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If you hope to join the host of golf enthusiasts out there, or if you're looking to refresh your favorite gear, online golf equipment shopping offers a nearly limitless selection. Where before you could only find golf equipment in specialty stores, golf players can now access the online marketplace and get exactly what they need at the click of a button. Plus, when shopping online you can find and compare the best deals for top-level gear.
Perhaps the best part of online shopping is the deals on prices you can't find anywhere else. Traditional brick-and-mortar sporting goods outlets often have higher prices due to operational costs. And golfers know that even getting started with the basics (a driver and a couple of irons), can be extremely expensive. So while it can feel convenient to buy your golf equipment from a clubhouse pro shop chances are you're paying a lot more than you need to.
Thursday, April 24th
Worldwide Golf Shops serves as the parent company to several renowned golf retailers, including Roger Dunn Golf Shops, Edwin Watts Golf Shops, Golfer's Warehouse, The Golf Mart, Van's Golf Shops, and Uinta Golf. Worldwide Golf Shops stands out not only for its broad categories but also for its balance between in-person shopping and online retail.
Both online and in-person
Worldwide Golf Shops offers over 80 stores in 20 states, so for enthusiasts who still like that in-person feel, you can browse golf gear to your heart's content. But the website isn't too shabby either. Worldwide Golf Shops provides comprehensive product options within each. For instance, when browsing golf clubs, you can filter your search by brand, gender, category, hand, color, size, loft/club number, model, and price range. With such diversity, golfers of all skill levels are likely to find precisely what they need.
Huge inventory with 900+ clubs
Worldwide Golf Shops stands out with its massive inventory. Surpassing basic golfing necessities, Worldwide Golf Shops offers an extensive array of products that cater to every aspect of the sport. You'll discover a wide range of product categories, encompassing clubs, shoes, apparel, GPS and tech, golf balls, bags, carts, accessories, specialty items, and sale products. For example, there are 911 different clubs on sale at Worldwide Golf Sports.
Prices meet low- and high-budget needs
To compare prices at Worldwide Golf Shops with other retailers in our review, we decided to look at the price ranges of three key items: drivers, bags, and gloves. Finally, to see how much it would cost to get started at each site, we also looked at the price ranges for full adult "golf sets” which include a bag and starter collection of clubs (irons, a putter, and a driver in most cases).
Insider page for fan resources
A fun extra offered by Worldwide Golf Shops is the "Insider” scoop available online. This page, designed for the dedicated golfer, offers access to podcasts featuring various golfers, updates on recent tournaments, informative blog posts, and more. These resources are freely accessible and updated regularly, providing golf enthusiasts with tons of golf background to help support their game.
90-day returns and free exchanges
With Worldwide Golf Shops, you can feel confident with your purchase with the company's 100% satisfaction guarantee. This guarantee, which sets it apart from most online golf retailers, offers a 90-day return window. At any time during the 90-day window, customers can secure a full refund or store credit. And, for those returning golf clubs or club sets valued at over $299 (which is most sets on the site), return shipping is free, and if you decide on an exchange, you will receive complimentary shipping for the new items.
Trade in your clubs for better gear
Another great feature at Worldwide Golf Shops is the club trade-in program. This program is designed to be both user-friendly and efficient. To participate, just select the club you want to trade in, pick the brand, input the model number, and choose the shaft. Once you've sent in your old clubs, you get an eGiftcard that works at any of the shops owned by Worldwide Golf Shops so you can trade in your old clubs for brand new ones.
Top score from the BBB
Worldwide Golf Shops has earned an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, evidence of its top-rated reputation. Satisfied customers speak highly of their shopping experiences, a testament to the store's extensive product selection, competitive pricing, and the availability of free golf-related resources. However, we would like to see more customer reviews for this retailer than are currently available online. On average, the customer reviews that are there rate the company a solid 4.1 out of 5 stars.
Impressive one-stop shop
If you're in the market for anything related to golf, this retailer should be your first choice. As a one-stop shop for both pros and new golf fans, the impressive inventory at Worldwide Golf Shops offers accessible gear at prices that work for any budget. With top-notch customer service perks like 90-day returns, it's clear that you don't have to worry about buying and trying with Worldwide Golf Shops because you can easily return your items if they don't work for you. This, plus the impressive club trade-in and high ratings from the BBB, earn Worldwide Golf Shops the #1 spot on our list.
In 1997, Golf Galaxy emerged as a groundbreaking golf retailer, setting itself apart by being the world's first interactive golf store. They combined the inventory and pricing of a superstore with the expertise and services typically found in a pro shop.
Exceptional range of equipment
Today, Golf Galaxy takes pride in its exceptional range of golf equipment, apparel, accessories, technology, and gifts for golfers of all skill levels. Their inventory includes top brands like Callaway Golf, TaylorMade, Cobra, PING, Titleist, and more. The store also deals in pre-owned golf clubs and offers a trade-in service for golfers. One thing that surprised us during our research is that Golf Galaxy is part of The DICK'S foundation, and is operating under the same umbrella as DICK'S Sporting Goods.
1,353 different clubs to choose from
In terms of inventory, Golf Galaxy is an apt name for the company as there's a galaxy's-worth of items for every possible golf equipment need. For clubs alone, there is a wide array of options with 1,353 products to choose from. And, as an added benefit, 300 of those clubs are made for women, making Golf Galaxy both high in inventory and inclusive as well. With Golf Galaxy you can choose to shop through more traditional means by finding your items through keyword searches or dropdown menus, or you can use the carefully curated tags Golf Galaxy offers for different seasons and updates. For example, at the time of this review, you could shop categories like Cold Weather Gear, Trending Shoes, and Top Deals.
