Thinking about playing a round on vacation but dreading the hassle of flying with your clubs? Or maybe you're new to the game and not ready to buy a full set. The big question is simple: can you just show up at a golf course and rent clubs? The answer is a resounding yes. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about renting golf clubs, from how the process works and what it costs to the quality of clubs you can expect and whether it's the right choice for you.
Nearly every public, semi-private, and resort golf course offers club rentals right out of their pro shop. They do this for a very simple reason: it gets more people playing golf. Courses understand that not everyone travels with their own equipment and that many beginners want to try the game without the commitment of purchasing a full set. By offering rentals, they make the game more accessible to travelers, new players, and casual golfers who might only play a few times a year. It's a fantastic service that removes a major barrier to entry for enjoying a day on the links.
You have a few solid options when it comes to getting temporary access to a set of clubs, with the golf course itself being the most common and convenient choice.
This is the most popular and straightforward method. The pro shop at the golf course is your command center for your round. It’s where you check in for your tee time, buy balls and gloves, and yes, rent your clubs. The process is designed to be quick and painless. High-end resort courses in golf destinations like Scottsdale, Myrtle Beach, or Palm Springs often have an outstanding selection of a high-quality rental equipment, sometimes featuring the very latest models.
Many standalone driving ranges also offer club rentals. This is an excellent option if you're not playing a full round but just want to hit a bucket of balls and work on your swing. Rentals at a driving range can be more flexible, sometimes you can rent an entire set, or often just a single club like a driver or a 7-iron for a small fee. It’s a great, low-cost way to get a feel for the game or try a specific club you're considering buying.
For golfers who travel frequently and want a higher-end or more specific experience, there are dedicated rental services like ClubHub or Ship Sticks (which also ships your own clubs). These companies will ship a premium set of golf clubs directly to your hotel, resort, or even to the golf course you’ll be playing. While it costs more and requires some advance planning, it allows you to choose from a wider selection of premium brands and even customize the set to your personal specifications.
Renting clubs is simple, but as a coach, I'm a big believer in being prepared. Following these steps will ensure your experience is smooth from start to finish.
This is the single most important piece of advice I can give you. Don’t just assume the course will have what you need when you walk in. A quick phone call to the pro shop a day or two before your round is a professional move. Here's what you should ask:
Don't be intimidated by the term "shaft flex." It's simple: If you have a fast, powerful swing, ask for stiff. If you have an average swing speed, ask for regular (this is the most common). If you have a slower, smoother swing, senior or ladies' flex will help you get the ball in the air more easily.
When you arrive at the course, head inside to the pro shop. Let the staff at the counter know you're checking in for your tee time and that you called ahead to reserve a rental set. They’ll handle the payment and get the clubs for you.
In most cases, the pro shop attendant will go grab the set for you. Sometimes, especially at larger resorts, they’ll give you a ticket to be redeemed with the starter or the cart attendant outside. They will have your pre-selected set ready for you. Give them a quick once-over to make sure you have everything you'll need.
Worried you're going to get a bag of mismatched, beat-up goodwill clubs from the 1980s? Don't be. Most golf courses take pride in their rental fleets.
Courses typically stock rental sets from leading golf manufacturers. You can expect to see full sets from names like TaylorMade, Titleist, Callaway, PING, or Cobra. The clubs are usually models that are one to three years old. They will be clean and in good playing condition with quality grips. Resort courses often use their rental fleets as a way for golfers to demo the latest and greatest technology, so you might even end up playing with top-of-the-line gear.
A standard rental set is a full 14-club set (the maximum allowed) and usually comes with a nice stand or cart bag. A typical bag will contain:
The price for renting can vary significantly depending on the caliber of the course and the quality of the clubs.
Renting is fantastic, but it's not for every situation. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.
To make sure you have the best experience possible with your rental set, here are a few final tips:
Renting golf clubs is an incredibly common, easy, and convenient option available at almost any golf course. It’s a perfect solution for the traveling golfer, the curious beginner, or the occasional player just looking to enjoy a round without the commitment of buying a full set.
Whether you're using your tried-and-true clubs or a brand-new rental set, confidence and a smart game plan are what ultimately lead to a better score. That’s why we built Caddie AI. Our app acts as your personal caddie and coach, providing instant, expert strategy for every hole and real-time advice for any shot you face. My goal is to remove the guesswork so you can commit to every swing with confidence, no matter whose clubs are in your bag.
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