Best Time to Buy Golf Clubs + 7 Signs You Need An Upgrade
Key Takeaways
A new set of clubs may be needed if you notice the ones you have are physically deteriorating or not performing very well (which may translate into a change in your game you can't explain).
Also, too much spin in your shots, constantly taking huge iron divots, and your golfing buddies regularly outperforming you are all indicators that you may need new clubs.
As for the best time to make the purchase, Amazon Prime day, Black Friday, New Year's Eve, Winter months, and Manufacturers' Demo days seem to be the perfect times to strike the best deals!
Are you keen on updating your golf equipment more often to help you with your scores? When is the best time to buy golf clubs? Do you always get the best deals while going in for new clubs? Well! It may not always be in your favor, as they are quite expensive.
However, not upgrading might cause you to fall behind in the game. We will tell you how you can upgrade your golf clubs and ensure you get the best value for money.
Even if you just found out about your new love for the game and are looking for some fantastic deals, this article is a must-read. Scroll through to learn how and when to upgrade your clubs to make your golfing experience more rewarding.
How Long Do Golf Clubs Last?
As a golfer, you must have asked this question quite a few times to the game's pros. Golf clubs, if appropriately cared for, last anywhere between 3 years to a lifetime. If you happen to play frequently, it can reduce the effective life span of the club.
However, prompt maintenance and repairs are sure to give it an extended life. Today with the help of advanced technology and high-quality raw materials used, they may easily last for about 20 years or more. Softer golf balls usage rather than the old wooden ones have considerably increased the golf clubs' lifespan.
Since clubs usually last for a longer time, you will more often end up buying new equipment when you want to keep up with the latest trending designs and club styles.
Whether you want to fancy a new look or want to go in for an upgrade, it will surely cost you a bomb.
When Should You Replace Your Golf Clubs? Top Reasons to Upgrade
There can be many reasons you might want to go for a replacement. For instance, if you happen to notice that the grips are getting worn out or the golf shafts are getting soft.
The deterioration of the club faces or changes in the lofts and lines can also warrant a replacement. Let’s look at the different scenarios which might ask for a golf club replacement.
1. Just Starting Out Playing Golf
Are you a beginner keen to start with the game? Wouldn’t you want to begin with the right equipment? You should be a lot more careful when you are purchasing golf equipment for the first time.
It would be best if you had a clear picture of what you are expecting from the game. For instance, if you are only playing a few times a year, you might want to invest in some basic equipment.
On the other hand, if you tend to take the sport more seriously and would be playing a lot of golf throughout the year, then it is worth investing in more expensive golf clubs.
As a beginner, starting with the right clubs will help you reduce the lower handicap and aid in faster learning. Most beginners consult with professionals before buying the new golf equipment.
You could also use the outdoor demo sessions the manufacturers will host so you can choose the one that suits your style of playing.
2. Condition of Your Clubs
If you've been playing golf for quite some time, pay attention to the clubs' overall look and feel. Like we said earlier, this equipment can easily last for more than 5 to 10 years, even if you play the game more frequently. They tend to deteriorate based on how much time you spend playing the game and the number of times you have used the club.
However, if you do notice a change in the way you feel about grip or the impact while you strike. It is just about time to move on to a new golf club.
You do not have to necessarily go for brand new ones if you notice the shafts are beginning to wear out. Rather you can have the shafts replaced without spending a lot of money and still have a decently performing golf club. Consider the benefits and costs of both replacing and going in for new clubs before making a choice.
3. Unexplainable Change in Your Game
When we talk about unexplainable change in your game, it refers to changes you notice in your swing patterns, ball trajectory, score, or distance.
A golf club that is worn out or doesn’t have sufficient grip can cause these changes in your game despite you being in good form. If you happen to notice a gradual increase in your handicap, buy a new club set. It will put your handicap back at the correct score and you will be able to shine in your game again.
Check Out Our Review: Cobra Fly XL Golf Set
Suppose you cannot attribute the change in the game to your age, swing style, or any other reasons. Closely examine your clubs for any wear and tear. Examine the shafts, wedges, or irons for possible signs of damage to see if the performance change is due to the faulty accessory. Voila! Your golf skills are intact, and the golfing equipment is what needs a change or replacement.
4. Too Much Spin on Your Golf Ball
Golf clubs can also influence the spin on the ball. Beginners who are not aware of how to use them might end up with many spins. However, as an experienced player, if you happen to notice a lot of spin in your shots.
Suppose you could hit consistent shots with low spin previously and of late notice a lot of spins while using the same club. It may be one of the signs that your golf club needs to be replaced.
Not getting the right amount of spin can ruin your game in many ways. Replacing your old clubs might do the trick if you are confident that your swing styles and patterns are not the reason for the spin going out of control. If you have been using the clubs for quite a while, take it to the fitter to check if the club is to be blamed for the spin.
5. Taking Huge Iron Divots (Poor Divot Pattern)
Players going in for the deep divots can impact the ball flight negatively. It can lead to thin or fat shots and may not earn you a good reputation with the greenkeeper. Having a faulty golf club can be one reason you might be getting to a steeper angle of approaching the ball.