Budget-friendly and high-end options
To get a clear idea of how the prices at Golf Galaxy compare to other retailers on our list, we checked out three key items: drivers, bags, and gloves. We also looked at the full range of prices for golf sets at Golf Galaxy to see how much someone starting their first tee-off might need to spend to gear up at this retailer.
Tailored club fittings
However, Golf Galaxy's distinction extends beyond its merchandise. They provide an extensive array of golf services and interactive features, including the availability of on-staff PGA and LPGA professionals who offer lessons and video swing analysis. Customers can also get expert guidance on equipment and club fitting, making it a one-stop destination for golf enthusiasts. One of their best extras is their custom fittings service. Golf Galaxy recognizes the significance of custom fittings in helping golfers reach their peak performance. While this does require that customers visit in person, you can get clubs tailored to your needs, swing, and body style.
90-day return policy
Golf Galaxy and its affiliated brands, such as DICK'S Sporting Goods, provide a generous 90-day return policy for most products. While these policies offer flexibility, it's important to note that the brands (like Calloway or Titleist) retain the right to impose return or exchange limitations even when proof of purchase is provided. As a bonus, you can try before you commit, which means that you don't have to return items in the packaging.
Free shipping on $49 to $99+
You can enjoy free shipping at Golf Galaxy with a couple of straightforward methods. For free shipping on orders over $49, simply log in with your ScoreCard account and select "Standard Shipping" to receive this offer. Alternatively, for customers who don't have a ScoreCard account, you can still earn free shipping, but the threshold is a little higher. For standard customers, orders of $99 or more, excluding oversized and overweight items, can qualify for free shipping.
Best price guarantee
At Golf Galaxy, their Best Price Guarantee promises you won't find a better price for the gear you love. If you discover an identical product - same brand, model number, color, and size - offered at a qualifying store or website, Golf Galaxy will match that price. Eligible retailers include well-known names like Amazon (excluding third-party resellers), Walmart, Cabela's, and more. To take advantage of this guarantee, whether online or in-store, you need to verify that the product meets their criteria. While certain exclusions apply, such as markdowns during specific sale events, the goal is to make sports accessible to everyone.
Top score from the BBB
Compared to the "F” rating we saw at Golf Galaxy's parent company (DICK'S Sporting Goods), we were extremely (and pleasantly) surprised to see that Golf Galaxy's reputation with the Better Business Bureau is top-notch. The BBB has awarded Golf Galaxy a full "A+” rating. Most customers have left positive reviews praising the quality of the items and the selection. However, there are also more than a few customers on Trustpilot who complained about the return policies at Golf Galaxy. While 90-day returns sound great, it doesn't help much if the company doesn't stand by it, so it's worth checking in with their customer service before you buy.
Top contender
Golf Galaxy stands out as a top contender on our list for the best place to get golf equipment online today. With tons of inventory, a comfortably wide price range, and golf equipment for kids, adults, pros, and novices, you can find what you need here no matter what kind of golfer you are. You can also score free shipping, and considering that alongside the "A+” rating from the BBB, it's a no-brainer to rank Golf Galaxy as a top retailer of golf equipment.
Austad's is a family-owned golf store with a history dating back to 1963. It all began as a modest mail-order golf venture initiated by Oscar Austad and his wife, Dorothy.
They go the extra mile
With the third generation of Austad management taking the reins in 2017, the company has been dedicated not only to selling golf products but also to helping their customers have an enjoyable experience in the sport. They go the extra mile by guaranteeing their products, aiming to satisfy their customers and keep them returning to both their online and physical golf stores which include eight retail and custom fitting locations throughout the upper Midwest.
700+ clubs to choose from
Austad's inventory includes over 35 renowned golf brands. Their offerings encompass a wide variety of golf-related products, including apparel, shoes, bags, accessories, clubs, and more. Within each product category, customers have the flexibility to narrow down their choices based on factors like price, material, type, size, and more. They also offer a competitive variety with over 700 different club options across the company's entire inventory.
Lower prices than competitors, but missing some premium items
Austad's Golf caters to customers with varying budgets by allowing them to sort products by price. Shoppers can take advantage of regular sales on the site to save up to 75% on their golf gear depending on the item. To compare prices at Austad's Golf to other retailers in this review, we looked at the same three key items: drivers, bags, and gloves. To get an idea of how much a new player might spend at Austad's Golf, we also checked out the price range for full golf sets.
Overall, the prices are much lower at Austad's Golf than at other retailers. However, this is more due to missing some of the premium inventory than due to sales some of the time.
Buy custom clubs
Another benefit of shopping at Austad's Golf is that it offers a one-stop shop. Whether you want premade clubs or completely custom items, you can find what you need here. You can choose a custom driver, wood, hybrid, iron (or set of irons), and a wedge or putter too. If you happen to live near an Austad's Golf location, you can schedule an in-person fitting to make sure the clubs are suited precisely to your needs. If you aren't near a brick-and-mortar location, you can easily call their service team and get a fully custom club tailor-made for you from a distance.
20/20 playability Guarantee
Austad's offers a safety net for customers who may change their minds about a purchase. First, the company provides full refunds for products in new and unused condition sent back to their headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. But then, they go a step further with their 20/20 playability guarantee. If you decide that the clubs you purchased aren't meeting your needs after playing with them, you can still return them. In this case, a 20% restocking fee applies, but you'll receive an exchange or store credit for the remainder of your payment. However, during our research, we didn't find a specific return window, so it might be worth checking with their customer service on that before you make a purchase.
