Knowing the best time to buy golf equipment can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars on clubs, bags, and gear. Just like cars and appliances, golf equipment follows predictable sales cycles throughout the year. Manufacturers release new models at specific times, retailers clear inventory seasonally, and major shopping events create opportunities for smart buyers to score incredible deals.

After years of tracking golf equipment prices and sales patterns, I’ve put together this comprehensive golf deals calendar to help you time your purchases perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a new driver, a complete iron set, or accessories like bags and GPS devices, this guide will show you exactly when to buy to get the best value for your money.

January-February: Post-Holiday Clearance Gold

The weeks following the holiday season represent one of the best times to buy golf equipment all year. Retailers are eager to clear out holiday inventory and make room for new spring arrivals, creating a perfect storm of discounts for savvy shoppers.

What to Expect in January-February

• Discount levels: 30-50% off on previous year’s models
• Best deals on: Complete sets, winter apparel, GPS devices, rangefinders
• Pro tip: Many pro shops offer clearance sales to reduce inventory before the new season

This period is particularly excellent for beginner golfers looking to build their bag without breaking the bank. Last year’s technology is still incredibly capable, and the price drops make premium brands suddenly affordable. You might find a TaylorMade or Callaway driver from the previous model year at 40% off—still featuring 90% of the same technology as the newest release.

Online retailers like Rock Bottom Golf, GlobalGolf, and Carl’s Golfland typically run their biggest clearance events in late January. Sign up for email newsletters in December to get early access to these sales.

March-April: New Model Season (Score Last Year’s Gear)

Spring marks the beginning of the golf equipment “new model year.” Major manufacturers like Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, Cobra, and Ping typically announce and release their latest clubs between February and April. This creates a fantastic buying opportunity—but not for the newest gear.

The New Model Price Drop Effect

When new models hit the shelves, last year’s equipment experiences immediate and significant price drops. A driver that was $549 in December might suddenly be $349 or less. Iron sets that retailed for $1,200 could fall to $700-800.

• Discount levels: 25-40% off previous model year
• Best deals on: Drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, iron sets from major brands
• Pro tip: Check manufacturer direct outlet stores (Callaway Pre-Owned, TaylorMade Pre-Owned) for certified pre-owned deals

The beauty of this timing is that you’re buying equipment that was considered top-of-the-line just months ago. Modern golf club technology evolves incrementally—the difference between this year’s driver and last year’s model is often marginal at best. You’re paying 30% less for maybe 2-3% less “technology.”

May-June: Father’s Day Sales

Golf and Father’s Day go together like a perfect drive and a short iron approach. Retailers know this, which is why Father’s Day golf sales have become one of the most reliable deal periods of the year.

What Makes Father’s Day Sales Special

Unlike clearance events, Father’s Day sales often include current-season merchandise. Retailers compete aggressively for gift-buying dollars, offering:

• Discount levels: 15-30% off across categories
• Best deals on: Premium golf balls (by the dozen), accessories, apparel, bags, training aids
• Pro tip: Look for “buy more, save more” deals on golf balls—this is often the cheapest time to stock up on Pro V1s or Chrome Softs

Many big-box retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, and PGA Tour Superstore run Father’s Day promotions starting the first week of June. Online retailers join in with competing offers, making it an excellent time to comparison shop.

If you’re looking to buy someone (or yourself) a gift that doesn’t need to be the latest model, Father’s Day sales combined with leftover spring inventory can yield exceptional values on clubs, too.

July-August: Mid-Season Inventory Adjustments

Mid-summer might seem like an odd time for golf deals—after all, it’s peak season. But retailers face an interesting challenge: they need to start making room for fall merchandise and next year’s early releases while the current season is still in full swing.

Summer Sale Opportunities

Look for “Christmas in July” promotions and inventory reduction sales during this period:

• Discount levels: 20-35% off select items
• Best deals on: Apparel (especially spring/summer styles), shoes, bags, push carts
• Pro tip: Golf shoes from the current season often go on sale in August as retailers prepare for fall footwear releases

This is also an excellent time to find deals on golf travel bags and accessories. Retailers often discount these items during summer vacation season to capture traveling golfers looking to protect their clubs.

September-October: End of Season Clearance Bonanza

For many parts of the country, fall marks the end of the primary golf season. This creates massive incentives for retailers to clear out current inventory, resulting in some of the deepest discounts of the year.

Why Fall Clearance Is So Good

Several factors converge to create exceptional buying opportunities:

• Retailers need to clear floor space for holiday merchandise
• Golf demand naturally decreases in colder regions
• Manufacturers begin teasing next year’s models
• Pro shops at courses that close for winter liquidate inventory

Discount levels: 35-60% off current year models

Best deals on: Everything—this is the best overall clearance period

Pro tip: Check local pro shops at courses that close for winter. They often have aggressive end-of-season sales to avoid storing merchandise.

If you live in a year-round golf climate (Florida, Arizona, California, etc.), September and October represent perhaps the ultimate buying opportunity. You can get great deals on gear you’ll use immediately while northern golfers aren’t competing for the same inventory.

November: Black Friday and Cyber Monday Madness

Black Friday golf deals have become a phenomenon unto themselves. What was once a single day of doorbusters has evolved into a week-long (sometimes month-long) shopping event with genuine savings across the golf category.

