Prices are on the rise.
TaylorMade Golf
Not sure if you’ve noticed. But if you’ve been shopping for new golf clubs lately, you know that prices have shot up. Manufacturers have told me that this is due to the clubs incorporating the latest AI-influenced technology and sophisticated materials, and of course, the companies having to pay tariffs. Some driver models from mainstream club companies are now selling for $700. I’m going to sound like the old man that I am, but my first set of premium Acushnet irons did not cost that much. Speaking of irons, Cobra’s new 3D-printed irons sell for $330 apiece. I’ve been playing them and know they’re really solid. As are Callaway’s top-of-the-line Quantum drivers. And also L.A.B. Golf’s latest putters that start at $599 each. And yes, I realize the price of everything has gone through the roof, but it seems like we need to take out a loan these days just to build a full bag of new clubs.
How is this affecting the resale market for used clubs? According to Google, many golfers are choosing “mint” or “very good” condition used clubs, which often look nearly new but can be priced 30–to-50 percent less than brand-new retail models. The cost of custom shafts has also skyrocketed, with high-end shafts often running $200+ plus installation, pushing some golfers to seek used clubs that already feature premium shafts. Irons have seen some large price jumps, too, making them a popular category for used purchases. Just had a discussion on the course last week about driver technology being so good the past three years that models from 2023 can still get you pretty much the same distance and forgiveness as a new model. Thus, players I’ve talked with wonder why they would need to upgrade. This all may possibly slow down the new club market. Yet there’s still a certain sex appeal about playing the latest and greatest clubs.
Regardless, because of high prices across the board, more golfers are trading in clubs to reputable retailers, to try something new. I decided to put the market to the test. Well, my wife decided I should do that because our garage was overflowing with clubs that I’ve collected, tested and played over the past 15 or 20 years. I actually tried donating it all to local programs and schools, and found no takers. Was told repeatedly that they had too large of inventories to keep track of. It was actually quite shocking to me that nobody wanted free golf clubs, many of which were in excellent condition. Then I asked all of my buddies if anyone needed clubs. A few neighbors stopped by to pick through the selection. This past week, I took the remaining 25 or 30 clubs into a local shop, to exchange for store credit. Told the guy right up front that I realized a lot of the clubs would have zero value, and he told me he would just donate those. However, he amassed the rest of the clubs and gave me roughly three times in store credit than what I thought the clubs would command. Actually caught myself saying “wow” out loud. That credit will go toward more products I can test out for this column. Point is, you may have a gold mine in your basement if you have been upgrading clubs every year and like me, not purging the previous sets.
And if you start shopping around for some of the 2026 model clubs – many of which are excellent, by the way – be prepared to pay a little more this year.