Equipment

The thrill of the hunt: Shopping for used clubs at Fore Golfers Only

Published

5 years ago

Mar 6, 2019

As golfers, we are always chasing; chasing the next course on our list, our career-best score, the sun towards the horizon in late summer and fall, and for many, that one club for the collection or just for fun. In the case of hunting for that one club, there is a mecca located in a small Southern Ontario town just a couple hours West of Toronto in St. Thomas, Ontario: Fore Golfers Only (FGO).

Interestingly, St. Thomas is the hometown of PGA Tour caddie Brennan Little, close to nearby VERY exclusive Redtail Golf Club (interesting history to read up on). Anyway, Fore Golfers is in a humble building that stretches across the side of a driving range, but in the era predating golf big box, Fore Golfers Only was the only game in town for hours in any direction. This offered a distinct advantage: being located in a hotbed of golf, both public and private in Ontario, Canada (fun fact: Canada has the most golfers per capita in the WORLD).

Even when a big box arrived, Fore Golfers was still the ONLY place that offered the opportunity to hit the clubs you were going to buy outside, off of grass, including new ones (demos of course) that weren’t at a green grass facility. Add to the fact that they are known for their massive used club selection — every OEM rep around knows that if a customer loses an iron out of production FGO is the first place they call. FGO features a friendly, knowledgeable staff that have been in the industry fitting clubs and talking gear for a long time. Add to this reasonable trade-in values, and you have a recipe for long-term success.

Very busy day behind the register

Speaking of success, even though the golf season doesn’t usually start until early April, there is one event that brings a ton of people together in preparation for the receding snow, and that is the annual inventory blowout sale at FGO. It takes over an entire hall in this small city of 40,000. Asking around, there were more than a few people that drove from two-plus hours away in hopes of scoring the last club to fill out their set, or that next “perfect” putter.

Now, in its 30th year, I have made the trek to the sale every spring for the better part of 15 years. I never really go with the intention of finding anything I “need,” but I also never leave empty-handed — I dare any gear junkie to try. Plus, there is just something about hanging out with a bunch of golfers and being able to buy a club that you’ve handled. Sure, eBay is fun, but hitting a few putts on carpet and actually inspecting a putter is just WAY more fun than scrolling on a computer. There is a BIG mix of new and old and some clubs you might have forgotten even existed in the first place.

Here are a few examples of some fun ones

Remember I said unique – NOT Pretty

Oh, these Maxflis were good!

The original HOT driver ERC – also known as the KCK: Kessler Career Killer

So, with all this talk of gear and treasure hunting, I’m sure you’re wondering what I picked up on my pilgrimage. I’ll get to that in a minute, but let me show off a few lovely gems I found around that I didn’t buy.

FTXs to be exact

Lots of Trusty Rustys

Muira Forged MacGregor PCB Tours

OK. So with all this gear, what did I come home with? Here’s the final haul (for the low total price of $220 Canadian).

One of the all time greats with a ProForce V2

Amazing shape PT with EI-70X, just to remind me that I can’t find the sweet spot anyway

Engage DS – Almost new just rusty. Pulled the shaft already for a project

9/10 Shape All Original JNP MacGregors just begging for a home

Last, but not least, a few putters to round out an already heavy collection filled with classics

People who know – know how good this is

Absolute $$$$

You NEVER say “no” to a PING Anser in great shape!

Like I said before, the thrill is in the hunt, and I can’t wait for my next used club shopping trip to see what treasures I can find. For more information on Fore Golfers Only and the annual sale, check out their website.

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Ryan Barath

Ryan Barath is a club-fitter & master club builder with more than 17 years of experience working with golfers of all skill levels, including PGA Tour players. He is the former Build Shop Manager & Social Media Coordinator for Modern Golf. He now works independently from his home shop and is a member of advisory panels to a select number of golf equipment manufacturers. You can find Ryan on Twitter and Instagram where he's always willing to chat golf, and share his passion for club building, course architecture and wedge grinding.

26 Comments

Maurice Carter

Apr 22, 2019 at 3:40 pm

Hey Ryan,

It’s wonderful to read your article and touch base with my learned friend, Ryan. I’m considering coming out of my five year golf hiatus. Interestingly enough, I was searching for the 2007 TM Burner driver and decided to check out the Fore Golfers Only website. I kind of knew they didn’t have a log of their clubs on-line, but I checked it out anyway. Hence, I saw your name and perused your article. Someday I’ll make the sojourn to the mecca that is FGO, until then, it’s great touching base with you. Nice piece, Ryan.

Be well,
Mo

Reply Report comment
buckrogers71

Mar 7, 2019 at 8:03 am

we used to have a place like this in southern NJ, Wheat Road Golf. It’s where I bought my first “real” driver (Titleist 975d w/ a Graffaloy Prolite). Had the opportunity to actually hit it off a “real” wooden tee into a field. While I appreciate the low price of flea bay, swap and shop here as well as other places, it’s really a shame to see these small shops close up.

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Jose Pinatas

Mar 7, 2019 at 5:55 am

Nevada Bob’s in Madison, Wisconsin has a daily inventory like this. I’ve been there. They have everything that’s been made in the last 30 years. Easily could fill 2(TWO) halls. They’ve put big box retailers out of business in that city.

