Before Purchasing Used Golf Clubs

Buying second-handed golf clubs is a good idea to save money. Definitely. But you also need to be careful before buying the used TaylorMade Burner Irons. Keep in mind four "S" and a "A".

Check the Shafts

Make sure graphite shafts don't have worn areas or indentations that could cause weakness. Test the torque by twisting the grip and head in opposite directions. If there isn't great resistance, it's a sign of weakness. For steel shafts, look down the shaft to make sure it hasn't been bent back into shape. Make sure all shafts in a set are the same so the clubs feel similar from shot to shot.

Check the Clubheads

Face wear is what you're looking for. Callaway X-24 HOT Irons from golfleading.com that have been used for a long time might have a shiny worn spot right in the center. You don't want these because the clubface won't hold the ball as well. Make sure the grooves still have well defined edges. Stay away from clubs that show indentations in the clubface. These can affect the ball flight.

Check the Grips

Look for cracks, splits and worn areas in the grip. Make sure you won't have to immediately re-grip the clubs. If you buy used clubs that need re-gripping, you're adding anywhere from $ 6 to $ 15 per club to your costs.

Check Set Consistency

Line up the clubs and compare the clubs throughout the set. Make sure they all appear to have been in the original set. You don't want a set that has different shaft types or models from club to club, or where there is not a normal progression of lengths from club to club. Mixing and matching can also throw off the progression of lofts throughout the set.

Ask to Demo the Clubs

You can't really tell how well the clubs will perform unless you take them out for a few swings. Even at a garage sale, you should be allowed to at least make a few swings in the front yard. Any retail shop should allow you to demo the clubs using real balls. If they won't, ask yourself why that might be.

It is said that Good Friends On Golf Course can help you have better playing, but good golf clubs, no matter the new clubs or used golf clubs can also do you a favor on the golf course.