Maximizing Black Friday Golf Deals

• Discount levels: 25-50% off, plus additional coupon codes
• Best deals on: Electronics (rangefinders, GPS watches), golf balls, apparel, accessories
• Pro tip: Sign up for retailer emails and apps in October—many offer early access or exclusive deals to subscribers

Major retailers to watch during Black Friday include:

• Amazon: Excellent deals on golf electronics, accessories, and some club deals
• Dick’s/Golf Galaxy: Often offers strong across-the-board discounts plus bonus gift cards
• PGA Tour Superstore: Competitive deals plus trade-in bonuses
• Direct from manufacturers: Callaway, TaylorMade, and Titleist often run direct sales

Cyber Monday often extends Black Friday deals and sometimes improves upon them. If you see something you want on Black Friday but aren’t in a rush, it might be worth waiting to see if prices drop further on Monday.

December: Holiday Deals and Gift-Buying Season

December offers a mix of genuine deals and carefully marketed “holiday prices.” The key is knowing where to look and what to expect.

December Buying Strategy

• Early December: Extended Cyber Monday deals, holiday gift guides with select discounts
• Mid-December: Last-minute shopping deals, free expedited shipping offers
• Late December: Post-Christmas clearance begins (often December 26)

Discount levels: 15-40% depending on timing

Best deals on: Gift items (balls, accessories, training aids), apparel, gift cards with bonus value

Pro tip: If you can wait until December 26, post-Christmas sales often rival Black Friday discounts. Retailers are desperate to move holiday inventory before year-end.

Best Time to Buy Specific Golf Equipment

Different categories of golf equipment have their own optimal buying windows. Here’s a quick reference guide:

Drivers, Fairway Woods, and Hybrids

Best time: March-April (when new models release) or September-October (end of season clearance)
Why: Biggest discounts on prior year models when new ones launch

Iron Sets

Best time: September-October or January-February
Why: Iron sets don’t turn over as quickly as drivers, so deeper end-of-season and post-holiday clearances

Putters

Best time: September-October clearance or Black Friday
Why: Putter technology changes slowly; previous years’ models work just as well

Golf Balls

Best time: Father’s Day sales or Black Friday
Why: “Buy 3, get 1 free” and similar promotions are most common during these periods

Golf Bags

Best time: End of season (September-October) or post-holiday (January)
Why: Bags take up floor space; retailers discount aggressively to clear them

GPS Devices and Rangefinders

Best time: Black Friday/Cyber Monday
Why: Electronics see their best discounts during traditional electronics sales periods

Golf Apparel and Shoes

Best time: End of each season (buy summer gear in August, winter gear in February)
Why: Apparel clearance happens seasonally to make room for next season’s styles

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the absolute best time to buy golf clubs?

For the deepest overall discounts, September-October offers the best combination of current-year inventory being cleared and competition among retailers. However, if you specifically want last year’s premium model at a discount, March-April when new models release is ideal.

Should I wait for Black Friday to buy golf equipment?

Black Friday is excellent for golf balls, accessories, and electronics, but club deals are often better during end-of-season clearances in September-October. If you’re flexible about what you buy, Black Friday offers great value, but specific club models might not be available.

Are previous year golf clubs worth buying?

Absolutely. Golf club technology improves incrementally each year. A driver or iron set from last year performs nearly identically to the current model but costs 30-50% less. For most recreational golfers, the value proposition of buying last year’s model is outstanding.

Where can I find the best golf equipment deals online?

Top online destinations include Rock Bottom Golf, GlobalGolf, Carl’s Golfland, 2nd Swing Golf, and manufacturer direct sites like Callaway Pre-Owned and TaylorMade Pre-Owned. For new equipment, watch PGA Tour Superstore, Golf Galaxy, and Amazon during sale events.

Is it better to buy golf equipment online or in-store?

Both have advantages. In-store allows you to test equipment and sometimes negotiate prices, especially at year-end. Online typically offers better selection and the ability to compare prices easily. Many golfers test in-store, then buy online—though supporting your local pro shop has value too.

How much can I really save by timing my golf equipment purchases?

Timing your purchases strategically can easily save 25-50% on major items. On a $500 driver, that’s $125-250 in savings. On a $1,000 iron set, you could save $250-500. Over time, these savings add up to potentially thousands of dollars.

Conclusion: Your Year-Round Golf Deals Strategy

Understanding the best time to buy golf equipment gives you a significant advantage as a golf consumer. By aligning your purchases with the natural sales cycles of the golf industry, you can build a premium bag at budget prices.

Here’s the quick summary to remember:

• January-February: Post-holiday clearance—great for complete sets and accessories
• March-April: New model releases—best time for previous year’s premium clubs
• May-June: Father’s Day sales—excellent for golf balls and gifts
• July-August: Mid-season adjustments—good for apparel and shoes
• September-October: End of season clearance—best overall deals period
• November: Black Friday/Cyber Monday—top deals on electronics and balls
• December: Holiday deals and post-Christmas clearance

The most important thing is to plan ahead. Know what equipment you need, set price alerts at your favorite retailers, and be patient. The deals will come—and when they do, you’ll be ready to score like a scratch golfer at the cash register.

Happy shopping, and may your equipment deals be as satisfying as a perfectly struck approach shot!