Reply Report comment
KnowItAll

Mar 7, 2019 at 5:08 am

“(fun fact: Canada has the most golfers per capita in the WORLD).”

I thought Sweden had most, with almost 5% of the population being registered golfers?
A quick google said that in Canadas case it’s .87%..

Reply Report comment
- geohogan
  
  Mar 8, 2019 at 6:08 pm
  
  used to be 20% of Canadians golfed at least once in the year.
  Population of Canada is smaller than the state of California.
  
  Reply Report comment
Gerald Teigrob

Mar 7, 2019 at 2:45 am

I used to think that buying new was all the rage, but now that I play demo irons that I picked up from my golf course, I am noticing the benefits of used over new clubs. I finally moved from Adams Redlines and Adams A7 hybrid irons to Cobra Bio Cells, I am actually embracing the change. I did find my Redline 4 hybrid a keeper, but I have switched to Cobra and even replaced my all graphite set with steel shafts…but I am always in experiment mode, so I kept the Silver 4 iron as stiff graphite I like the option of a driving iron so that club will fill that role in my golf bag. In doing so. I have also proven that upgrading to the current irons can be a good thing but if you find something a little older like the Bio Cell irons for me, that can be just as rewarding!

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mud

Mar 7, 2019 at 1:22 am

This place is awesome !!!!I go there all the time, new and old equipment , current models being traded daily , so your choices range from the 5 dollar bins to all the latest models but where it really excels for me are the people who buy something new and trade it a week or month later and they take the hit and I get a great deal, being a club junkie I end up playing 5 or 6 current sets a season at a fraction of the cost , also with the range out back they give you balls to try the clubs before you buy !!!You can put a affordable couple times a year bag together or go top end all the way, your choice, the best part thou is finding the hidden gems , the minty 905R today($39C)

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Mike V

Mar 6, 2019 at 11:26 pm

So cool! I would love to wander around there. I found a mint set of Maxfli Revolution CB irons (almost never hit) for $100 US at a nearby Play it Again Sports in AZ. I was so shocked I started talking to the owner since these were the first players iron I bought as a junior and I mentioned I also wanted some Ping Eye 2 BeCu…and he had a set in the back (2-SW, square grooves)! Got both for $300 US.

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Guy LeBlanc

Mar 6, 2019 at 5:39 pm

This is a great place to search for old treasures as well as gently used current product. One of the last true independents that has survived the Golf Town takeovers.

Great staff and always a great stop.

Reply Report comment
Junk

Mar 6, 2019 at 5:14 pm

It’s good that we have places like this to throw away our junk so that the next mug could hit the same junk that don’t work but be glad he spent nothing for it while he mulls over whether he should go get the brand new ProV that just went into the river he hit with said junk club

Reply Report comment
- The dude
  
  Mar 6, 2019 at 9:11 pm
  
  Haha….idiot (you took the time to write that)….haha
  
  -thanks for the laugh..
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Junk
    
    Mar 7, 2019 at 1:47 am
    
    We’re all idiots for taking up this stupid game in the first place
    Look at how much time and money it consumes from our lives
    lol
    
    Reply Report comment
HKO

Mar 6, 2019 at 3:49 pm

umm. what is he looking at on their sign?

Reply Report comment
- Drew
  
  Mar 23, 2019 at 3:56 pm
  
  Hahahaha
  
  Reply Report comment
Jack Nash

Mar 6, 2019 at 2:28 pm

They have so much stock you have to walk or shimmy sideways down the aisles. I’ve purchased a lot of single clubs. Brand new Taylormade 4 iron for 29 bucks. Great place to just look around, because you never know what you might see. I think I’ll head out there Friday lol.

Reply Report comment
HDTVMAN

Mar 6, 2019 at 2:09 pm

I’d be in there for hours…days!!! From time to time I stop by Play It Again Sports hoping for a lucky find!

Reply Report comment
Midwest Blade

Mar 6, 2019 at 2:01 pm

Wow those putters are the real deal, great finds!

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flyingwedges

Mar 6, 2019 at 12:42 pm

This article reminded me of Pro Shop World of Golf in Skokie, IL, which closed about 20+ years ago. For decades it had one of the largest lost clubs and discontinued iron set rooms in the country and it was also one of the largest Ping dealer in the US with a very large contingent of business travelers from Asia who always bought multiple sets to take home and resell

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Spencer

Mar 6, 2019 at 12:34 pm

ARE THERE still collectable classics? I’ve got a Scottsdale Anser, Wison 8802, illwgal eye 2 sandwedge, Dynapower black button sandwedge, Taylormade xviii, Tpmmy Armour IMG, all close to worthless now.

Reply Report comment
- August
  
  Mar 6, 2019 at 3:38 pm
  
  Hey- I think you raided my bag!
  
  I have exactly all of what you just listed + much more!
  
  But I certainly don’t think that they are “worthless”
  
  I just had someone contact me looking for a Shamrock Model 101 – which I have – and since there aren’t any more being made (haven’t been for over 45 years) there is a great deal of worth in that club.
  
