Like New Cars vs Used Cars... Which Beginner Club Is Better?

To Build Attachment and Start Together: New Products
Less Price Burden and Skill Building with Used Clubs
Consider Buying Different Brands for Each Purpose

Various golf clubs are displayed at the '2022 X Golf Show' held last year at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Kim Hyun-woo (38), an office worker who has been golfing for three months, posted an inquiry about club purchases on an online community on the 10th. "So far, I have been using clubs provided at the practice range, but I have an opportunity to play on the course in March, so I am considering buying a golf club set," he said. "I am debating whether to buy a new product or look for secondhand equipment." Reactions were mixed. Some said, "Beginners don’t know much about clubs, so the stress of choosing the right secondhand product for me won’t be easy," while others advised, "It’s more comfortable to use clubs that acquaintances or others have used until your skills improve to a certain level."

The process of purchasing equipment for golf beginners is similar to that of novice drivers deciding whether to buy a new or used car. Whether to use secondhand clubs as training tools without worrying about the cost until skills improve, or to choose new products and use them with attachment is ultimately a personal choice. Each option has clear pros and cons. New products are good because you can consult thoroughly and select a product that suits you, but hesitation arises due to different characteristics by brand and price burden. Secondhand clubs have the advantage of being less burdensome to replace while your swing is settling and are cheaper than new products. On the other hand, you need to put effort into carefully checking whether the product is reliable through online and offline channels.

A representative from the golf lesson platform 'KimCaddy' said, "When beginner golfers buy secondhand clubs, they must carefully check whether the clubs are counterfeit and what condition they are in." They explained, "Clubs have a unique product number or barcode sticker attached by the manufacturing company, and having this means the product is genuine and you can receive after-sales service (AS)." They added, "For secondhand clubs without genuine certification stickers, you should carefully verify the product on the official website and check for any discrepancies."

Whether new or secondhand, when purchasing clubs, it is worth considering buying different brands for drivers, woods, irons, wedges, and putters rather than buying a full set from one company. This is because the characteristics inherent in each product vary greatly. A golf equipment industry insider said, "Since golfers differ in physique, power, flexibility, and age group, each brand offers clubs suited to different skills and characteristics." They recommended, "Testing new products, comparing prices online for those that suit you, or finding suitable secondhand clubs to purchase is also a good method."