Best buys on golf clubs

We all know that the first rule of amateur golf is that all bad shots can be blamed on the golf clubs. The second rule is that the fastest way to improve your game is buy new golf clubs. Okay maybe we know this isn't a really rational approach to improving our game but almost all of us are looking for that next great driver or putter to put us over the top right?

But men's golf clubs can get pretty pricy. Is there a way to get a deal on these things? Of course there is.

The best deals on new clubs occur when a new model is announced. Unlike the auto industry, club manufacturers update their clubs frequently. When the newest and best model is announced, that club you had your eyes on now becomes overstocked inventory. You can get it for a third off, or if you can wait two months, you can get it for up to 66% off.

If you don't mind used clubs, and so long as they are in good condition why would you, there are some absolute steals available. The cheapest place to get used clubs is at a yard sale. True story. I got a barely used Callaway Great Big Bertha II with head cover for $10 at a yard sale. Why the low price? Because I bought it from the wife. The husband was out playing golf and left the sale to his spouse.

Yes this takes some time but there are real diamonds in the rough to be found if you work at it. Check your local paper or online classifieds like Craig's list for times and locations.

Another reliable source for used clubs can be found online at the larger club manufacturer and retail sites. Manufacturers will have "demo" clubs for sale and the retail sites often take trade-ins when they sell new clubs. These sites are often a source of excellent buys and have the added value of coming with customer service which of course the yard sale does not.

Don't thumb your nose at the big box stores. You won't find top of the line clubs there but often time's you'll find lower end clubs that are either unique (like my $40 Dunlop nine wood from Target that I wouldn't sell for $400) or just unbelievably priced.

If you know what you want and you have some patience, you can get a heck of a deal on men's golf clubs.