We’ve shopped eBay, OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace. The best deals begin with research and a conversation with our local club fitter—not a rush to grab the lowest price.
Our buying checklist
- Get the fit right first. Ask a junior-experienced fitter about length, weight, shaft and grip. Don’t assume cutting down adult clubs makes them suitable for a young player.
- Compare like with like. Look at the same model, handedness, condition and specifications. Sold listings can be more informative than optimistic asking prices.
- Ask what has changed. Has the shaft been cut or extended? Has the grip or shaft been replaced? Request actual measurements and clear pictures.
- Look closely. Check the face, shaft, grip, head attachment and signs of damage. For high-value gear, ask about authenticity and use the marketplace’s purchase protections.
- Add every cost. Include shipping, tax, fitting and any approved adjustments. Ask the fitter for a quote before assuming a bargain will stay a bargain.
- Know the exit. Read the return policy and buyer protections. For a local purchase, inspect before paying and use a suitable public meeting place.
A note about club length
I tend to look for full-length clubs because I want to know what I’m starting with before a fitter makes adjustments. That is our shopping preference, not a rule that every junior should play shortened adult clubs. Length is only part of fit; club weight and the child’s ability to swing comfortably matter too.
The used putter that meant a lot
For Christmas, we found our daughter a Scotty Cameron Futura X5. She had dreamed of playing a Scotty Cameron like her dad. What made it special was sharing that little piece of the game together—not whether the putter was new.