A friend recently asked me is it really cheaper to build your own golf clubs? My short answer to him was in theory yes and in reality yes but you are going to need some tools. You see he wanted a new shaft on his driver and I had to remind him that he was coming to me for a reason and that was because I had the tools to do the job. I don’t have all the tools but I do have some.
Note the picture with the shaft puller. You heat up the neck of the clubhead and are then able to pump up and remove the head. Typically I remove the ferrule first but I wanted to take a quick picture to show off one of my golf tools. I have a link of this product which I purchased from Amazon further below.
Golf clubs can be expensive, and many golfers are looking for ways to save money without sacrificing quality. One option that some golfers consider is building their own golf clubs. But is it really cheaper to build your own golf clubs?
So lets back up. There are a few factors to consider when answering this question. First, the cost of materials that it takes to build a golf club. Off the top of my head and from experience, you will need to purchase the individual components, such as clubheads, shafts, and grips.
Second, the cost of tools. Unless you already have the tools that are needed, you will need to purchase or rent them or ummm errrrr go to a friends house like my buddy did. Finally, the cost of labor. Building your own clubs takes time and effort, and you will need to factor in the value of your time. That is unless you are dealing with a friend. My time costs a decent lunch or some beer.
While building your own golf clubs can be a fun and rewarding experience, please understand that it may not necessarily be cheaper than buying pre-made clubs. It can be if you find some DIY’s around things and/or if you’ve set your sights on continuing to build clubs as either a hobby or business. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of building your own golf clubs, and provide tips for those who are interested in pursuing this option.
Factors to Consider
Cost of Materials
One of the primary benefits of building your own golf clubs is the potential cost savings. However, it’s important to consider the cost of materials before embarking on this project. The cost of materials will vary depending on the quality of the components you choose. For example, premium shafts and grips will be more expensive than standard options. Sometimes I go the route of purchasing in bulk from Amazon. Seriously. For instance, you can buy Golf Pride grips for a set for let’s say $80 to $110 or so. Instead you could purchase similar Champkey grips (which received very good reviews) for maybe $30 to $40. Additionally, the cost of materials can add up quickly if you plan to build a full set of clubs.
Tools Required
Building your own golf clubs requires a variety of specialized tools. You may want or need, a shaft extractor, a gripping station, and a swing weight scale, amongst other things. While some of these tools can be expensive and one or two you may be able to DIY, they are necessary to ensure that your clubs are built to the correct specifications.
Skill Level
Building your own golf clubs requires a certain level of skill and expertise but as in most endeavors, sometimes just a little bit of initiative is all it takes to get things to work. If you don’t have experience working with golf club components, it can be challenging to build clubs that perform well. Additionally, building your own clubs requires attention to detail and precision, so it’s important to be patient and meticulous throughout the process. I will say that YouTube videos go a long way in helping those who are interested in building their own clubs.
Time and Effort
Building your own golf clubs can be a time-consuming process. From selecting the components to assembling the clubs, the process can take several days to weeks to complete. Additionally, if you make a mistake during the build process, like not getting a grip on properly, you may need to start over, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. Aside from that, you may need to buy additional parts when one ends up damaged due to ummm errrrr operator error. Been there done that and I have the trophy.
Overall, while building your own golf clubs can be a fun and rewarding experience, it’s important to consider the factors outlined above before deciding whether it’s the right choice for you.
Pros and Cons of Building Your Own Golf Clubs
Pros
Building your own golf clubs can have several advantages. Here are some of the pros:
- Cost Savings: Building your own golf clubs can save you money. You can purchase components separately and assemble them yourself, which can be less expensive than buying the same pre-built golf club.
- Customization: When you build your own golf clubs, you have complete control over the specifications. You can customize the length, weight, and flex of the shaft, as well as the grip and clubhead.
- Satisfaction: Building your own golf clubs can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to take ownership of your equipment and feel a sense of accomplishment when you use them on the course. This is perhaps what I like the most. Plus along with the customization part, it allows you to tinker if you don’t mind spending the extra money. A different grip, a lighter shaft, put some tape on the head for a heavier swingweight, etc…
Cons
While there are advantages to building your own golf clubs, there are also some downsides to consider:
- Time and Effort: Building your own golf clubs can be time-consuming and require a lot of effort. You need to research the components, purchase them separately, and assemble them correctly. Your evening regrip may not go as planned.
