Next Tee VLOG – “Goin’ Pre-Owned with Golf Avenue”

Needs. They are the things that you must have for a satisfactory life. Or in the case of golfers, things to acquire in order to have satisfactory enjoyment of the game. Honestly, the needs for golfers are numerous. We “need” golf balls. You can’t golf without them. Or golf clubs as far as that goes. After all, you can’t play golf without them. “Fling Golf”, “Disc Golf” and “Foot Golf” notwithstanding.

Recently, I decided that it was time to part with some equipment. Sure, there’s a couple of golf bags taking up very valuable space in our puny little 650 sq ft 2-bedroom apartment. But, this was about being determined to get down to the 2025 PGA Show. Something that I feel in my heart of hearts that I NEED to do. This urge actually borders on desperation.

When it comes to receiving cash when selling used golf equipment there aren’t too many options out there. One pre-owned golf equipment retailer that does is, Golf Avenue. Ultimately two things led to my decision to sell. First, there was the aforementioned trip to Orlando in January. Secondly, there was a need to do a serious re-evaluation of who I am as a golfer. What NEEDS do I have?

I’ve been preaching for a long time on the internet that your ability to improve and play golf is “only as good as your ability to check you ego at the door.”

So what are my NEEDS now as I stare down my 53rd year of existence on this planet? With poor health that also contributes to a lack of reps, especially over the last two years. In no particular order…

Forgiving – Gotta be easy to hit
Long – Can distance be bought? I sure as heck hope so. I’ve lost yardage from the 2023 amputations, the stroke on August 26th, 2024, and the atrophy suffered from both.
Regular Flex – I am no longer capable of producing the power needed to swing proverbial “tree trunks”. After my Club Champion experience in July, it was determined that I should be in a regular graphite shaft in the area of a shaft weighing 60-grams. At the time, I had a “diabetic foot ulcer” and was wearing and swinging in an “off-loader” on my lead foot and a runner on the trail. Not ideal.
Top End of the Bag – My short game actually hasn’t been an issue, even after long layoffs, which wasn’t always the case. But, from where I stand. It’s the yardages between driver and 7i is where I’ve really seen a huge decline in play. So, being the cerebral golfer that I am. Add extra fairway woods and hybrids.
Easy to Elevate – This issue goes back nearly 3 years. My irons have tended to fly way too low. That alone equals lost yardage. My flat ballflight was verified at that Club Champion experience. I need something that will hit the ball high enough “to put snow on it.”
Jumbo Grips – I NEED those too. My hands are a mess between the stroke, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and arthritis, If I found a set with them installed that’s a lucky bonus.
Condition – I can’t bring myself to start fresh with banged up clubs.

I think that had my NEEDS covered. There might be something missing and I can’t remember at the moment.

So, I went on a poaching mission with $558.00 in store credits and a serious bout of “seller’s remorse”. Mostly because, I knew I was taking an insulting trade-in value on the one set ($275). But then, I saw what they were selling them for. I got hosed, but, that’s the business. There was a 300% mark-up over their purchase value. Christ! My Titleist 718 AP3 fetched more “Canadian Pesos” ($380) than them. The goal was to outfit myself using these credits and not using “house money” from our bank account.

Eventually, I found something during Golf Avenue’s Boxing Week Sale that I had looked at previously on their site, multiple times. Prior to the sale they were well out of my budget.

But, there they were. In “Very Good” condition. Cobra Golf KING SZ irons. A combo set. KING SZ 4 and 5 hybrids. Then 6i to GW. Shafted with UST Mamiya Recoil 460 F3 shafts and stock Lamkin Crossline Grips. I pulled the trigger on them and admittedly failed at not touching house money. I had to use $1.33 from our account.

Admittedly, I was holding out for a set Tour Edge Golf Exotics E722 but they never went on sale and it would have left me without a hybrid and consequently, gapping issues. Oh, I also nearly pulled the trigger on PXG 0311P Gen 2 irons as well. Again, I was left with no hybrid(s) or even a GW. Not to mention that I think I would’ve hated myself for it.