  Reply Report comment
The Troll

Mar 6, 2019 at 12:27 pm

Ryan, I traded in that Bridgestone J33 driver a couple of months ago. We could have just cut out the middle man.

Love going to FGO.

Great article btw.

Reply Report comment
Bruce Ferguson

Mar 6, 2019 at 11:55 am

This reminds me of an annual “Golf Show” that used to come through my town for a weekend in March. You could pick through tables and barrels of used clubs, and occasionally you’d come across a “must have” gem.

Reply Report comment
John

Mar 6, 2019 at 11:42 am

There’s a place called Roots and Relics in Honolulu HI that has an amazing sections of used clubs for sale. The Asian Tourist golf trade fueled this place in the 90’s. I am sure the inventory is even better today.

Reply Report comment
Nack Jicklaus

Mar 6, 2019 at 10:36 am

Lools like tons of fun. I enjoy seeing clubs from the late 80’s through late 90’s as this was the time I really got into golf and equipment. Seeing and handling those older clubs brings back great memories.

Reply Report comment
DJ

Mar 6, 2019 at 10:25 am

that equipment would be cool to look at… how clubs were made in the past, but I wouldn’t buy any of them. I prefer ebay where you can find a brand new discontinued club which you have in your bag; like a brand new set of Bridgestone J40 DPC’s. I do like the idea of hitting a demo right out on the range.

Reply Report comment
- Benny
  
  Mar 7, 2019 at 7:55 am
  
  To each their own though. I like newer deals and search for them but do like finding something cool to play with on the range.
  Its all about how much you want to invest, bith time and $$. But if you are smart you can make $ or at least have fun breaking even while working on your game.
  For “junk” up top, players have been breaking par since the 1800’s with hand made shovels. If anyone thinks these clubs from 90’s and 2000’s are just junk wait until you get smoked by someone who bags them. I got spanked last year by someone with a 909 driver and McGregs that had rusty sweet spots with a Grace blade. I was told how good he was, laughed at his bag only to buy him an expensive lunch adter asking him tons of questions. He out drove me as well and I am no slouch… I completely bowed
  
  Reply Report comment

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Whats in the Bag

Sam Burns WITB 2024 (April)

Published

12 hours ago

Apr 22, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Sam Burns’ what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.

Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond S (9 degrees @10)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 7 TX

3-wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond T (15 degrees @16)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X

Check out more in-hand photos of Sam Burns’ WITB in the forums.

Hybrid: Callaway Apex UW (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X

Irons: Callaway Apex TCB ’24 (4-AW)
Shafts: Project X 6.5 (4-PW), True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 Tour Issue (AW)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (56-14F @55), WedgeWorks Proto (60-T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold S400 Tour Issue (56, 60)

Check out more in-hand photos of Sam Burns’ WITB in the forums.

Putter: Odyssey Ai-One #7S

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align

Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour X

Check out more in-hand photos of Sam Burns’ WITB in the forums.

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Whats in the Bag

Will Zalatoris WITB 2024 (April)

Published

13 hours ago

Apr 22, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Will Zalatoris’ what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.

Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 7 X (44.5 inches)

3-wood: Titleist TSi2 (15 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X

See more photos of Will Zalatoris’ WITB in the forums.

Irons: Titleist T350 (3), Titleist T150 (4-PW)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Prototype G.O.S.T. 10 ST X (3), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (4-PW)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (50-08F, 54-10S @55, 60-04T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

See more photos of Will Zalatoris’ WITB in the forums.

Putter: L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max

Grips: Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord

See more photos of Will Zalatoris’ WITB in the forums.

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Equipment

New Level launches new 480-DB irons, blending performance and forgiveness

Published

15 hours ago

Apr 22, 2024

Brian Knudson

New Level has been making some really good golf equipment since the company started up in 2018. Offering irons that are more geared towards the better player, precision has been a fundamental philosophy for New Level in creating irons and wedges.

The 480 line of irons has been the flagship of the brand, and the newest member of that team is the 480-DB iron that is now open to pre-orders. A new cavity design is what the whole 480 line is about, and the 480-DB takes advantage of that with added ball speed and a larger sweet spot.

For players who require their irons to offer the best feel, rest assured the DB is a fully forged (from 1020 carbon steel) one-piece golf club. No multi-piece, hollow design with this iron.

While the 480-DB is the next generation of the popular 902-OS, New Level didn’t follow the current trend in golf by chasing distance with the new iron. They actually weakened the lofts on the 480-DB with the spec sheet showing a 33-degree 7-iron and 45-degree pitching wedge. These lofts allow the DB to have less offset while still offering consistent distance off the face.

A traditional design was also at the forefront of the new irons to make sure that golfers with an eye for detail can look down at them with confidence that they will perform under any condition.

A weight low in the back cavity will allow their master club builders to dial in the perfect weight for the golfer, no matter the length or shaft being used. New Level believes that the new 480-DB is one of the most forgiving one-piece forged irons on the market today. A pre-worn leading edge on the sole should get through the turf quickly and with reduced digging for better turf interaction.

You can pre-order the New Level 480-DB right now on the New Level website.