David Fearns (Jnr) is a PGA Professional who sees potential in an old golf club that has known better years.

"I simply combined two things people were interested in – the internet and refurbished golf clubs. The business quickly evolved from there."

In his younger days he would clean, polish and re-paint clubs to return them to somewhere near their former glory. He would even add new grips. It was a hobby that generated a bit of extra cash, but it would eventually become ‘Golf Traders’, the thriving 
used golf equipment business based
 in Sydney and operating a productive online store. 

"When I did my PGA Traineeship with my dad at Cabramatta Golf Club we used to clean the clubs up and present them for sale in the newspaper," says Fearns. "Then in 2006, when I was a Professional at Bondi Golf Club, I found that trade-ins turned over quite quickly compared to new equipment, due to the lower prices.

"When the internet came along 
it provided an opportunity to expand the business, so I started calling around the pro shops in Sydney to ask if they had any trade-ins from their members that they were looking to clear," he explains.

"It was all driven by the internet and the increased ability to promote this type of service. I simply combined two things people were interested in – the internet and refurbished golf clubs. The business quickly evolved from there."

Member Benefits

While Golf Traders thrives on linking customers with the equipment they need at affordable prices, the business also offers benefits to PGA Professionals 
via the provision of a no-risk, no-loss trade-in service for club members that mirrors the successful business model of the PGA.com Value Guide in America.

"The PGA of America has authorised a company to value all trade-ins in US dollars. That guide is available online and we use it to set prices for our clubs in Australian dollars," Fearns explains.

"Sometimes golf clubs might even have ex- floor stock like bags, shoes or clubs, which is brand new equipment that’s slow moving, and we’ll buy it o them at an agreed price. It gives them some flexibility to clear stock at certain times, such as the end of financial year."

Sourcing Equipment

Fearns’ biggest challenge is constantly sourcing enough equipment to meet the demand of his large customer base. "Club Professionals offer the service to their members to take trade-ins and find an avenue to sell them, which is where I come in. I keep in regular contact with those PGA Pros. They might call me after six months to let me know they’ve got a few clubs if I want to come and collect them," Fearns says.

"We now have more than enough customers online. It’s more about getting our hands on products to buy and sell. I have huge lists of clubs to search for, but I’ve found the easier way is to contact customers as soon as their desired product becomes available."

Happy Customers

However, Golf Traders is more than 
just a warehouse for an assortment of old drivers, irons, wedges and putters.

"We have a huge range of items to view on our internet store and we probably have the same amount again ready to add to the store at any given time," Fearns says.

"Customers can take advantage of our in-store virtual fitting centre and expert advice on second-hand club fitting. We can fit a second-hand set
 of clubs by adjusting them to the right size for the individual. My customers like to try things. If they don’t like it they bring it back and swap it for something else," Fearns says. "We have a lot of customers and I believe golf is currently in a healthy state."