This is the second instalment in our Sustainable Golf Series, where we explore how golfers can make smarter choices for both their wallets and the environment. If you missed our first post on the benefits of second-hand clubs, check it out here. This time, we’re diving deeper into the financial and environmental impact of golf club production—and why choosing pre-owned clubs is one of the easiest ways to play more sustainably.
Sustainability in golf is a growing conversation, and for good reason. While many players focus on improving their swings or upgrading their gear, few stop to consider the environmental and financial impact of constantly buying new equipment. The reality? The golf industry’s carbon footprint is larger than you might expect, and choosing pre-owned clubs is one of the easiest ways for golfers to reduce their impact—while also saving money.
Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand just how much the production and transportation of golf clubs contribute to global carbon emissions.
Manufacturing: Producing a single golf club generates up to 30kg of CO2—the same as driving a car for 150 km.
Full Sets: A brand-new set of clubs emits over 400kg of CO2, equivalent to a round-trip flight from London to Paris.
Shipping: The UK imports over £114 million worth of golf clubs annually, with the majority coming from China, Vietnam, and the US. Transporting these clubs across the world adds an extra 5-10kg of CO2 per club.
Landfill Waste: Old clubs often end up in landfills despite being fully functional
Golf is already an expensive sport, and the rising cost of new equipment isn’t making it any easier to play. Whether you’re a weekend golfer, a beginner, or even a club professional managing inventory, the high price of new clubs is an increasing challenge. But second-hand clubs offer an alternative that benefits everyone involved.
Casual Players: Pre-owned clubs can cost 30-60% less than new ones, allowing golfers to access premium gear for a fraction of the price.
Beginners: New golfers can experiment with different brands and styles without making a huge financial commitment.
Club Professionals & Golf Shops: Pros managing inventory can resell last season’s stock, keeping high-quality clubs in circulation instead of sitting in storage or being sold at a loss.
The shift towards sustainability is already underway. In 2022, Europe’s largest second-hand golf retailer saw a 44% increase in sales, while overall new club sales declined by 13.8% (Golf Monthly).
This growing market isn’t just about affordability—it’s also about accessibility. Golf clubs are no longer just bought and sold through pro shops; online peer-to-peer marketplaces are giving golfers more control over pricing and transactions. This shift mirrors trends seen in industries like fashion and electronics, where resale platforms have surged in popularity due to cost savings and sustainability benefits.
Recycling and repurposing golf clubs extends their lifecycle and significantly reduces waste. While brands are beginning to explore recycled materials and sustainable production, the most immediate impact comes from keeping existing clubs in play.
Buy second-hand clubs instead of new to reduce demand for fresh manufacturing.
Sell or donate old clubs instead of letting them gather dust or end up in landfill.
Choose refurbished golf balls to cut down on plastic waste.
Support golf courses that promote sustainable practices, such as those using organic maintenance methods or reducing water usage.
Sustainability doesn’t have to be expensive. If anything, second-hand golf gear proves that going green can actually be the smartest financial move for golfers at every level.
With rising awareness of golf’s environmental impact, the conversation around sustainability in the sport is only going to grow. By making simple, informed choices—like opting for second-hand clubs and recycling old equipment—golfers can contribute to a more sustainable future without sacrificing performance or their budget.
Buying second-hand golf clubs isn't just about saving money—it’s about changing the way golf gear is bought and sold. Peer-to-peer marketplaces are transforming the golf resale market, helping players connect directly and take control of their transactions.
Looking for ways to make golf more sustainable? Explore second-hand gear through trusted resellers and peer-to-peer platforms, or check out industry reports on golf’s carbon footprint (Golf Sustainable). If you're ready to take control of your game and shop more sustainably, visit Flyer.golf to explore second-hand options today.
What’s the best second-hand golf club you’ve ever picked up? Join the conversation and let us know!