Grading Guide

How to Grade Your Golf Clubs: 1-5 Rating System

Use this simple 1-5 rating system to assess your golf clubs for trade-in. Start by cleaning your clubs and examining them in good lighting. Check each component (head, shaft, and grip) carefully and match what you see to the descriptions below.

Before You Start

  1. Clean your clubs thoroughly
  2. Find good lighting
  3. Check all parts:
    • Club head (crown, face, sole, topline)
    • Shaft (full length)
    • Grip
  4. When in doubt, choose the lower rating

Rating System

5 - New or Nearly New

  • Never used or used only once or twice
  • May still have original packaging
  • No visible marks anywhere
  • Grip is perfectly tacky
  • Looks like it just came from the shop

4 - Lightly Used

  • Clear signs of use but excellent condition
  • Minor ball marks on the face
  • Very light wear on sole
  • Grip still feels fresh
  • No significant marks on crown/topline
  • Shaft is clean with minimal marks
  • Still looks great in the bag

3 - Good Used Condition

  • Visible dents or marks on crown/topline
  • Regular ball marks on face
  • Normal sole wear
  • Some shaft wear but no damage
  • Grip shows wear but still usable
  • Everything works as it should
  • Typical "played regularly" condition

2 - Well Used

  • Heavy play marks throughout
  • Significant face wear
  • Visible sole wear
  • Shaft shows age/wear
  • Grip needs replacing
  • Still completely playable
  • Shows its age but functions fine

1 - Poor Condition

  • Heavy wear everywhere
  • Significant cosmetic damage
  • Rust spots possible
  • Grip in bad shape
  • May have structural issues
  • Needs work but still usable
  • Due for replacement

Additional Issues to Check

Always note any of these issues:

  • Missing ferrules
  • Missing logos/badges
  • Missing weights
  • Repainted areas
  • Rattling sounds
  • Cracks or splits
  • Major dents
  • Mixed shafts in sets
  • Incomplete sets

Tips for Honest Grading

  1. Be conservative - when between ratings, go lower
  2. Take photos in good lighting
  3. Compare to new clubs if possible
  4. Clean clubs before assessment
  5. Check carefully for damage or wear

Need help deciding? Send us photos of your clubs and we'll help you determine the right rating.

Examples

Woods & Drivers

5: Looks new, perfect crown, clean face 4: Light face wear, pristine crown 3: Some crown marks, regular face wear 2: Heavy face wear, crown scratches 1: Significant crown damage, heavy wear

Irons

5: Fresh grooves, clean topline 4: Light groove wear, clean appearance 2: Well-worn grooves, visible topline wear 1: Heavy wear, possible brown spots

Wedges

5: Sharp grooves, minimal face wear 4: Light face wear, good grooves 3: Normal groove wear, face marking 2: Heavy groove wear 1: Very worn face, dulled grooves

Putters

5: Perfect face, no shaft wear 4: Light face marks, clean overall 3: Some dings but good condition 2: Heavy use marks 1: Significant wear or damage

Need help with your assessment? Feel free to contact us with photos for guidance.