Free shipping on $49+ and low-price guarantee
Austad's provides free shipping on orders exceeding $49. On top of that, Austad's Golf offers a low-price guarantee, promising to match any lower price for an identical product found elsewhere.
Solid reviews, but missing some buzz
The Better Business Bureau recognizes Austad's with an "A-” rating, reflecting the company's commitment to customer satisfaction. However, the company isn't super popular with third-party review sites. It's not that Austad's has a poor reputation, it's just that many review sites don't have any information about the company. The reviews we did find on sites like Facebook rated Austad's Golf a solid 4.3 stars out of 5 with praises for the customer service and selection at the website.
Low-cost one-stop shop
Apart from some limitations in the number of reviews out there, Austad's remains a reputable destination for browsing golf equipment and discovering the ideal gear to bring your game to the next level. Whether you want prefab or custom, pro gear, or a beginner set, Austad's Golf has an impressive array of choices. With playability guarantees, free shipping options, and a price matching promise, Austad's Golf is putting customers first every step of the way. With these things considered it's clear that this family-owned business is one of our top choices and they earn a strong rating from us.
Fairway Golf USA has been in business for over 29 years in San Diego. The company offers a diverse range of golf-related services, including custom clubs and a unique international selection of Japanese golf clubs. Although the website doesn't stand out from the pack in design, the product categories help streamline your search.
677 clubs to choose from
Fairway Golf USA may not have the flashiest website, but it certainly delivers when it comes to product diversity. Their inventory includes unique items such as Japanese clubs, exotic ball markers, Scotty headcovers, and more. Beyond these distinctive offerings, they cover all the golfing essentials: balls, tees, clubs, shoes, and apparel, along with an assortment of accessories like towels, umbrellas, eyewear, watches, books, and more. For example, you can find around 677 different clubs at Fairway Golf USA.
Prices are fair, but missing women's options
Fairway Golf offers a low price guarantee to match or beat competitor prices. When sifting through their extensive collection of drivers, you can sort them by ascending or descending price, making it easier to find a driver that suits your budget. To compare the prices at Fairway Golf USA with other companies in this review, we checked out three top items golf enthusiasts might need: drivers, bags, and gloves. To give a wider ballpark price, we also checked out the total cost for golf sets at Fairway Golf USA.
Keep in mind these are only the price ranges for men's gear as women's gear is organized completely separate from the general golf clubs page. For sets, the inventory comes in all genders, though it's harder to find than the single items. With a lower inventory for women, Fairway Golf USA doesn't quite stand out from the pack.
Custom clubs offered
One of the standout features of Fairway Golf USA is the opportunity to get custom clubs. You can purchase custom irons, woods, wedges, and putters as well as custom shafts and custom balls if the fancy strikes you. The process is super easy too. You just select the club style and make that you want and answer a handful of questions in the purchase window. Customizable parts include the hand that you play with (left or right), the club number, the shaft, the flex, the length, the grip (including color and size), as well as loft adjustment and lie angle. You can also choose exactly how you want your club to look within the selected styles from electric blues to sporty reds.
30-day returns with playability guarantee
If you buy something from Fairway Golf USA and it just doesn't suit you, you've got a 30-day return window to send back the items. Fairway Golf USA's 30-day return policy allows customers to return golf equipment for any reason. For those who purchase clubs and later realize they need a different size, style, or type after playing with them, the "playability guarantee" promises a 100% store credit refund for any clubs purchased from Fairway Golf USA.
Solid scores, but not enough buzz
Though missing reviews on some of the main third-party sites, Fairway Golf earns accolades from customers for its knowledgeable and helpful staff. On average the site has a 4-star rating from users on Facebook. Whether you're seeking assistance over the phone for a remote purchase or in-store, customers report feeling confident in their interactions with Fairway Golf's customer service representatives. Plus, these reviews are backed up with a solid rating from the Better Business Bureau, which has awarded Fairway Golf USA an "A-”. Although we would love to see more robust feedback for this site (especially from female golfers, since the inventory is a bit low for them), we acknowledge that most customers seem happy with their purchase at Fairway Golf USA.
Great option for custom clubs
While Fairway Golf's website may benefit from simplification and updates, this is still a highly professional place to find unique golf equipment. While they don't have a huge inventory on the women's side, you can get custom gear and clubs from Japan which helps the company stand out. Plus, with the playability guarantee, you can be sure that even if your clubs don't fit the first time, you can easily return them for your ideal set. With these customer-focused policies in place, it's clear why customers who have reviewed Fairway Golf USA feel this is a great place to find their golf must-haves. For these reasons, it's earned a solid rating in our review. Their slightly more limited inventory knocked it down the ratings a bit. If you want a full range of items (especially for female golfers), be sure to check out our top-rated sites too.
The Golf Warehouse, also known as TGW, has a rich history in the world of online golf retail, having paved its way in 1998. Based in Wichita, Kansas, TGW is part of the larger company, BaseballSavings.
Wide range of golf brands
The Golf Warehouse prides themselves on carrying a wide range of renowned golf brands such as Nike, TaylorMade, Adidas, Ping, FootJoy, Callaway, Titleist, and many more, making it a one-stop destination for golf enthusiasts. Depending on the brand, size, and type, a single golf club can range from a couple of hundred dollars to around $2,500. With such a vast range of golf gear available at this store, you're likely to find something that fits your budget and preferences.
