Used club pitfalls

Hello,

I'm a college student who recently went golfing for my first time a few weeks ago, and despite loosing my phone and busting my girlfriend's father's driver I had a blast.

Since I'm home for the summer I researched courses near where I go to school, and discovered a 36 hole facility nearby which has a steep discount for students ($20 for 18), and I've decided this is something I'd like to get into.

I've decided to go with used clubs for now, and upgrade later. Which leads me to my question, what are pitfalls to avoid when purchasing used? Also, what should I be looking for? I'd like to keep it around or under $200 if possible.

Also, what other equipment will I need, asides from balls and tees?

Thank you all very much for your help.

Check EBay and only buy from reputable sellers. Another great option is purchasing used clubs directly from the manufacturer...both TaylorMade and Callaway have excellent used club selections via their websites. You won't have any issue with items purchased directly from the manufacturer.

Craigslist eliminates the need to take a chance on-line. Lots of used clubs there. Everything from junk to people trying to get rid of clubs they used once thinking they'd enjoy it and don't. Heck even affordable decent new clubs can be bought at Dick's and the like. Sports Authority had some open box stuff out last time I was there. Complete sets of open box $500 name brand stuff marked down to $189-229.

Also check the classifieds on websites such as this one or others.  I am very much a newbie to golf and thats where I got my irons from, the seller was very open and honest about what he had and if he thought they would work for where I am at in my game.  My irons are a set of Cleveland TA5's when I get my swing developed with them and my game warrants it I will upgrade to a better iron.  I am not looking to hit the PGA tour just to have some fun with friends and family.

honestly, since you're just starting out, given your price range... you could get new clubs at dicks plus the golf bag in a boxed set. http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4414157

that's what I did when I started out earlier this year and it has been doing me just fine so far.

Any time you buy used clubs there is a chance you could be buying counterfeit clubs. People may or may not know their clubs are counterfeit or just lie in general about where they came from.

Try Ebay

Also try the Used club section at your local golf store or golf course pro shop

Also, ask friends who play golf already.  If they have been golfing for a while,  they'll probably have some clubs of some description laying around and might hook you up to get you started.

I'd stay away from ebay until you know exactly how to tell real from fake clubs.  I'd stick with www.callawaypreowned.com who even sell other manufactures clubs on there for some really good prices.  I know you can get a reputable quality set of golf clubs on there for under 200 bucks and I have some myself.  Also Taylormadepreowned.com has used clubs also. Good luck.

I am in a similar situation and I used 3balls.com for my clubs.

Ask for the clubs' serial number before you buy, and confirm with the manufacturer that they're legit. (At least I know Ping will do it over the phone--I found a crazy cheap set of Raptures at Play It Again Sports and did just that.)

3Balls.com is great, I've bought from them a few times.

I just recently bought a whole set 3-SW of Cleveland TA7's from ebay for $50.  I got lucky that there was no minimum price set and appearantly no one else was bidding on them.  The clubs were not knock-offs and were in great condition.  I would guess an 8.5 or 9 out of 10 club rating.  Getting good used clubs is all about shopping around!

Gotta love Craigslist!

You mentioned other equipment... at some point you might want to get golf shoes and a golf glove if you haven't already, but probably not necessary until you really get into the game.

Enjoy the clubs and good luck working on your game.

I got a nearly new TM Burner '08 from Amazon.com for $59.95 - and it was shipped to me by 3Balls.com. The ad said the club was in "Good Condition". Other than a few minor blurs on the face it was like new.