The internet has transformed how golfers buy equipment. From your sofa, you can compare thousands of clubs, balls, shoes and accessories, read reviews, check specifications and have everything delivered to your door — often at lower prices than in a shop. But online shopping also brings risks: the wrong specification, counterfeit products, poor returns policies and the inability to try before you buy.
This guide explains how to shop for golf equipment online safely and smartly, which products are best bought online, and when it is better to visit a shop.
The benefits of buying golf equipment online
- Choice: far more models, specifications and colours than any single shop.
- Price comparison: easy to compare prices across retailers.
- Reviews: feedback from other golfers.
- Convenience: shop any time and have items delivered.
- Deals: seasonal sales, bundles and previous-season models.
The risks
- Wrong specification: clubs that are the wrong length, flex or loft for you.
- No chance to try first: feel and fit matter, especially for clubs and shoes.
- Counterfeits: fake clubs and balls that look genuine but perform poorly.
- Returns hassle: some sellers make returns difficult or expensive.
- Unreliable sellers: particularly on marketplaces and social media.
Step 1: Know what you need
For clubs
Before buying online, know your:
- Handedness (right- or left-handed).
- Club length (standard, longer or shorter).
- Shaft flex and material. See our golf shaft guide.
- Loft (especially for drivers, hybrids and wedges).
- Lie angle if fitted.
- Grip size.
The best way to find these is a custom club fitting. With your fitting specification in hand, you can shop online with confidence.
For balls
Know the model you play, or the type that suits your game. See how to choose the right golf ball.
For shoes and clothing
Know your size in the specific brand's sizing, or buy from retailers with free returns. See the golf shoes guide and what to wear for golf.
Step 2: Choose a reputable retailer
Look for:
- A clear physical address and contact details.
- Secure checkout — "https" in the address bar.
- A clear returns policy, including who pays for return postage and how long you have.
- Warranty information.
- Authorised retailer status for the products sold, where relevant.
- Positive, verifiable reviews from independent sources.
- Responsive customer service.
Step 3: Avoid counterfeit equipment
Counterfeit golf clubs and balls are a real problem. They often look convincing in photos but are made with poor materials, may break and rarely perform like genuine products.
How to protect yourself
- Be wary of very low prices on new premium clubs.
- Buy from authorised retailers or well-established golf specialists.
- Check serial numbers where manufacturers provide them.
- Inspect quality on arrival — paint, finish, shaft labels, grip quality and weight.
- Use payment methods with buyer protection.
- Report suspected counterfeits to the seller and the payment provider.
Step 4: Compare prices properly
When comparing prices, include:
- Delivery costs.
- Return costs.
- Import duties and taxes for international orders.
- Bundles and extras — free balls or headcovers can add value.
- Price-match policies at some retailers.
Remember that the cheapest price is not always the best value if the seller has poor service or no returns.
Step 5: Read reviews carefully
Reviews are helpful but need interpreting:
- Look for patterns rather than single extreme reviews.
- Consider the reviewer's ability — a forgiving club praised by a beginner may not suit a low handicapper, and vice versa.
- Check reviews of the retailer, not just the product.
- Use independent buying guides that explain who a product suits.
What to buy online vs in store
| Product | Online | In store or fitted |
|---|---|---|
| Golf balls | Ideal — know your model | Not necessary |
| Gloves | Good once you know your size | Try first if unsure of size |
| Tees, markers, towels | Ideal | Not necessary |
| Bags and carts | Good — check dimensions | Useful to check weight and feel |
| Shoes | Good with free returns | Best for first purchase or new brands |
| Clothing | Good with free returns | Useful for fit |
| Rangefinders and GPS | Good — compare features | Not necessary |
| Putters | After trying one in person | Best tried first |
| Drivers, irons, wedges | After a fitting | Fitting strongly recommended |
Buying used golf equipment online
Online marketplaces and specialist pre-owned retailers offer great value on used clubs. Before buying:
- Check detailed photos of faces, soles, shafts, grips and ferrules.
- Confirm specifications — length, flex, loft, handedness.
- Ask questions about usage and storage.
- Use buyer-protected payment.
- Check returns — specialist pre-owned retailers often accept returns; private sellers usually do not.
See buying golf clubs on a budget for a detailed inspection checklist.
Shopping for golf accessories online
Accessories are perfect for online shopping. Popular purchases include:
- golf balls in bulk;
- gloves (once you know your size);
- tees, ball markers and pitch-mark repair tools;
- towels and umbrellas;
- rangefinders and GPS devices;
- training aids;
- travel covers.