1,065 different clubs to browse
TGW offers an extensive selection of golf categories to cater to every golfer's needs. These include golf clubs, apparel, shoes, balls, bags, electronics, carts, accessories, and golf trade-ins. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, they seem to have everything required for an enjoyable round of golf. With 1,065 different clubs in their inventory, it will be a struggle to not find what you need at TGW. You can browse by a variety of helpful filters too, including:
Notably, TGW doesn't have any items from the popular brand Topflight, which was odd considering how many golfers use that brand regularly.
Golf gear for every budget
What stands out about The Golf Warehouse is its comprehensive inventory of golf equipment. The prices for their products are competitive, similar to other online golf retailers. To see how TGW stacks up against different retailers in this review, we checked out the price ranges for three key items: drivers, bags, and gloves. Finally, we also checked out the price ranges for complete sets to see how much you'd need to spend at TGW if you're just getting started.
There are definitely some savings available here, but you're not missing out on premium inventory either. So, you can tailor your experience at TGW to your budget needs.
30-day return policy
TGW offers a 30-day return policy for products in new condition, unused, and accompanied by all accessories and original packaging. You can conveniently drop off your returns at any nearby FedEx location, and the return service is priced at $6.99. However, compared with other retailers that cover return shipping or have longer return windows, this return policy comes across as average at best.
Price matching and free shipping on orders $99+
If finding the best savings is your focus, you can save on shipping at TGW. On all orders over $99, you can enjoy the added benefit of free shipping. On top of that, the company also offers Price Matching if you discover a product sold by TGW for a lower price at another golf retailer. In this case, TGW will match that price. However, this applies strictly to products that are comparable and in stock on both sites, so it's essential to pay attention to the specifics before contacting customer service.
Room for improvement despite its strengths
The Golf Warehouse has a solid "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, this doesn't quite reflect the experience customers talk about in their verified third-party reviews. Reviews on trusted sites like Trustpilot and Sitejabber show that customers received products different from what they ordered, products appeared to be in stock but weren't, or concerns arose related to customer service. There have even been reports of customers receiving used golf clubs with dirt and ball marks on them. Overall, the average rating for TGW from reviews is 2 stars out of 5.
Worth a look, but still need improvement
The Golf Warehouse, with its extensive brand offerings and diverse inventory, initially seems promising. It's certainly worth exploring their products if you have specific golf gear in mind. However, it's hard to ignore the disappointing experiences some customers have faced, so it might be smart to consider shopping with a higher-rated online golf retailer first. Thankfully, the company is fully supported by the BBB, so it's definitely doing something right. For this reason, the company earns a solid rating. It's not a standout company compared to other retailers, though its inventory is impressive, and with lower-than-average review scores, the company doesn't quite rank with top contenders. But TGW is worth a look especially if you need savings.
3Balls is one of the simplest sites on our list. With only two buttons, "Shop” or "Trade”, 3Balls reminds us of a half-built website that was launched too early. However, with 3Balls, you don't want to judge a book by its cover. This innocuous website could be your next go-to destination for golf equipment essentials if you don't mind buying used items. 3Balls offers a variety of options to cater to your golfing needs, specializing in pre-owned inventory. And the benefit of a simplistic site? It's easy to find sales and super fast to browse.
1,000+ clubs in used inventory
3Balls offers a competitive selection of golf equipment categories both new and used. While browsing the "shop” tab, you will find a full variety of clubs, apparel, balls, bags, and accessories. You can also find a variety of items in the 3Balls sale section, making it easier to find amazing deals depending on your budget. Customers can conveniently sort clubs by various criteria, including player type (junior, men, women), dexterity, product, brand, club type, and product lines. One highlight of 3Balls is its offering of over 1,000 pre-owned clubs at reduced prices, with discounts of up to 30%. However, some of the inventory is fairly low. For example, there were only 2 golf sets on the site.
Extremely affordable if you buy used
Since used inventory is the hallmark of 3Balls, we focused on used items for our price comparison. Like with every other company, we checked out three key items: drivers, bags, and gloves. On top of that, we checked out the price range for used golf sets as well, and we were shocked at the savings you can find if you're interested in buying pre-owned items.
30-days to return
3Balls stands by its products with a 30-day full refund policy. Customers can initiate returns within 30 days of their purchase, provided the items are in the same condition as they were when sold (new or gently used). It's worth noting that if items are returned in a condition different from their original state (which might be a problem if you tried them out at the driving range) a 15% restocking fee may be applied or a refund refused.
Promos and free shipping on $149+
On top of already offering cost-effective options with used inventory, 3Balls also provides a range of regular promotions for budget-conscious shopping. At the time of this review, we could get $20 off $100+ or $50 off $250+. The company was also running a 50% off promotion on used inventory and 40% off on "Divot” products. To sweeten the deal, shipping becomes free for orders surpassing $149.
Mixed feedback creates a confusing reputation
While some customers express satisfaction with their overall 3Balls experience, others have encountered delivery problems and recommend exploring alternative avenues for golf equipment. Given this mixed feedback, it's hard to decide whether or not to trust 3Balls. For example, 3Balls holds an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, indicating a certain level of trustworthiness. But the customer reviews on third-party sites like Trustpilot only score 3Balls an average of 2.5 out of 5 stars. Some customers have voiced concerns regarding inaccurate delivery times for certain products. Dealing with customer service to obtain status updates or refunds can be frustrating, as orders have arrived with incorrect or missing items in some instances.
