Is It OK to Borrow Golf Clubs?

Is it OK to borrow golf clubs? We’ve all wondered at one time or another, especially when we were beginner golfers or out of town and wanted to get in a quick round. Although borrowing clubs is simple enough, if you’re trying to play a good round, there may be better options than borrowing clubs.

Why Are You Borrowing Clubs?

The most crucial factor to consider when determining whether or not borrowing golf clubs is a good idea is why you are borrowing clubs in the first place. In other words, are you borrowing golf clubs to kill some time and hit range balls, or are you borrowing clubs to play a serious round of golf? If it’s the latter, it’s important to consider the clubs’ quality and whether they fit what you’re used to playing during a round. Perhaps you think such an instance will never arise when you’ll need to play a serious match and be without your clubs, but you would be surprised how often such a situation occurs.

The Difference

If the clubs are not what you’re used to or what fits, I would stay away. However, it’s easier said than done because you will still need clubs to play with, in which case, use what is available, whether that means borrowing another golfer’s clubs—if allowed—or using a rental set from the golf course you’re playing.

In terms of borrowing clubs to just hit range balls and have a good time, it does not matter as long as you realize if the clubs do not fit your game, you may hit more bad shots than what you’re used to on the range. That said, can you rent golf clubs at a driving range? The answer is, it depends. Most driving ranges are part of a golf club or course, and most courses will usually have clubs for rent; however, they generally charge a fee, so make sure you call ahead and see if they have clubs and the price for rentals.

Access to Golf Clubs

If you decide to borrow or rent clubs and need them immediately, it’s best to check with the golf course you intend to play and see if rental sets are available. More often than not, rental sets will be available for both men and women; however, after determining if sets are available, you must make sure the clubs available are what you should be playing golf in the first place. That said, as previously stated, if you are only borrowing clubs for fun and don’t have any real intentions of playing seriously, then the clubs you borrow are less critical, in which case, enjoy yourself.

No matter why you’re borrowing clubs, I recommend purchasing a set of clubs if you don’t own any or are serious about playing golf. That said, golf equipment can be expensive and require a substantial financial commitment, so remember it’s essential to find the best deal possible on clubs. Feel free to look for second-hand or used golf clubs that fit your specific fitting needs. There are also ways to keep from putting a lot of money front, such as using any available financing option.

When determining a golf club price, remember that a golf bag, irons, woods, wedges, and a putter must be added to the total cost.

Speaking of fitting: I recommend having a fitting from a certified golf professional, as it is vital to have the correct data before spending the money required to purchase new or used golf clubs.

The Rules of Golf

When talking about borrowing golf clubs, it’s important to distinguish between borrowing clubs before a round and to use someone else’s clubs during a round. In other words, if you are trying to stay within the confines of the rules of golf and potentially local rules for the golf course you’re playing, then you will want to borrow clubs before beginning a round, as opposed to borrowing clubs during a round from a playing partner—also known as playing out of the same bag.

Rules For Sharing

Sharing clubs with another player is not allowed; however, if the player is your partner, you can share clubs if the number of clubs between you does not exceed the 14-club limit set by the United States Golf Association (USGA). For instance, if you’re playing in a two-person scramble and would like to share clubs with your playing partner, then you absolutely if you stay within the 14-club USGA rule. If you’re sharing, you and your partner should have 14 clubs to play with.

Even if you’re playing a round for fun and want to share clubs with a group member, you may want to check the local rules of the course you’re playing at first. Some courses require all players in a group to have their clubs and not play from the same bag, so it’s better to go with club rentals.

Whether you are playing a fun round of golf or in a tournament, using rental clubs or borrowing can be a good idea if it is by the rules and does not hinder your game, so take all of the above into consideration beforehand.