Equipment
The thrill of the hunt: Shopping for used clubs at Fore Golfers Only
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.
Cameron Young’s WITB from his win at the 2025 Wyndham Championship. Cameron is a Titleist staff player but his bag is definitely filled with some unique clubs. Here are the clubs he used to secure his first PGA Tour win!
Driver: Titleist GT2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Orange 70 TX
3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus HB Black VeloCore+ 10 X
Irons: Titleist T200 (4), Titleist T100 (5), Titleist 631.CY Prototype (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7 (4-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F, 52-12F, 56-14F @57), WedgeWorks (60-K* @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7
Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Prototype
- Peter Malnati what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Titleist GT3 (10 degrees, C2 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Project X Denali Blue 60 TX
3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 7 X
7-wood: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
Irons: Titleist T150 (4, 5), Titleist T100 (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper AMT Tour White X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F @47, 52-12F, 56-08M @57, 60-04T @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Style Fastback 1.5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Yellow
We’re proud to once again partner with 2nd Swing Golf to bring you GolfWRX Members Choice 2025! 2nd Swing has more than 150,000 new and pre-swung golf clubs available in six store locations and online. Check them out here.
What is the best driver in 2025? At GolfWRX, we take great pride in our online community and the cumulative knowledge and experience of our members. When it comes to the best driver of 2025, we want to know what our forum faithful think.
Since our founding in 2005, the bedrock of GolfWRX.com has been the community of passionate and knowledgeable golfers in our forums, and we put endless trust in the opinions of our GolfWRX members — the most knowledgeable community of golfers on the internet. No other group of golfers in the world tests golf clubs as frequently or as extensively, nor is armed with such in-depth information about the latest technology.
Below are the results of GolfWRX member voting for the 2025 best driver, along with the vote percentage for each club.
Best driver of 2025: The top 5
5. Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond: 6.02%
Callaway’s pitch: “For golfers looking for a fast, forgiving, yet workable driver, the Elyte Triple Diamond features a tour-inspired shape and is the preferred model by most Callaway tour players.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond here.
4. Ping G440 Max: 6.86%
Ping’s pitch: “The most forgiving G440 model, MAX has a hotter face to generate speed and distance, and a lighter overall system weight with a longer shaft (46″) for faster clubhead speed, higher launch and longer carries. The Free Hosel and Carbonfly Wrap crown save weight to create our lowest CG ever and increase forgiveness while contributing to a more muted, pleasing sound.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 Max here.
3. Ping G440 LST: 9.53%
Ping’s pitch: “LST is an especially good fit for faster swings, offering less spin and more control with a penetrating trajectory. A hotter face, lighter overall system weight and longer shaft (46″) deliver more speed and distance while maintaining tight dispersion.”
@phizzy30: “Not a fan of Ping drivers in general, but 440 LST takes the cake. It’s super forgiving across the face for a low spin head, looks and sounds good and the ability to make it play neutral or slightly fade biased through the hosel settings is very appealing.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 LST here.
2. Titleist GT3: 16.55%
Titleist’s pitch: “The GT3 Driver offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization through adjustable performance. Dial in the CG Track to your frequent contact location to make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping.”
@mrmikeac: “I’ve been Anti-Titleist for years and years and years (outside of Vokey, of course). With that being said, HOLY BEGEEZUS the GT3 driver is an absolute NUCLEAR MONSTER! This thing blew my G430 10K Max out of the water in every single category. Forgiveness is the biggest thing that stands out of me, the 3 model has always been one of the less forgiving models in the past but this GT3 can take bad shot after bad shot and still end up in the fairway, I think a ton of that has to do with the adjustability, it’s actually effective. Feel and sound is perfect, that solid crack is so addicting to hear and when you hit it out the screws this thing can absolutely bomb it. Titleist, I’m sorry for doubting you. You have converted me.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT3 here.
1. Titleist GT2: 22.91%
Titleist’s pitch: “Delivering impressive distance from any impact point, the Titleist GT2 Driver extracts maximum performance through a forgiving design. Get the stability and added confidence of a high-MOI driver without sacrificing speed.”
@DTorres: “The Titleist GT2 has proven to be the best driver of the year. Packaged in a classic profile, GT2 perfectly balances performance and forgiveness while consistently being a high performer across all categories.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT2 here.
Other drivers receiving >2% of the vote
| Driver | Vote percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Cobra DS Adapt Max K | 4.85% |
| Ping G430 Max 10K | 3.85% |
| Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond | 3.68% |
| TaylorMade Qi35 | 3.51% |
| Callaway Elyte | 3.18% |
| Cobra DS Adapt X | 2.34% |
| Cobra DS Adapt LS | 2.17% |
| TaylorMade Qi35 LS | 2.17% |
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Peter Malnati WITB 2025 (August)
Peter Malnati what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. More photos from the event here. Driver: Titleist...
Cameron Young’s winning WITB: 2025 Wyndham Championship
Driver: Titleist GT2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting) Buy here. Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Orange 70 TX 3-wood: Titleist...
Camilo Villegas WITB 2025 (July)
Camilo Villegas WITB accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. Villegas was undecided on a 3-wood when we shot his bag. ...
WITB Time Machine: Brandt Snedeker’s winning WITB, 2018 Wyndham Championship
Brandt Snedeker fired a final-round 65 at the 2018 Wyndham Championship to outlast Webb Simpson and C.T. Pan. His 5-under...
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
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.
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.
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%..
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.
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!
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)
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.
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.
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
The dude
Mar 6, 2019 at 9:11 pm
Haha….idiot (you took the time to write that)….haha
-thanks for the laugh..
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
HKO
Mar 6, 2019 at 3:49 pm
umm. what is he looking at on their sign?
Drew
Mar 23, 2019 at 3:56 pm
Hahahaha
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.
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!
Midwest Blade
Mar 6, 2019 at 2:01 pm
Wow those putters are the real deal, great finds!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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