Great used inventory, but not a top contender
While 3Balls maintains a decent inventory of golf equipment, it may not be the most professional or reliable online shopping destination, contributing to its overall average rating. However, if you're looking for the best deals, checking out their used inventory is a great way to get top-notch equipment on a budget. We particularly noted that their used drivers and used clothing offered some of the best savings. So, if you're looking to score some pro Calloway or Titleist gear, 3Balls' used section is a great place to browse. On the other hand, with mixed feedback from reviewers, it might be safer to buy your new items somewhere else.
Established in 1979 by Gary Adams, TaylorMade has become a prominent name in the golf industry. With a tour staff featuring renowned athletes like Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, and Jason Day, the company is associated with some of the top golfers in the world.
Professional and elite golf products
Their website exudes professionalism, aligning with their elite golf products, and offers custom-made inventory, so you can make your golf experience your own. The best part? This is one of the top industry brands, so if TaylorMade is your go-to, you don't have to worry about shopping with intermediaries. You can get your favorite gear right from the source.
Specialized inventory has limitations
Being a manufacturer of their own products, TaylorMade exclusively carries their brand, which sets them apart from other golf stores offering popular brands like Titleist, Callaway, and others. However, this exclusivity comes at a price: higher-than-average costs for clubs, bags, shoes, balls, and accessories. This premium pricing might not align with the budgets of beginners or those seeking more affordable equipment.
An impressive selection of clubs
On the other hand, considering that you can find over 157 different clubs at TaylorMade that are just from that brand (where some one-stop-shop sites don't have that many across multiple brands), they do offer an impressive selection. Then again, in other areas of the site, you might feel like the inventory is lacking. For example, there are only 17 options for golf bags, including men's and women's styles.
High prices for full sets
We mentioned the price already, and while the prices are slightly higher than other retailers, it isn't a huge jump. In fact, because TaylorMade doesn't offer inventory from other manufacturers, you might think the prices are lower since some of the high-end options available at other retailers are missing from TaylorMade's website. To get an accurate price comparison, we looked at three key individual items: drivers, bags, and gloves, as well as the price range for complete golf sets to see how much it costs at TaylorMade to replace one or two items or to get started golfing from scratch. The prices shake out accordingly:
It's worth noting that the sets themselves tend to be more expensive, especially when you get into the adult-size sets. The cheapest one ($299.99) is a child's golf set. The cheapest adult set that includes a bag starts at $1,099.99, which is much more expensive than other sites and brands.
30-day limited returns
TaylorMade offers a standard 30-day refund policy; however, it's important to note that this policy excludes custom-built golf clubs, personalized golf balls, and customized accessories. Plus, you will need to send back the items in unused or like-new condition in the original packaging, so it may not be advisable to try out the items on the course before deciding if you like them.
Military discount and free shipping for members
There are two additional ways to save money with TaylorMade. If you are a member or former member of the military (or a military family member), you'll be able to earn a 15% discount on all purchases. For those who aren't in the military, you can create an account on their website for savings on shipping. Having a membership grants customers free shipping on all orders.
Club trade-in option
By using the TaylorMade club trading option, you can easily get discounted or replaced items based on the value of your current clubs. First, indicate which clubs you want to trade in using the TaylorMade trade portal. Then, ship in your unwanted clubs and TaylorMade will send you payment in the form of store credit to buy brand new clubs at the same value as your old ones.
User-friendly custom clubs
TaylorMade offers a unique customization experience for golf clubs and balls, allowing customers to tailor these essential elements of their game. The golf ball and clubs selector tool serves as a valuable resource in determining the specifications that suit each individual golfer's needs. This is one of the most modern design interfaces we've found, so if you're looking for totally custom items, it's a user-friendly way to give that a go.
Low rating with no justification
While TaylorMade positions itself as a provider of high-end products, and customer reviews, especially for particular clubs, are fairly high, the company doesn't have as great of a reputation with the Better Business Bureau. The company has just a "D-” rating from the BBB. While this is better than its previous "F” rating, it's still not ideal for a company of TaylorMade's reputation. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of reviews out there to help clarify this low rating. Many of the blog reviews of TaylorMade golf equipment give items an average of 4.5 stars out of 5. However, in terms of third-party verified reviews, our research didn't turn up anything concrete.
Doesn't quite live up to the hype
While TaylorMade's reputation is somewhat marred by the "D-” rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company's overall services and offerings help make up for that deficit. The brand offers custom and premade clubs as well as full sets for golfers who are just getting started. With benefits like free shipping and a military discount, there are definitely savings to be had at TaylorMade. However, with an average return policy and a lower-than-average BBB rating, TaylorMade just doesn't live up to its "pro” reputation.
Golf Direct Now is a prominent online golf equipment retailer known for its strong partnerships with leading golf brands. The extensive online store features golf clubs, equipment, and apparel from renowned brands like Adidas, Callaway, Cobra, PUMA, Ogio, Under Armour, TaylorMade, Adams, Nike, and more. Golf Direct Now is dedicated to enhancing your golf experience, ensuring that your gear complements your game and maximizes your enjoyment on the course or driving range.
