The Depreciation Reality
A brand-new TaylorMade Qi35 driver retails for $599. Twelve months later, the same club in excellent condition sells for $280–$340 on the used market. That's a 40–53% loss in one year. Meanwhile, the performance difference between a 2025 and 2024 driver? Independent robot testing by MyGolfSpy shows 1–3 yards of total distance — within the margin of error for most amateur swings.
The golf equipment industry releases new models annually, creating an artificial obsolescence cycle that benefits one group: smart used-club buyers. Here's how to exploit it.
The Depreciation Curve by Club Type
Not all clubs depreciate equally. Understanding the curve helps you time your purchases:
| Club Type | Year 1 Loss | Year 2 Loss | Year 3 Loss | Best Buy Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 40–50% | 55–65% | 65–75% | 1–2 years old |
| Fairway Woods | 35–45% | 50–60% | 60–70% | 1–2 years old |
| Iron Sets | 30–40% | 45–55% | 55–65% | 2–3 years old |
| Wedges | 25–35% | 40–50% | 50–60% | New (grooves wear) |
| Putters | 20–30% | 30–40% | 40–50% | 2+ years old |
Key insight: Wedges are the one club type where buying new makes sense. Groove sharpness directly affects spin performance, and used wedges may have significant groove wear that's hard to assess visually. Per Titleist Vokey testing, grooves lose approximately 30% of their spin performance after 75 rounds of play.
Where to Buy Used Clubs
Certified Pre-Owned Programs (Safest)
Major manufacturers run official CPO programs through partner retailers. These clubs are inspected, graded, and often come with limited warranties.
Marketplace Options (Riskier, Cheaper)
eBay: Largest selection but highest counterfeit risk. Stick to sellers with 99%+ ratings and 1000+ transactions. Use eBay's authenticity guarantee when available.
Facebook Marketplace / OfferUp: Best deals but zero buyer protection. Inspect in person. Bring a club to compare feel and weight. Check serial numbers against manufacturer databases.
r/GolfClassifieds (Reddit): Enthusiast community with reputation system. Generally honest sellers but no formal protection.
What to Always Buy New
- Wedges — Groove wear is the enemy. Fresh grooves = more spin = better scoring.
- Golf balls — Used/lake balls have waterlogged cores that lose 5–10 yards. Per Golf Digest testing (2024), lake balls lost an average of 6 yards vs. new balls of the same model.
- Gloves — Hygiene and fit. No savings worth the compromise.
- Grips — Regripping used clubs costs $5–$10/club and gives you fresh, properly sized grips.
Understanding Condition Grades
| Grade | Description | Typical Discount | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Like New / Mint | Hit 1–5 times, no visible wear | 15–25% off | Great for drivers, woods |
| Very Good | Light use, minor cosmetic marks | 30–40% off | Best value for irons |
| Good | Moderate use, visible wear marks | 40–55% off | Fine for practice/learning |
| Average / Fair | Heavy use, dings, possible shaft wear | 55–70% off | Only for budget builds |
Pro tip: "Very Good" condition offers the best value-to-quality ratio. You'll find clubs that look 95% new at 60–70% of the price. The minor scuffs are on the sole — invisible at address.
Common Mistakes
The Smart Buyer's Strategy
- Buy the previous model year — Wait for the new model announcement (usually January at PGA Show), then snap up the outgoing model at 40%+ discounts.
- Build your bag piecemeal — Don't buy everything at once. Start with a good used iron set, add a putter, then a driver. Used wedges last.
- Get fitted FIRST, then buy used to those specs — A $100 fitting that tells you your ideal shaft flex, length, and lie angle is money well spent. Then search for used clubs matching those specs.
- Budget a regrip — Factor $50–$100 to regrip any used clubs. Fresh grips transform the feel of used clubs.
Sources & Further Reading
- MyGolfSpy. "2025 Most Wanted Driver Test — Year-Over-Year Performance Comparison." mygolfspy.com
- Callaway Golf Pre-Owned. "Condition Grading Guide." callawaygolfpreowned.com
- Golf Digest. "Lake Ball Performance Test: Do Recycled Balls Actually Lose Distance?" golfdigest.com, 2024.
- Titleist. "Vokey Groove Wear Study: When to Replace Your Wedges." titleist.com/vokey, 2024.
- PGA Value Guide. "Used Club Pricing Trends 2020–2025." pga.com/valueguide
- 2nd Swing Golf. "The Economics of Used Golf Equipment." 2ndswing.com/blog, 2025.
