New to golf, got a noob question

[d373rm1ned]

I'm looking to pick up golf as a serious hobby because my friends introduced me to it and really enjoyed playing. Just wondering if most pro shops will let you demo the club before buying them? What i mean is, if I'm looking to buy a new hybrid club, can I go in and pick up a couple to try out and then return them the next day? Will these clubs have to be used or can you take "new" clubs out of the store also? Thanks for the help guys.

[tterrag]

Well, usually or at least my club pros, are kinda stingy, but they usually have a few demo clubs(older models tho), so i would suggest going to your local PGA superstore or any golf store(Golfsmith, Edwen Watts, etc) and with todays technology, almost all of them have simulators. A few brands to try are titleist, taylormade, and adams. There are also alot other great brands, but those are just a few that got good ratings, so happy shopping :)

[meenman]

Edwin Watts will let you take them home but they will put a hold on your credit card for the amount of the club. If you want it, buy it - otherwise return it and they take the hold off.

[gogolfing]

If they won't let me try it first, I won't buy it there. Kind of like buying a car without them letting you test drive it first.

[PiKapp23]

Some course pro shops will let you take a set out and play a round (you just put a deposit down). Contrary to what many people think, you can get a good deal from some on-course pro shops as they will sometimes give you good a discount, as well as fit you (of course, some pro shops seem to have no interest in selling anything as they jack up the prices and will not deal with anyone).

Another option I have done is to go to a retailer that also deals with used golf clubs. If they have a used set like you are interested in you can purchase them with a 30 day return policy at which point they will give you credit for that price. This is good if they have a used set that you were thinking of buying new (condition not real important in this case), you can try them and if you like them you'll be out no money. I have done this with a couple of clubs over the years and ended up buying new of what I was 'testing', or in some cases it helped me eliminate that set/club from my list of choices. They usually do not give cash back, but if you are going to buy anyway you'll be out now money.

[DJYoshi]

Some course pro shops will let you take a set out and play a round (you just put a deposit down). Contrary to what many people think, you can get a good deal from some on-course pro shops as they will sometimes give you good a discount, as well as fit you (of course, some pro shops seem to have no interest in selling anything as they jack up the prices and will not deal with anyone)

absolutely. i used to think shops were more expensive...but when I started browsing the shops before rounds when i've been waiting for people, some have really good deals.

my friend got her 3 & 4 hybrids for like 160 (forgot what kind.. they were TM though 2 years ago.) one of the local shops here have a deal on tour edge clubs and they've got incentives on this year's clubs... but definitely ask to take it out for the round. I remember they let Cherl take the hybrids out for the round before she bought them.

[LeafsFanNL]

If they won't let me try it first, I won't buy it there. Kind of like buying a car without them letting you test drive it first.

How about those Habs Saturday night!!

[DavidFehertysBike]

Private clubs will sometimes have playable demos that you can take out to the course. But ive found its rare (never really) that a public course pro-shop will allow you to demo a club at all. Old modles or new. The demos they do get in are usually regripped and sold with the rest of the equipment. You're best option is go to one of the larger retailers that have a simulator and see how the numbers work out for you. Dont listen to the workers in the stores, most of the time, they dont know WTH they are talking about. If you've been working with a pro that would be the best thing because you'll have an idea of what you need and what to look for before you walk in.

[DrJeffDC]

I agree with most peopl on here. The private clubs will usually let you play with some sets. Public courses are unlikely to do so.

Golf stores usually have a policy that if it's been played, it's yours.

It's also hard to jusge how you like a club just from hitting into a net. You're better off playing outdoors.

Also, see what your buddies are playing and ask to hit their clubs while out on the course.

Good Luck and welcome to the most loveable frustrating game you'll ever play.