Competitive inventory and inclusive of women's gear
At Golf Direct you can find a wide variety of items as well as all the top brands that stand out in the golf world. For example, the site showcases 656 different options for golf clubs, which is a competitive variety overall (though neither the most nor the least among golf equipment stores on our list). Notably, Golf Direct Now has a competitive variety of women's golf equipment, which is impressive considering many companies in this review offer a much more limited supply. About a fifth of the inventory of clubs at Golf Direct Now is specifically designed for women, which is better than the 1-2 items we saw at some competitors. The only thing we didn't find at Golf Direct Now was golf gear for kiddos. So, if you're looking to buy all your golf must-haves for your family, you might need to browse elsewhere.
Mid-range prices with popular brands
For our price comparison at Golf Direct Now, we checked out three key items: drivers, bags, and gloves. Added to our price comparison is the price range for golf sets in case you're looking to start building a new golf hobby from the ground up. In general, the prices for individual items are right on par with other companies we evaluated.
90-day playability guarantee
Golf Direct Now offers a 90-day Playability Guarantee that allows you to shop with confidence when purchasing new golf equipment. You can hit with your new clubs for up to 90 days, and if it's not right for you - return it. Keep in mind this offer is for particular clubs, so make sure you see that the 90-day guarantee is listed before you purchase if you want to take advantage of this benefit.
30-day limited returns
The return policy for Golf Direct Now isn't super impressive. Customers only have 30 days to return any items that aren't included in the 90-day playability guarantee. These items must be returned in unused condition. The company notes that under specific circumstances, a 20% restocking fee might be applicable, though Golf Direct Now doesn't specify what those "circumstances” might be. We wish there was a little more transparency here as 20% could be a hefty price depending on the item you're returning.
Free shipping on $100+
Golf Direct Now offers swift shipping, with all orders dispatched within one business day of the date they were purchased. Every item is hand-packed to ensure a safe and speedy delivery. Plus, for extra savings, orders exceeding $100 qualify for free shipping, while those below $100 incur a flat rate of $7.99 per order. It's important to note that free shipping offers are applicable only within the contiguous United States.
Middle-of-the-road option
Overall, the impression we've gotten from Golf Direct Now is that this is a mid-tier retailer of golf equipment. There isn't anything truly exciting about it, and that's reflected in the reviews. According to the Better Business Bureau, Golf Direct Now holds a "B-” rating. And from third-party review sites, Golf Direct Now has received an average rating of 3 stars (right smack in the middle). Some customers loved that they found items at discounted rates at Golf Direct Now while others complained about customer service representatives and the expensive restocking fees. So, with a middle-of-the-road response from ratings and reviewers, it's clear that Golf Direct Now isn't a top-tier option for golf equipment.
Not bad, but not great either
At the end of the day, there isn't really anything that stands out about Golf Direct Now. For this reason, it gets a mid-tier rating of 3 stars. It isn't a bad company, but the pricing doesn't stand out, the return policy is average, the free shipping threshold is higher than average, and the reviews are extremely polarized with comments split between loving the business and hating it. So, for this reason, it sits in the middle range of our review.
For nearly 40 years, DICK'S Sporting Goods has been a well-known one-stop shop for fitness and sports items. With a long history that started with 18-year-old Dick Stack, DICK'S Sporting Goods grew from a small Army surplus store in New York to the booming business we see today. As a bonus, DICK'S is one of the few options in this review that offers physical stores, an online platform, and a mobile app, making sure that you can shop in the way that works best for you. Overall, the company offers an impressive range of sporting goods, including golf equipment.
Full range of products, but could use UI updates
The website of DICK'S Sporting Goods is thoughtfully designed and user-friendly, featuring prominently displayed sales for convenient access to discounted products. However, there's one spot we wish DICK'S would update: their organization. Right now their list of sports is extensive, but it's not alphabetized, making it harder to find specific sports while you're shopping. But when you do find the golf equipment, you won't be disappointed by the variety. You'll find 1,347 different golf clubs available at DICK'S Sporting Goods. And, you'll find all the popular brands including Topflight, Titleist, Calloway, and TaylorMade.
Competitive pricing and wide range of options
To compare prices at DICK'S Sporting Goods with other golf retailers, we checked out three essential golf products: drivers, bags, and gloves. We also checked out the price range for complete golf sets.
Custom golf shop
Like a few other options we evaluated, you can get custom-made golf clubs from DICK'S Sporting Goods. There are 281 different customizable products, offering a competitive range of unique clubs to choose from. You can customize everything from the length to the flight, and even decide on a unique color to suit your personal style.
45- to 90-day return window
DICK'S Sporting Goods provides a generous return policy for most of its products. It allows a 90-day return period for items with valid proof of purchase. However, purchases made at DICK'S Sporting Goods Warehouse locations have a shorter 45-day return window. Plus, DICK'S does not require items to be in "like-new" or unused condition for eligibility for a refund or store credit, which means you can test out your clubs before making a decision.
Price match guarantee
As an added budget benefit, DICK'S offers a price-matching service. If you find the same product sold at a lower price, you can request a price match from the DICK'S customer service team. Items that qualify will be an exact match in the brand, model number, color, and size, so make sure that you've double-checked the details before you start the price match process.
Lowest ratings in this review
While DICK'S Sporting Goods does offer an extensive range of golf gear on a user-friendly website, we are cautious about endorsing them due to the significant number of customer grievances and their unfavorable rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company's "F" rating is particularly alarming and has raised serious concerns about its reliability. Numerous customers have given DICK'S a mere 1-star rating, voicing frustration about shipping costs and a convoluted return procedure.