- Expertise: Building your own golf clubs requires some knowledge and expertise. You need to know how to properly assemble the components and ensure that they are compatible with each other.
- Warranty: When you build your own golf clubs, you may not have access to the same warranties and guarantees that come with pre-built clubs. This can be a risk if something goes wrong with the club.
I’ll say it again and again that building your own golf clubs can be a cost-effective and rewarding experience. It does require time and patience. Time for instance may be in waiting 24 hours for a clubhead epoxy to cure. Consider the pros and cons before deciding whether to build your own clubs or before heading on over to your favorite golf store.
Comparison with Buying Golf Clubs
Cost Comparison
So is it cheaper to build your own golf clubs? If you have the tools on hand or can improvise in making your own tools, it is definitely cheaper to build your own golf clubs. However, this largely depends on the quality of the components you purchase. If you opt for high-end components, the cost of building your own clubs can quickly add up. On the other hand, buying a set of high-quality golf clubs from a reputable brand can be quite expensive.
One advantage of building your own golf clubs is that you can customize the components to fit your budget. For example, you may be able to purchase a certain shaft at a very good discount and save a couple hundred dollars compared to what would normally come with the club. Sometimes purchasing components separately or in bulk becomes more cost-effective than buying a complete set of clubs.
At other times you have to think down the road. If you will be changing out your grips each year, it absolutely makes sense to purchase your own grips, hook blade, double sided grip tape, and grip solution or mineral spirits to help. Check out my DIY golf gripping station as an easy and inexpensive way to hold on to your golf club while doing a grip change. I built it for approximately $50 all in.
Quality Comparison
The quality of your golf clubs largely depends on the individual components you choose. Don’t skimp out just to be cheap. When building your own clubs, you have the freedom to choose high-quality components that are tailored to your preferences. This can result in clubs that perform better and last longer than store-bought clubs. Ever wanted to check out a Mizuno iron or perhaps Sub70 hybrid? If you can build your own clubs, it is easy to purchase the clubhead online and then attach to a shaft and grip, specific to the swingweight that you desire.
It is important to note that building your own clubs requires knowledge and skill. If you’re not experienced in club building, you may end up with clubs that perform poorly or break easily. For instance, I learned that it isn’t always best to use a quick curing epoxy. In contrast, store-bought clubs are typically designed and manufactured by professionals, ensuring a certain level of quality and performance.
Customization Comparison
When it comes to customization, building your own golf clubs offers a level of flexibility that store-bought clubs can’t match. You can choose the components that best suit your playing style and preferences, such as shaft length, grip size, and clubhead design. This can result in clubs that are more comfortable and effective for your individual needs. Just thinking out loud, you will need grips, shafts, clubheads, and ferrules. You may need an adapter for your driver or certain clubs.
A golf shaft may have a tip diameter at .335, or .350, or .355 or .370. Know what shaft will work with the clubhead you are planning to install. Irons tend to be .370 or .355 while a wood might be .335 or .350.
Customization can also be a double-edged sword. If you’re not experienced in club fitting, you may end up with clubs that are ill-suited to your needs. In contrast, store-bought clubs are typically designed to fit a wide range of players, making them a safe and reliable choice for most golfers. But what if you want a 50 gram shaft while stores have the clubs you like fitted with a 110 gram shaft? What if you want a thinner or thicker grip. Customization at golf stores is expensive, if the store does it at all. As a DIY’er who is building your own golf clubs, this is a doable project.
Conclusion
Building your own golf clubs can be a fun and rewarding experience, but is it cheaper than buying pre-made clubs? The answer is, it depends.
If you are an experienced club builder and have access to the necessary tools and materials, you may be able to save some money by building your own clubs. However, if you are a beginner and need to purchase all of the necessary tools and materials, it may end up costing you more than buying pre-made clubs.
Additionally, the quality of your homemade clubs may not be as high as those made by professional manufacturers, which could impact your performance on the course.
Ultimately, the decision to build your own golf clubs should be based on your personal preferences, budget, and level of experience. Maybe a buddy might pitch in with you for some of the tools you might need. If you are looking for a fun DIY project and have the necessary skills and resources, building your own clubs could be a great option. However, if you are primarily concerned with performance and quality, you may be better off investing in pre-made clubs from a reputable manufacturer.