New vs Used Junior Golf Clubs: Which Should You Buy?
Quick answer: Secondhand is often the smarter choice for junior clubs, especially for younger children who’ll outgrow a set within a season or two. New makes more sense once your child’s size has stabilised, or for a competitive player who benefits from consistent, well-maintained equipment.
When Each Makes Sense
- Younger children still growing quickly
- Trying golf for the first time, low commitment
- Budget-conscious families
- Building a starter set to test interest
- Growth has slowed, sizing is more stable
- Playing competitively or very regularly
- Specific fitting needs a coach has identified
- Wanting the latest forgiveness technology
What to Check Before Buying Used
- ✓ Correct current size — don’t compromise on fit just because the price is right.
- ✓ Grip condition — cracked or slick grips are cheap to replace but worth factoring into price.
- ✓ Shaft for visible dents, cracks or excessive rust on steel shafts.
- ✓ Clubface wear — heavy scarring can affect how the ball comes off the club.
- ✓ Whether it’s a matched set or mismatched individual clubs — matched sets are usually more consistent.
Club noticeboards, other golfing families, secondhand marketplaces, and pro shop trade-in sections are all worth checking — clubs get outgrown constantly, so good-condition sets turn over often.
Go Deeper
Frequently Asked Questions
Do secondhand clubs perform worse than new ones?
Not necessarily — a well-maintained secondhand set in the right size will outperform a new set that’s the wrong size or flex for your child.
Can grips be replaced on a used set?
Yes, and it’s often worth doing — a fresh grip is inexpensive and makes a secondhand set feel much closer to new.
Is it worth buying new for a first-ever set?
Not usually — a first set is exactly when used makes the most sense, since you don’t yet know how committed your child will be.
New or used, every round still counts.
FamilyGolf Club recognises effort and progress from day one — the clubs in the bag were never the point.
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