Good for in-person shopping
Despite DICK'S Sporting Goods's wide range of golf equipment and competitive prices, it falls short of our expectations due to its low reputation with customers. While it's definitely worth a shopping trip for customers on a budget, it's important to be wary of the "F” rating and concerns with customer service. However, if you prefer the convenience of having an in-person store to back up your online order, you might still want to explore DICK'S Sporting Goods. Plus, its low-cost options make it a good choice for brand-new golfers who want to start without breaking the bank.
The first thing we noticed about Golf Outlets is that the site is a user-friendly experience that caters to golfers of all skill levels, from juniors to men, women, and left-handed players. While their top-selling brands may not be as renowned as some competitors, the site offers essential golf equipment. However, Golf Outlets doesn't provide the extensive selection found on other platforms, and certain listed products are frequently marked as sold out.
Limited inventory across the board
Inventory is a little bit of a problem at Golf Outlets. They just don't have enough items available to truly be competitive. With 215 clubs available at the time of our review, favoring brands like MacGregor and Forgan, you'll find some more unique names at Golf Outlets than at other retailers. However, you won't find some of the biggest names in golf here. Notably absent are brands like Topflight, Calloway, and Titleist. It's also important to keep in mind that the inventory for ladies' drivers is extremely slim at Golf Outlets (there was only 1 driver for sale at the time of this review). So, if you're looking for the widest array of options, you might be disappointed with Golf Outlets.
Prices are low, but you're missing out on key items
For our price comparison, we checked out the same items as at other retailers, though inventory was generally lower at Golf Outlets than at other competitors.
Overall, the prices appear lower than most competitors, but keep in mind that you won't be finding any top brands like Calloway here, so the prices reflect that absence.
30-day limited returns
Golf Outlets provides a return policy for dissatisfied customers, allowing returns within 30 days for a refund. However, you'll want to be aware of the 20% restocking fee, which can significantly impact the refund for pricier items like clubs. It's worth noting that Golf Outlets lacks a low-price guarantee on their products and does not regularly offer sales or promotions.
No competitive shipping deals
While Golf Outlets offer reasonable product prices, consider the shipping costs. Estimated shipping fees are provided on each product page and your final shipping costs will be calculated during checkout. Unlike some competitors, Golf Outlets does not offer free shipping based on a minimum order total, which means that this retailer has a little extra work to do if it wants to stay competitive.
Reputation leaves something to be desired
Surprisingly, Golf Outlets does not have a presence on the Better Business Bureau, and there is limited customer feedback available. We were able to find that the company is owned by Shop247 Inc., which only holds a "C” rating with the BBB and has several open complaints. Further, we struggled to find any third-party reviews for this site, which called the reputation further into question. Overall, it might be safer to go with a more reliable golf retailer.
Golf Outlets isn't up to par
While Golf Outlets does offer competitively priced products, their inventory appears somewhat limited for various types of golf equipment. That plus some of the other concerns like a "C” rating from the BBB knocked Golf Outlets down in our rankings significantly. And when you consider it's hard to make returns to this retailer (with a 20% restocking fee every time) if you're not happy, it immediately falls near the bottom of the pack. For these reasons, you might want to explore higher-rated golf equipment websites before making a final decision to purchase from Golf Outlets.
If you're looking for a modern site and a large inventory (two great tells if a site is going to be worth your time), Pinemeadow Golf has neither. With a site that comes across as having been designed in the early days of MySpace, Pinemeadow Golf is about as bare-bones as it gets for a website. All of the key information is on one page with cluttered photographs and old-fashioned social media links. Seriously, there's a photo of the Instagram app that we haven't seen since the early 2000s. Our advice? You might want to steer toward a site with a more modern and reliable design.
Extremely low inventory
In terms of inventory, Pinemeadow Golf doesn't shine there either. In each of the categories, the most we could find was around half a dozen items to choose from. There are only 11 options combined with drivers and woods and only 55 total clubs available at Pinemeadow Golf. The other categories are even worse. In golf bags, there are just 7 different products to choose from. So, if variety or popular brands like Calloway are important to you, you might want to keep on shopping elsewhere.
Deceptively low prices show lack of inventory
To compare the prices of the few items at Pinemeadow Golf with the prices at other retailers in this review, we checked out the price ranges for three key items as well as the price range for complete golf sets.
30-day returns for US buyers
The return policy at Pinemeadow Golf is one of the shortest in this review. The company only offers customers 15 days to process a return after you've requested one. However, if you want details about the return window, you have to jump over to the 100% guarantee page. This page states that customers have 30 days to return items for any reason per the 100% satisfaction guarantee. It would be clearer to have this information on the page where returns and exchanges are explained, which may prove confusing for customers.
Flat-rate shipping costs
Pinemeadow Golf offers a fixed-rate shipping policy, charging only $7.95 for standard shipping across the contiguous United States, with no change in cost regardless of the order size or weight. They utilize trusted carriers such as UPS, USPS, and FedEx for all free and flat-rate shipments. However, this is somewhat disappointing given that most competitors offer free shipping at a certain price threshold.
No buzz for Pinemeadow
There's some good news where Pinemeadow Golf's reputation is concerned. The site's page on the Better Business Bureau shows that Pinemeadoow Golf has earned an "A+” rating there. However, when we tried to see what that meant in terms of customer experience, there were zero customer reviews to refer to. Unfortunately, there's no buzz for this site, so it's impossible to say if buying from this retailer meets the "A+” expectations set by the BBB rating. It might be safer to find a place that's frequented more often by golf enthusiasts.
