or maybe you're already an aspiring duffer and want to step your sticks up a grade or two. Nothing knocks strokes off faster than a new set of clubs (okay, you know what I mean.) But before you purchase a set of used golf clubs, you should be sure to check the quality and condition of the clubs, and also consider how often you will use them.

Buying a set of used golf clubs is a highly desirable option for golfers who don't intend to play that much. And of course it's an unbeatable idea if you're just wanting to give golf a shot (no pun intended). But with the advent of shopping facilities on line, such as Ebay, and with some high-end used sporting goods stores right here in Tucson, used clubs also becomes a marvelous option for higher skill levels, and for people who play a great deal.

Start by inspecting the club heads on your new set of clubs. Clubs that have seen a lot of use will have a worn, shiny spot in the center. This is not just a cosmetic issue. Worn heads can adversely affect the flight of the golf ball.

After checking the heads, check the grips. Be on the lookout for cracks, severely worn areas, and splits. Beaten down grips are a sign of a heavy club use by the previous owner. You won't want to have to have the new clubs re-gripped. Re-gripping can easily set you back another $5 to $15. I've heard of people buying cheap used clubs, and then paying more than their cost to have reconditioned, including new grips. Of course, if you can buy a $3,000 set of clubs (new price) that's in good shape otherwise for $250.00 – great – you come out ahead!

It's a good idea to check the set together so that you can make sure that they are all parts of one original set. It's really best in most instances if you don't have different models in the same set.

If your intended purchase passes all of your inspections, you should check the price against comparable equipment. This can be done in stores, or very easily on line. There are folks who will charge more for a used set of clubs than you'd pay for a brand new set of the same model. Shop around and get a idea of pricing on the brand you want. If you're buying your new set of clubs from a garage sale, you have the option to haggle the price down - go for it! Save yourself some cash for greens fees, balls, or lessons.

Naturally, you can't actually know how good the clubs are for you unless you get to test them out. You don't want to end up with a set of golf clubs that doesn't work with your own personal swing. Ask the shop attendant, pro, or seller at a garage sale if it's okay for you to give the clubs a demo run. If you're in a resale shop in Tucson, they may be able to facilitate your test right in the store. Get a feel for the golf clubs and see if they work for you.

Lastly, remember that even the best set of new clubs isn't a substitute for playing the game. So get out, get healthy, and get golfing!

For a complete listing of Tucson Arizona golf courses, including course information, championship rating and slope click here

For a complete listing of golf courses in the area surrounding Tucson Arizona, including course information, championship rating and slope click here

Golf Sites and Forums that offer more information:

http://forums.golfreview.com/
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/golf/
http://boards.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=1398&p=16
http://www.iznadgolf.com/golfforum.html
http://www.lowprogolf.com/cfbb/
http://www.oilcontrol.it/dg/dgindexe.shtml
http://www.network54.com/Forum/403301
http://www.torontogolfnuts.com/
http://golf.about.com/mpboards.htm
http://forum.ottawagolf.com