A Beginner's Guide To Building an Affordable Used Golf Set for Women

Women's golf is on the rise. In the last five years, nearly 1.5 million new women golfers have decided to join the game.

With more women playing, manufacturers are offering increased options for clubs and gear for women golfers.

Yet, the basic packaged beginner's sets are still pushed as the absolute best option for women golfers. These sets don't always have the technology, equipment, or pricing that beginners need to feel confident.

Used golf equipment has a few benefits over the “beginner sets” that major brands and retailers try to push. Mainly, used golf clubs are much more affordable allowing beginners to access more choices and to try different clubs as their game advances.

What are the advantages of used golf clubs for women beginner golfers?

Price differences, access to technology, and versatility are the most important advantages of used golf clubs for women players.

Price Differences

Depending on the model, a new hybrid from TaylorMade would cost between $250 and $300.

A lightly-used TaylorMade hybrid (only one year old) costs as low as $95. Most beginner golfers have 8 to 10 golf clubs in their bag (the max is 14 according to the rules of golf).

If you save an average of $175 per club you purchase by buying used clubs times 8 clubs, you will save $1400 on your first set.

In addition, some of the less advanced “junkier” new beginner sets marketed to women golfers cost around $399 to $699. They come with just a few clubs, and the technology is not comparable to what you can find in quality used clubs. 

Putting a set together with quality used beginner equipment can cost $250 to $500, but they come with a chance of hitting high lofted, long and consistent shots. 

Technology

Beginner sets are often referred to as value sets.

You get the bag, the clubs, and a few headcovers for one low price. The drawback of a value set is the technology is not as advanced.

Meaning you wont get things like tungsten in the clubhead, AI designed clubfaces and adjustability in the club heads. And in the end, this loss can cost you distance, forgiveness, and overall enjoyment on the course.

With used golf clubs, you invest in more advanced technology without spending as much.

More Variety

Used golf clubs offer more variety. Only a few of the women's beginner or “value” sets are available (maybe 5-10 options), so don't limit yourself by believing these sets are the only choice.

For instance, Ping does not offer a complete package set option for women golfers, yet they make some of the best clubs for women. You can purchase something like the used Ping G LE Driver (a club built specifically for women players) and see longer, straighter drives on the course for years.

Are there disadvantages to buying used golf clubs?

In my opinion, there are no true disadvantages or negatives to buying used golf clubs. It’s a great way to build your bag with quality, affordable clubs at a fraction of the cost. However, when you purchase used, look for the following things:

• Signs of wear on the grips (could cost you 8 to $15 per grip to replace)
• Dents or scratches on the face of the club head (may impact performance)
• Scratches or bubbling in a graphite shaft (will need to be replaced)
• Reputable sellers that stand behind their condition rating of the club

Cosmetic conditions should not be important for beginner golfers. I hate to tell you, but your clubs will get scuffed until you get better at the game.

Tips for Choosing the Right Used Golf Clubs for Women Beginners

Now that you can see the benefits of used golf clubs, here are the best tips for getting the right clubs for your game.

• Focus on forgiveness and lightweight technology. Key terms to look for include high MOI, large sweet spot, high loft, and even draw bias (helps to fix a slice).
• Don't worry about getting 14 clubs. For now, purchase a driver, fairway wood (5 wood preferably), 5 hybrid, 7 iron, 9 iron, pitching wedge, sand wedge, and putter.
• Look for golf clubs released in the last 2-5 years to get the best value and longevity. The release dates of any model are easy to find with a quick internet search.
• Expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $700 on a used set. The price will depend on the quality and age of what you choose—negotiate!

Let’s get shopping.

Used clubs can be an excellent option for beginners. I've seen women golfers get a quote for $2500 worth of brand-new golf clubs and find comparable used options to cut that price to just a quarter. When you can find a driver on SidelineSwap that was once $500 and is selling for $100, and it's in great condition, you give yourself a chance of falling in love with golf and playing for years to come.  

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