Most golfers accumulate old clubs over the years: a previous set of irons, a few retired drivers, a putter that lost its magic. Instead of letting them gather dust in the garage, you can turn them into money, give them to someone who'll use them, or recycle them responsibly. Here are the best options.
Option 1: Trade in
Many golf shops and retailers offer trade-in schemes: you bring in old clubs and receive credit towards new ones.
- Pros: quick, simple and safe.
- Cons: you usually get less than selling privately.
- Best for: recent clubs in good condition when you're buying new equipment anyway.
Option 2: Sell
Where to sell
- Online marketplaces and auction sites.
- Local selling groups and classified ads.
- Golf club notice boards and pro shops.
- Specialist used-club dealers.
Tips for selling
- Clean the clubs and grips. Read how to clean and care for golf clubs.
- Take clear photos: faces, soles, shafts, grips and serial numbers.
- Describe accurately: model, lofts, shafts, flex, length, condition and any damage.
- Price realistically by checking recent sales of the same model.
- Sell sets together if they're popular models; sell individual clubs if not.
- Use safe payment methods and be wary of scams.
Read buying golf equipment online.
What sells best
- Recent drivers, fairway woods and hybrids from popular models.
- Complete iron sets in good condition.
- Quality putters and wedges with good grooves.
Older or heavily worn clubs may sell for little.
Option 3: Donate
Old clubs can help people discover golf.
- Junior programmes at golf clubs.
- Schools with golf activities.
- Charities and community golf projects.
- Adaptive golf programmes. Read adaptive golf.
- Charity shops that accept sports equipment.
- Golf development projects overseas, some of which collect used equipment.
Check the organisation can use them, and clean them first.
Option 4: Reuse
- Cut down clubs for children, and add junior grips. Make sure they're light enough; adult clubs are often too heavy. Read the junior golf equipment guide.
- Keep a spare set for guests, beginners or trips. Read golf for couples.
- A travel set to protect your main clubs. Read travelling with golf clubs.
- A practice set for the garden or net.
- Refurbish: new grips can make old clubs feel new. Read how to regrip golf clubs.
Option 5: Recycle
If clubs are broken or too worn to reuse:
- Steel heads and shafts can usually be recycled as scrap metal at recycling centres.
- Graphite shafts and composite heads are harder to recycle; check local facilities.
- Grips are usually rubber and generally go in general waste unless a recycling scheme exists.
- Some retailers and manufacturers run take-back schemes.
Option 6: Upcycle
Creative golfers turn old clubs into:
- Coat hooks, door handles or wall art.
- Furniture such as table legs or bar stools.
- Garden markers or decorations.
- Golf-themed gifts. Read gift ideas for golfers.
Option 7: Keep collectibles
Some old clubs, such as hickory-shafted clubs and rare models, may be valuable to collectors. Check before throwing them away. Read golf collectibles and antique clubs.
Frequently asked questions
Are old golf clubs worth anything?
Recent, popular models in good condition can be worth selling. Very old or worn clubs may have little value, except collectible antiques.
Where can I donate used golf clubs?
Junior programmes, schools, charities, community golf projects and some charity shops.
Can I recycle golf clubs?
Steel heads and shafts can usually be recycled as scrap metal. Graphite and composites are harder; check local facilities.
Can adult clubs be cut down for children?
Yes, but they may still be too heavy. Lightweight junior clubs are often better.
The bottom line
Old golf clubs don't have to gather dust. Trade them in for credit, sell them, donate them to help new golfers, reuse them as spare or junior clubs, recycle them responsibly or turn them into something creative. Check for collectible value first. For your next set, read what clubs to carry.