See essential golf accessories and gift ideas for golfers for ideas.
Timing your purchases
- End of season — clothing, shoes and accessories are often discounted.
- When new club models launch — previous models often drop in price.
- Holiday sales events.
- Bulk buying — balls and tees are cheaper in larger quantities.
Protecting your personal information
- Use strong, unique passwords for shopping accounts.
- Avoid saving card details on sites you rarely use.
- Shop on secure networks — avoid public Wi-Fi for payments.
- Be cautious of emails and messages offering deals that ask you to click links and enter payment details.
Affiliate links and honest recommendations
Many golf websites — including ours, in the future — may earn a small commission when readers buy through links to retailers. This should never cost you more or influence recommendations. Look for clear disclosures, honest pros and cons, and recommendations based on suitability rather than price. Read our affiliate disclosure to see how we approach this, and visit the Golfdrive.org Pro Shop for our hand-picked selections.
A step-by-step online buying checklist
Use this checklist every time you buy golf equipment online:
- Confirm your specifications — handedness, length, flex, loft, size.
- Research the product using independent buying guides and reviews.
- Shortlist two or three retailers and compare total costs, including delivery and returns.
- Check the seller's credibility — contact details, reviews, authorised status.
- Read the returns and warranty policies before buying.
- Pay with a protected method.
- Save all confirmations, product listings and messages.
- Inspect the item on arrival — check specifications, condition and authenticity.
- Try it before removing tags or using it on the course, in case you need to return it.
- Register the product for warranty where the manufacturer allows.
What to do if something goes wrong
- Wrong item or specification: contact the retailer immediately, with photos and your order details.
- Damaged in transit: photograph the packaging and product before unpacking further, and report it quickly.
- Suspected counterfeit: stop using the product, contact the seller and your payment provider, and keep all evidence.
- Item not delivered: check tracking, contact the retailer and, if necessary, raise a claim with your payment provider.
Most reputable retailers resolve problems quickly. Clear communication and good records make the process easier.
Buying clubs online after a fitting
The best of both worlds is to get fitted in person and then buy online with the exact specifications:
- Book a fitting and keep the specification sheet. See custom golf club fitting.
- Note head model, loft, lie, length, shaft model and flex, grip size and swing weight where relevant.
- Search for retailers who offer custom-built clubs to order.
- Double-check every specification at checkout.
Some fitters charge a fee for the fitting if you buy elsewhere — it is fair to ask about this up front.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy golf clubs online?
Yes, from reputable retailers with secure checkout and good returns policies. Know your specifications first, and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
Should I get fitted before buying clubs online?
Ideally, yes. A fitting gives you the exact specifications so you can buy online without guesswork.
How can I tell if golf clubs are fake?
Warning signs include unusually low prices, poor paint and finishes, misspelled logos, low-quality grips, incorrect weights and sellers without verifiable reputations. Buying from authorised retailers is the best protection.
Are online golf prices always cheaper?
Not always. Local shops often match online prices and offer extras such as fitting, advice and easy returns. Compare total costs, including delivery and returns.
Can I return golf clubs I have used?
Many retailers only accept returns of unused clubs. Some offer trial periods. Check the policy carefully before hitting new clubs on the course.
Is it safe to buy golf balls online?
Yes, from reputable retailers. Golf balls are one of the best products to buy online, especially in bulk. Be cautious of very cheap premium balls from unknown sellers, as counterfeit balls exist.
How do I know which size golf glove to buy online?
Measure your hand across the palm and around the knuckles, then compare with the retailer's size chart. Sizing can vary between manufacturers, so once you find a glove that fits, note the size and model for future orders.
Should I buy a rangefinder online?
Rangefinders and GPS devices are well suited to online purchase because performance depends on features rather than fit. Compare features, warranty and battery life, and check whether you need a model with a slope function that can be disabled for competition.
What about buying from overseas websites?
Overseas retailers may offer lower prices, but factor in shipping, import duties, longer delivery times and more complicated returns. Warranty coverage may also differ by region.
The bottom line
Buying golf equipment online offers choice, convenience and value — as long as you know your specifications, shop with reputable retailers, avoid counterfeit "bargains" and understand the returns policy. Buy consumables and accessories online freely, get fitted before buying clubs, try putters and shoes in person when you can, and you will enjoy the best of both worlds: smart purchases delivered to your door.