Missing that "established” feel
At the end of the day, it's clear that Pinemeadow Golf falls short in several key areas. The outdated and cluttered website design, along with a notably limited inventory, fails to inspire confidence in potential customers. While their prices might seem attractive, they are deceptively low due to the lack of variety and notable brands. The "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau is a promising sign, but the absence of customer reviews leaves uncertainty about the actual customer experience. Considering these factors, it may be advisable to explore more established golf equipment stores with more reliable ratings and better inventory.
If you're looking for a shopping experience that is customer-oriented right from the start, you might be disappointed by In the Hole Golf. Established in Jackson, Wyoming, In the Hole Golf has a decade-long presence in the golf industry. However, when you land on their website, it can be a bit of a shock. The site looks old-fashioned and cluttered, creating a space that isn't the most user-friendly to browse. And considering the general discontent from reviewers who've used this site, the appearance of cluttered text and popup ads might be a genuine red flag for this business.
Only 166 clubs available
Their extensive product range includes golf equipment, training aids, GPS systems, apparel, shoes, and accessories, featuring over 150 brands. However, navigating this site isn't the most user-friendly experience. The text is small, and while In the Hole Golf offers some unique items like golf training equipment and a competitive range of clubs and accessories, the filters and page navigation are clunky and make shopping a bit of a chore. Plus, despite offering a wide range of brands, there isn't a lot of inventory. There are only 166 clubs available at In the Hole Golf and just 5 of those clubs are for women.
Cheap prices, but low inventory
The pricing at In the Hole Golf is fairly low, but keep in mind it's more because of the company's limited inventory. Similar items are priced the same as competitors, just with fewer items to choose from. To show you a direct comparison between the pricing at In the Hole Golf with other companies in our review, we checked out the same four price ranges. First, we checked out the prices for individual items like drivers, bags, and gloves. Then, to get an idea of what a full starter set might cost at In the Hole Golf, we checked out the price range for full sets too.
60-day return policy with playability guarantee
In the Hole Golf offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and playability guarantee, allowing customers to request refunds for any reason within 60 days of receiving their orders. Golfers can also field-test the products they purchase, returning them if they fail to meet their expectations. However, In the Hole Golf may decline returns that involve significant damage or alterations, or if they lack proper return authorization.
Price match guarantee with free shipping on $75+
In the Hole Golf also offers a price match guarantee, where if customers come across a product identical to one offered by In the Hole Golf but at a lower price from a different retailer, they can contact In the Hole Golf to match the price. However, since most of the prices are on par (pun intended) with competitors, there aren't a lot of items that stand out for a potential price match. As an added bonus, though, orders exceeding $75 qualify for free shipping.
Losing its reputation
In the Hole Golf doesn't have the most impressive reputation, which isn't surprising given what we saw on the website. Customers who left reviews for In the Hole Golf awarded the company an average rating of 2.5 stars out of 5, which is much lower than most competitors. Further, the company's reputation has also fallen with the Better Business Bureau. In the Hole Golf used to hold an "A+” rating from the BBB; however, currently, the company only holds an "F” score, indicating that In Hole Golf is not only questionable, but it's also getting worse over time.
Company's reputation is "in the hole”
The assortment of low customer reviews as well as the site presentation are two of the main factors that influenced In the Hole Golf's score in this review. While it may be worth looking at for sales, it seems safer to choose a company with a better reputation overall, and with a more user-friendly shopping experience. With all things considered, In the Hole Golf scores a "double bogey” in our review.
And there's no need to worry about finding your perfect set of clubs or a custom golf bag - if you can imagine it, there is something out there for your golf collection. Online, the idea of discovering specialized and hard-to-find equipment (like clubs for lefties or short clubs for people who don't quite make the national height average) is notably more promising than browsing the limited aisles of a local sporting goods store.
Golf is a centuries-old sport with Scottish origins, but the sport as we know it today has evolved significantly from its first iteration. Golf got started in the late Middle Ages in Scotland, with early players using wooden clubs and feather-stuffed leather balls on natural courses. St. Andrews Links, founded in 1552, is renowned as the "home of golf." The sport then spread to England in the 16th century, and the first known golf rules emerged in 1744.
The 19th century witnessed golf's rapid growth, culminating in the formation of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and the introduction of golf in the United States where technological advances, like iron clubs and the gutta-percha ball, transformed the game. Professional tournaments, such as the Open Championship and the Masters Tournament, emerged and iconic golfers like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods became household names (even if you've never seen a putting green before). Today, golf remains a beloved sport, uniting millions of enthusiasts in a tradition known for skill, sportsmanship, and course challenges.
Golf, regarded as an elegant and distinguished sport with a rich history, is a unique pastime that demands a blend of patience, precision, and technique. Avid golfers, whether they're new enthusiasts or seasoned players, often find solace and enjoyment in joining a few friends for a quiet afternoon on the course.
To excel on the greens and harness your full potential in this sport, securing top-quality golf equipment is incredibly important. Whether it's your first time on the front nine or you're a clubhouse regular, you'll need to make sure your gear is up to snuff - including a range of clubs as well as accessories like shoes, gloves, and much more.
If you're ready to start swinging with online golf shopping, where do you start? There are so many options, it can be hard to know which sites are legit and which ones are just as pricey as your local clubhouse. So, we've put together a list of considerations that might help you find your next set of clubs without the stress:
To make sure you can focus on your form and your swing, and not the stress of browsing site after site, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the top golf equipment stores online today. This way you can gear up for your next 9 and, who knows - with the right set of clubs or a brand-new glove, you might be the next Tiger Woods!
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