Selling or trading your golf clubs? Knowing their condition is key to getting the best (and fairest) value. At Clubhouse Collective, we believe in keeping it transparent and simple. That’s why we’ve built this step-by-step grading guide so you can accurately assess your clubs before you sell or trade them.
Before You Start
Grab a clean cloth and give your clubs a quick wipe-down. Dirt, grass, or sand can make a club look worse than it really is. Once they’re clean, find a well-lit spot (natural daylight works best) and take a careful look from address position (the angle you see when standing over the ball).
Tips for Honest Grading
- Be Realistic: Buyers want transparency. Calling a heavily used club “like new” will only hurt trust.
- Think Like a Buyer: Would you be happy paying good money for the condition your club is in?
- Check Performance First: It’s not just about looks; grooves, shafts, and grips directly impact playability.
- Don’t Stress Over Normal Wear: Scratches on soles and light marks are expected and acceptable.
Additional Issues to Check
When grading, keep an eye out for:
- Rust or corrosion (especially on shafts and wedges)
- Dents, cracks, or bends in shafts
- Sky marks (paint chips on driver/wood crowns)
- Loose or damaged ferrules (the plastic ring where shaft meets head)
- Rattling inside the head (loose weights or broken epoxy)
Club-by-Club Guide
Drivers & Fairway Woods
- Face: Ball marks, scratches, dents?
- Crown: Look for sky marks or chipped paint.
- Sole: Normal scuffs are fine; deep gouges are not.
- Shaft/Grip: Straight shaft, no cracks; grips with tackiness.
Irons
- Face & Grooves: Sharp grooves = better grade.
- Sole: Wear is normal, deep scratches reduce value.
- Back: Cosmetic dings are okay, but chips affect grading.
- Shaft/Grip: Check straightness, rust, and grip wear.
Wedges
- Grooves: Spin lives here. Sharp grooves = high grade.
- Face: Look for browning, dents, or deep wear.
- Sole: Expect scratches, but heavy wear lowers grading.
Putters
- Face: Nicks or dents lower value.
- Topline: Alignment marks clean and visible?
- Sole: Scratches are fine, dents are not.
- Grip: Straight, not worn smooth.
Shafts & Grips (All Clubs)
- Shafts: No rust, bends, or cracks.
- Grips: No cracks, slipping, or shiny smoothness.
Pro Tip: A fresh grip can boost resale value without much cost.
Clubhouse Collective Grading Scale (1–5)
We keep it simple and honest:
5 – Like New: Barely used, almost indistinguishable from new.
4 – Excellent: Light cosmetic wear, fully playable, grooves still sharp.
3 – Good: Noticeable wear, cosmetic marks, still performs well.
2 – Fair: Heavy wear, groove/shaft/grip issues starting to show.
1 – Poor: Major damage or wear, limited resale value.
Grading your clubs accurately is the best way to get a fair deal. At Clubhouse Collective, we use the same process to ensure every transaction is clear and trustworthy.
Ready to see what your clubs are worth? Sell your club with us today!
