Buying used golf clubs can be a smart choice for beginners. You’ll save money and give yourself time to learn about the needs of your golf game before you invest in a brand-new custom-fitted set. We looked at some top performers of the last few years to see which used golf clubs could be a good choice for beginners. Here are the best golf clubs for beginners in 2025.
Drivers
Look for drivers that offer high forgiveness and consistency. If you slice the ball, draw-bias or straight-flight technology is a good feature to look for. Adjustability is a must-have in a modern driver for beginners. Finally, avoid clubs with visible damage to the face or hosel. Here are a few to consider.
PING G425 SFT – ~$240 Used
The PING G425 SFT was consistently ranked as one of the top choices for slice correction thanks to its built-in draw bias. It’s a forgiving driver that is stable across the face. The entire G425 line was high-performing so keep your eye out as you shop used club choices.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus – ~$240 Used
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus was a top choice in the 2023 MyGolfSpy driver testing. It has strong distance potential and the adjustability that beginner golfers need. If you want something used that you can still keep in the bag for a few more years, this is a good one.
Callaway Mavrik – ~$200 Used
The Callaway Mavrik is a little older, therefore, you can find some used options for a little less, sometimes even under $200. It’s a forgiving driver that still offers consistent distance. For the performance you get for the price, the Mavrik can be a smart buy for new golfers.
Fairway woods and hybrids
When purchasing used fairway woods and hybrids for beginner golfers, look for something with easy launch, forgiveness and versatility. Check the sole and crown for heavy wear. It’s a good sign if someone still has the original headcover and has been protecting the club.
Wilson Dynapower – ~$125 Used
The Wilson Dynapower fairway wood won MyGolfSpy’s 2023 Best Fairway Wood test. It is a highly forgiving model with an easy launch. The great thing about these fairway woods is that they started at a lower price than competitors so there are some great used ones for a strong value.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD & Stealth 2 Plus – ~$100-$150 Used
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD and the Stealth 2 were top performers in testing. The HD is the draw-bias model which can be great for new players.
PING G430 Hybrid – ~$190 Used
PING golf clubs tend to hold their value a little longer than others. That’s why this used PING G430 hybrid isn’t necessarily the most affordable but it has proven performance and excellent forgiveness for beginners. It’s a reliable long-term addition that will work even when you get out of the beginner stages.
Wilson Dynapower Hybrid – ~$120 Used
The Wilson fairways and hybrids offer strong value for beginner players. This club has a high-MOI head design and a low center of gravity. It’s also a hybrid with a slight draw bias to help with a slice. In our 2023 hybrid testing, the Wilson Dynapower finished fourth overall.
Irons
Irons are divided into several categories, ranging from blade irons for better players to super game-improvement clubs for beginners and other high handicappers. Game-improvement and super game-improvement irons are a great choice for the new golfer. These irons have thicker soles, higher launch angles, better distance capability and larger sweet spots. Avoid used irons with heavily worn grooves or visible rust.
Tour Edge Exotics E723 – ~$350 Used (Full Set)
The Tour Edge E723 was a top game-improvement iron in 2024. It has strong ball speeds for the forgiveness it offers which can be difficult to find in an iron. Tour Edge tends to fly under the radar and not get the attention it deserves. Look at both used and new options from Tour Edge as they can be a great fit for beginners.
TaylorMade Stealth Irons – ~$100/club Used
TaylorMade Stealth irons were the best game-improvement irons we tested in 2023. They have held their value pretty well but you can build out a nice set of short irons for around $100 for each iron. These Stealth irons are also relatively easy to find on the used market.
COBRA Aerojet Irons – ~$375 for 5 Clubs Used
The COBRA Aerojet irons had strong distance and forgiveness rankings in testing. They also come in a ONE Length option that can be good for new players worried about consistency. You’ll find great deals on 7-iron to pitching wedge and approach (gap) wedge sets of used Aerojet irons.
Wedges
Groove condition is critical for wedges. Worn grooves significantly reduce spin and control and sometimes make it pointless to purchase used wedges. If purchasing used, aim for wedges in mint or excellent condition.
TaylorMade MG4 Wedge – ~$120
If the grooves are in good shape and you can find an MG4 with the specs you need, this is a great wedge. Its high spin rates and consistent performance make it a good choice for beginners trying to establish control around the greens.
Cleveland RTX or Smart Sole (On Sale New) – ~$100
If you can’t find used wedges with grooves in good shape, look at the Cleveland RTX or Smart Sole that are currently on sale for around $100. These are brand new so you won’t have to worry about issues with the grooves and their condition.
Putters
While it was once thought that mallet putters were best for beginners, you can find a wide range of both blade and mallet putters that are good options. A few of these putters finished strong in our testing. Remember that investing a little more in a putter with proven performance is smart because you don’t have to replace your putter as often as other clubs.
Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1 (Blade) – ~$125 Used
The Cleveland HB Soft 2 #1 was a strong performer in MyGolfSpy’s 2024 testing for feel and accuracy. It won Best Blade Putter from 20 feet. For new players, it’s a good, classic-looking putter to consider.
Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K Rossie S (Mallet) – ~$200 Used
The Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K Rossie S is a higher-cost used option but it’s one of the mallet putters that dominated MyGolfSpy testing. It’s easy to line up, very stable at impact and a putter you can keep in the bag for years to come.
Cleveland HB Soft 2 #11 (Mallet) – ~$150 Used
The Cleveland HB Soft 2 was another top performer for longer putts in the 2024 Best Mallet Putter testing. This model combines forgiveness and excellent alignment features. It’s stable for the beginners who are still a little uncertain on the greens.
Final thoughts
Buying quality used golf clubs can sometimes give you better performance without blowing your entire golf budget. Narrow down what you want and then watched the used marketplaces closely to find the best deals.
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