However, poor divot patterns can also be due to other reasons, and professional advice is required to know if the issue is related to the club or your style of playing.
Huge Iron divots can also harm your hand and shoulder health. It is best to correct this faulty approach in the game, so your scores and health do not take a beating. Going in for the right golf club as per your playing style can help you overcome the divot patterns' issues. Of course, you will also need a lot of practice on the tee.
6. Your Buddies Are Outperforming You
Golfers often hold on to their golf equipment for a longer period as they have grown used to playing with a particular brand or bonding with the golf club. While it is not a bad thing to hold on to your golfing companion, it may not always be advisable to cling to the old ones if it is affecting your game.
Replacing or buying a new set of golf clubs is definitely an expensive affair. However, the simple reason why most players go for replacement may be to keep up with the co-players.
With the golf equipment industry constantly evolving to cater to the golfers' needs, having the most modern gear will give you an edge over your buddies in the game.
If you feel you are not performing on par with your buddies, buying new golf clubs will surely improve your game for you. However, you might also want to check on your golfing skills to make sure you stay ahead of them.
7. Your Age
Golf is one of the most relaxing games compared to other field sports. However, it also does require a good amount of stamina to set the ball in motion. As you age in the game, you will start noticing a gradual change in your golfing skills, which is mostly due to the decreased stamina.
How many clubs do you need to get your game, right? The answer is not the numbers but getting the right one. You will need to try a few to make sure you get the one that suits your age.
Ladies, kids, seniors, and pro players will have to choose a different set of golf equipment that will help them overcome aging challenges. For instance, you will do well with a hybrid golf club, which is a cross between an iron and a fairway wood.
This will help players with the distance, which might be difficult with irons. If you started playing in your 50s, you would notice that you need a different set of clubs as you move to your 60s or 70s.
Best Time to Buy Golf Clubs (And Get the Best Deals)
While looking for an upgrade to your golf clubs, it is certainly worthwhile to wait for the right time to get some amazing deals. Who knows, you might end up with the most premium models at attractive prices.
Most golf club manufacturers tend to introduce their recent models at the beginning of the year. There are also times when sellers offer huge discounts for the prior models. Look out for these sale days and the best time of year to buy clubs to make sure you get the best value for the money you spend on this sport
Amazon Prime Day
Best time to buy new golf clubs - Got an Amazon Prime membership? Then you automatically get access to some special deals. These special purchase arrangements are only for the Prime members. So, you will need to get a paid membership to avail of these offers.
You should be able to get those premium clubs at a great price besides free shipping, express delivery, etc. on selected products. The 2019 Amazon Prime day had some great deals from leading brands such as Callaway, Bridgestone, etc.
2020 Amazon Prime Day is yet to be finalized. However, you can start a 30-day free trial of Prime membership. You could get lucky if the dates are announced within your trial period.
Black Friday
Going by last year's deals on Black Friday, this year, too, you can expect some amazing discounts from leading brands such as Callaway, Cobra Golf, and TaylorMade golf drivers and clubs.
You can save up to 60% on a good range of clubs and other golf accessories as well. Walmart Premium Golf Club Shop, Amazon, also offers great discounts on some of the top golf equipment brands.
In 2020, Black Friday falls on the 27th of November, and the sale will start at 12:01 am local time. So, gear up to grab your favorite brand at reasonable prices. Many leading E-commerce giants also happen to have Balck Friday sales on their online stores.
If you are really not a fan of all the hues and cries in the physical stores, you can always opt for the online sales that happen on Balck Fridays.
Winter Months
Golf is a game that is usually not played all through the year owing to the local weather conditions in many places. Hence the off-season (winter) can be a great time to replace those old golf clubs of yours.
Most manufacturers and sellers want to get rid of their current year's stock. Hence, they are more likely to offer special seasonal discounts on golf equipment. November, and December time is when the sellers would want to do away with their old golf club models.
Also, most vendors will go for clearance sales during these months to make way for the new stock. This can mean a lot of savings on the top brands in the market. Off-season will also see fewer buyers in the shop, which means that you will get your hands on a wide range of options. It is the holiday season, and the prices also seem to drop significantly in the previous year's models.
New Year’s Eve
Come December 31st, and every seller will have something to offer in terms of discounts and clearance sales. You might end up with some old models. However, it will definitely be a safe choice at reduced prices if it is coming from your favorite brand. You should be able to find some attractive packages on closeout drivers, fairway woods, iron sets for men, etc.
Keep your new year's resolutions for the game going strong while you prep yourself with the best golf equipment from the New Year’s Eve sale. You will not find these deals throughout the year and save the money through the year for the big sale at year-end. There is no better way to start the new year than to start with your favorite sport by making some huge savings on the golf equipment.
Manufacturers Demo Days
If you want to choose the best golf equipment, it is best to buy them from a golf demo day. The best part is you can try the golf club before you buy them. This is very important irrespective of the fact whether you are a novice or an avid player.
