My Callaway Golf Preowned Buying Experience
As a long-time golfer always eyeing new gear, I‘m constantly faced with an inner battle – my desire to play with the newest, most advanced clubs vs. not draining my bank account.
When I first heard about buying used and open box golf clubs at steep discounts, I was extremely skeptical. How could you get premium clubs for hundreds less without losing key performance?
But after taking a chance on Callaway Golf Preowned over 3 years ago and now having purchased multiple used drivers, iron sets and wedges, I‘m happy to report this outlet lives up to its reputation and more!
In this hands-on guide, I‘ll share my first-hand experience purchasing from Callaway Preowned as well as research on the used golf club market.
Let‘s dive right into why used Callaway clubs have become my go-to source for building out my golf bag…
Why I Started Buying Used Golf Clubs
As background, I‘m an 8 handicap player who golfs 2-3 times per month usually – so I‘m decently skilled with a strong desire to keep improving. My old clubs were getting tired and I started shopping around for new gear last season.
I eyed up some of the latest Callaway drivers and irons, but dropping $1,000+ was tough when I already invested a lot annually in green fees and other golf trip expenses.
That led me to dig deeper into golf club resale markets. As a tech junkie, I was no stranger to buying used phones and devices. How different could golf gear be?
Here were the main benefits that drew me into preowned golf clubs:
- Major Savings – Used clubs were 30-50+% off retail
- Pro Level Gear – Can score last year‘s $500 drivers for under $300
- Performance – With good condition, minimal wear and tear
- Upgrades – Opportunity to get premium gear I normally couldn‘t
Additionally, buying preowned aligns with my sustainability values around less manufacturing and material waste. So for my wallet and the planet – it was a win/win.
With the rise of online resale stores, used golf gear sales are accelerating faster than new gear in the US:
| Year | New Gear Sales | Preowned Gear Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2.81 billion | $2.82 billion |
| 2021 | $2.95 billion | $3.06 billion |
Preowned golf is now a $3+ billion market and Callaway leads the way in brand reputation. Time I took the leap!
Next came researching where to actually buy used Callaway gear online. Luckily Callaway has their own dedicated preowned store with wide praise…
Inside Callaway Golf Preowned
Callaway Golf Preowned is the official secondhand marketplace owned and operated directly by Callaway Golf. The site sells used and open box Callaway clubs and gear.
Overview & Facts
A few quick facts about the Callaway Preowned operation:
- Founded: 2014
- Headquarters: Carlsbad, CA
- Website Traffic: 500K+ monthly visitors
- Products Listed: ~15k+ used clubs
- Brand Focus: 100% Callaway Gear
- Discount Range: 30-50%+ off retail
With 7+ years perfecting preowned and direct Callaway ownership, this gave me confidence in product quality and authenticity.
Speaking to a couple local club pro‘s and gear fitters, they unanimously praised Callaway Preowned forgoing the extra mile on inspection and testing to mimic new club standards.
After browsing the site for myself, I was blown away at the awesome condition of the used gear for sale. Let‘s take a look…
Browsing The Callaway Golf Preowned Selection
The website breaks down by all major club types like drivers, irons, putters etc. You can further filter by player type, condition, release year, individual/set and more.
Within each category browsing listings made my mouth water. So many iconic Callaway clubs I remember testing out at the store display marked hundreds below retail.
Some examples that stood out:
- Callaway Epic Flash Drivers: Released 2019 priced $100-$150 off original $500+
- Callaway Rogue Irons: 2018 model in singles under $100 a club
- Callaway Mack Daddy Wedges: Classic shape over 40% off new
They overloaded on options across every category and budget:
Takeaway: Inventory depth and variety is unmatched for Callaway golf gear. Big discounts even on clubs just 1-2 years old.
My only struggle was narrowing down what to buy!
Callaway Preowned Club Conditions
A major differentiator for Callaway Preowned is the strict grading scale each club gets assigned based on wear and tear:
They break it down into 5 main tiers from flawless Like New condition down to more scruffed up Below Average clubs. This transparency helped align expectations on what I‘d get.
Most buyers recommend eyeing up Very Good or Excellent grades. Gently used clubs that play almost like new – but 30-50%+ discounts. Where I started my buying…
My Callaway Preowned Gear Purchases
Across 3 orders over the past 2 golf seasons, I‘ve purchased a number of Callaway Golf Preowned clubs. Here‘s a breakdown with an eye test on arriving conditions:
Callaway Preowned Drivers
The first club I bought was the Epic Flash Driver rated "Excellent" condition. This was Callaway‘s most forgiving and longest driver released in 2019.
My Impressions:
- Feels and performs identical to brand new demo
- Headcover included and minimal signs of wear
- Long bombs off the tee when catch it flush
- Paid just over $300 vs $500+ new
I instantly added 15-20 yards to drives staying in play more often. Huge value buy!