You can choose your favorite and most compatible golf clubs after you have got a chance to try them outdoors. These events will also have in-display all the previous year's models from the manufacturer, which makes it easy for you to compare the prices and choose the best.
Tips to Increase Your Golf Club’s Lifespan
As we discussed earlier, golf clubs are expensive equipment, and it is often viewed as a one-time buy due to the high prices. So, you must care for them in the right way to make sure they have an effective life span, and their performance is not compromised over the years. Here are some tips to help you improve the lifespan of your golf clubs.
- Clean your clubs after each round of the game.
- First, you can use a wet towel to clean the dirt or mud.
- Use a dry towel to wipe away the moisture.
- Consider using a metallic brush to remove the grooves' stubborn dirt if you happen to use irons.
- Club Grips can tend to wear out soon, and hence you can replace them once a year.
- Cover the clubs using the headcovers when you are not using them.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope to have helped you with the best time to buy or replace your golf clubs in the above sections. However, if you do still have some more queries, here is the FAQ session. We have included some of the commonly asked questions, so you can get those questions out of your mind.
Do Golf Clubs Lose Distance Over Time?
Golf clubs are designed to stand the heaviest use and usually last for more than a decade if properly cared for. Loss of distance may not always be due to faulty equipment. It can be that your golf buddies are using some of the most modern and technologically advanced clubs that definitely add to the ease of the game. However, your grips and wedges should be in the best of their health to get your shots right every time.
If you still feel that your performance is not up to the mark of your fellow golfer, you might want to check your clubs with a local fitter. There is no study or evidence to suggest if the clubs might lose distance over prolonged use. It is quite subjective, and the golfer himself should be able to identify this when playing.
Can You Repair a Golf Club?
Yes, you can repair it depending on what is broken or worn out. You don’t have to worry about spending a lot to repair it as you can easily do the repairs on your own. The shaft is the accessory that usually suffers a lot of wear and tear. Though you cannot repair the shaft, you can go for a replacement that will not cost you much.
Also, it will save you from buying a brand-new golf club. Repair also improves the possibility of bettering your golf club's performance, as you can have a custom-made golf club at your disposal. Redesign your clubs if they happen to have a worn-out shaft or club heads by following some really simple DIY ideas.
You could also replace grips and club heads that are worn out if you have the necessary tools to do the repairs. There are so many videos on YouTube to help you with the task.
Do New Golf Clubs Really Make a Difference?
They will not do any magic if you are not good at the game. If you are a good player with reasonable swing speed, distance, and good swing style, you should get your shorts to perfection irrespective of the golf clubs.
Some golfers think that they do make a difference in their game. For instance, if you are used to certain types of golf clubs like irons or fairway woods, you might not be better off on any other type of club because you have been practicing with the former model.
Golfers will also agree that the most recent models with advanced features make the game a lot easier and are known to make a difference to your shots. Most of them also opt for new models citing improvements they want to make to their game. Try adding some newly available models into your collection at affordable prices to notice the difference in your scores and shots.
How Can You Make Sure Your Golf Clubs Last?
It would be best if you had to take good care of your golf clubs to last longer. Most golf equipment from leading manufacturers comes with a good lifespan. Proper maintenance and timely repair of any worn-out parts are sure to keep it going for a few extra years. It also depends on how much you use the golf equipment. If you are the one who plays quite often, the club tends to wear out more quickly than in the case of occasional players.
Playing in the greens can cause your clubs to gather a lot of mud and moisture. Hence, following a proper cleaning regime is a must to make sure they last longer. Follow the tips on how to increase the lifespan of your clubs in the previous section, and you will have your old clubs looking and performing as well as new ones.
How Often Do Pro Golfers Change Their Golf Clubs?
Changing golf clubs or replacing them is a personal choice and differs from person to person. As long as the golf club is in good shape and performs well, pros get along with it for more than 10 years. Studies conducted on pro players show that most golfers consider changing their clubs once every 4 years. However, we also have professionals who have used a golf club for more than 10 years.
The stats of replacement goes like this:
Half of the players or say every second player replaces or changes their golf clubs after they have used them for 4 years. At the same time, there is a minority of less than 10 percent of players who opt for new clubs every 12 months. About 2 percent of players consider going for new ones every two years. Seniors would want to go for replacement when they feel their swing speed and distances have reduced over time.
Conclusion
Golf clubs are an important component to getting your shots right, and it is very crucial for your game to have the right one. Many considerations such as age, style of playing, and frequency of playing go into deciding the right golf accessory for you. The whole reason why we have the question of what the best time is to buy a golf club is the fact that this sports equipment is quite expensive. While you may not have the liberty or finances to go in for new clubs often, this article will help you choose the right time when you can land up in a killer deal.
Look for the best deals during the golf off-seasons or lookup for deals with the leading E-commerce giants that are there all through the year. Black Fridays and demos can also be ideal times to make an upgrade to the latest clubs available. If you still happen to have questions on what clubs should I buy or the right time to buy them, write to us in the comments section.
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