Callaway Preowned Irons
Next I upgraded from my older cavity back irons into a players distance set – the Callaway Apex CF16 Irons.
Snagged a 5-PW set rated "Very Good" for mid $400‘s.
Here was the arrival condition plus performance notes:
- Came with serial matching Callaway iron headcovers
- A small face scuff on 6 iron and light bag chatter on soles
- Combo of forged feel and distance tech really shows on centered strikes
- Lower ball flight but holds greens well compared to my older irons
No doubt these played at a high level while saving me probably $600+ for a similar performing new set!
Callaway Preowned Putter
Most recently, I added this like new Odyssey Works Red 2-Ball Fang Putter for under $100:
- Still had original plastic wrap on head
- Awesome roll and feedback on short putts
- Added stability gets me closer on long lag putts
While researching gear communities and talking to fellow local golfers over the years, my own awesome experiences were echoed by many others…
Buying Callaway Preowned: What Golfers Are Saying
Scouring user reviews across Reddit, YouTube, third party review sites and more – buyers consistently praised Callaway Preowned across a few key areas:
Quality & Condition Expectations
The biggest concern buying any secondhand product is "how worn or different is it versus brand new condition?"
Judging from the high user praise, Callaway Preowned delivers:
"Clubs arrive almost flawless based on condition ratings with performance that holds up like new models"
"You‘d be shocked at how brand new these clubs look and feel after a good cleaning – saved 50% easy!"
Performance & Playability
It‘s one thing for used clubs to look nice. Big question is "How do they actually hit on course?"
If reactions from fellow buyers is any indication…very well!
After reluctantly trying the preowned market, my drives have never flown further and more accurately since switching to my Epic Flash"
Iron and wedge shots have similar pop and precision to what I test swung for newer models in stores"
Value & Savings
Ultimately every buyers main motivator – "Am I really saving money versus buying new gear?"
Again Callaway Preowned seems to deliver well over 50% discounts:
"Paid less for a complete set of Rogue irons than ONE brand new club – insane!"
"Got 2 drivers and a 3 wood for just over $500 total that would easy go $1200+ from retailer"
Key Takeaway – Buyers agree across the board that Callaway Preowned absolutely delivers on quality, performance and value promises associated with scoring premium clubs for way under retail pricing.
My personal experience mirrors the user consensus based on 3 seasons buying multiple clubs across categories. Feel confident you‘ll have similar success!
After several successful transactions scoring awesome clubs for cheap, wanted to offer some quick tips for fellow golfers.
Here are my top strategic pointers when buying Callaway preowned gear:
Choose Excellent or Very Good Condition Irons
Irons face the most wear and tear striking balls so go with the higher grades. A little chrome or paint fading doesn‘t impact performance!
Good Condition Works Well For Drivers
Even with a little clubface scruffing, drivers carry well with forgiveness to still launch bombs off the tee!
Pair Wedges Together
Buy same model for continuity around the green without over adjusting techniques. I go with same rating too for consistent groove sharpness.
Consider "Like New" Putters & Single Woods
These see lower usage so worth paying up for flawless untouched models – feels like buying straight from the shop!
Give Clubs a Thorough Cleaning
Few rounds of dried sweat and dirt can make even new looking irons appear worn. Detail cleaning really enhances looks plus resale value if you ever decide to trade-up!
And if anything arrives not to expectations or stops performing shortly after use, remember Callaway Preowned provides a 12 month club warranty plus 90 day club returns to protect buyers. Leverage as needed!
For ways to save further when buying Callaway preowned equipment, don‘t forget promos and coupons!
On top of already slashed prices for used Callaway gear, you can stack on other savings!
Here are some money saving hacks:
Buy During Sitewide Sales
Join the email list and watch social channels for short term site wide discounts offered a few times per year usually. I saved an extra 15% on my irons thanks to a President‘s Day promo!
Trade In Your Old Clubs
Under the Trade In Valuation program, send in unused quality name brand clubs and earn trade credit towards Callaway preowned gear. The better the condition, the more trade-in cash at your disposal!
Refer Friends & Earn Rewards
Get $20 account credit for every friend that makes a qualifying purchase within 60 days. Share your custom referral link to easily track signups.
Follow Social Media
Callaway Preowned regularly posts limited time coupon codes and flash sales on their Instagram and Facebook pages. Easy way to catch extra 5-15% off certain clubs or sitewide discounts!
On 3 different occasions buying across club types from drivers to irons to putters, I‘ve seen first-hand the immense value offered for discounted Callaway golf gear in great condition.
Hope this guide gives you confidence to shop Callaway Preowned to save huge on your next set of clubs! Feel free to reach me on social at @calvin391 if any other questions.
