Is Budget Golf Legit? The Truth About Their Closure & Merger

You’re standing over an online shopping cart, a great deal on a new driver staring back at you. But a nagging question stops you from clicking “buy”: is Budget Golf legit? You’ve heard the name, seen the low prices, but in a world of counterfeit clubs and questionable online retailers, you need to be sure you’re getting authentic gear and won’t be left hanging if something goes wrong.

The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, especially after a major recent change. Yes, Budget Golf is a legitimate and well-respected retailer, which has now officially merged with and operates as part of GlobalGolf.com. It’s known for authentic products and competitive pricing, but buyers must be aware of documented challenges, especially with international shipping and customer service for resolving order issues.

This guide cuts through the noise. Leveraging extensive analysis of company announcements, detailed customer experiences, and forum discussions, we’ll unpack the full story. We will cover exactly what the merger with Global Golf means for you, weigh the clear pros against the significant cons, and give you the final verdict on whether you should shop with them in [Current Year].

Key Facts

Official Merger: On March 20, 2024, Budget Golf officially merged with and now operates as part of the GlobalGolf.com family, a major player in online golf retail.

Authenticity Confirmed: Extensive forum discussions among repeat buyers confirm the company has a strong reputation for selling 100% genuine and authentic golf clubs, with no widespread issues of counterfeit products reported.

The Primary Risk: Documented customer experiences, particularly from international buyers in Canada, highlight significant risks with high, unexpected shipping and customs charges levied by carriers like UPS.

A Standout Perk: A key benefit, now part of GlobalGolf, is the “90 Day Test Drive” program. This unique policy allows golfers to use many clubs and still return them within 90 days for full store credit.

Massive Selection: The combined platform of GlobalGolf.com now offers customers access to an enormous inventory of over 300,000 golf items, including clubs, apparel, accessories, and tech.

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Is Budget Golf Legit? The Final Verdict for Current Year

So, what’s the bottom line before you click ‘add to cart’? For years, Budget Golf built a solid reputation among U.S.-based golfers as a reliable source for authentic, competitively priced equipment. The consensus in countless online discussions was clear: Budget Golf is legit. They delivered real products, often faster than expected, and provided some of the best deals available. However, the story isn’t always perfect, and recent changes have shifted the landscape.

The key takeaway is this: Yes, Budget Golf is a legitimate retailer, now operating as part of GlobalGolf.com. While it has a strong reputation for authentic products and competitive pricing, shoppers should be aware of potential challenges with international shipping and customer service when problems arise. This means that for most domestic buyers, the experience is likely to be positive. But for those outside the U.S. or those who might require significant customer support, a degree of caution is warranted.

What Happened to BudgetGolf.com? The Merger with Global Golf Explained

If you’ve tried visiting the Budget Golf website recently, you might have been confused to see yourself redirected or to find information about the store being “CLOSED.” Don’t worry, the company didn’t just disappear. Instead, it underwent a significant business transformation.

On March 20, 2024, BudgetGolf.com officially merged with GlobalGolf.com. This move integrates Budget Golf into the larger Global Golf family, creating a more comprehensive online destination for golf enthusiasts. For the user, this means the brand you trusted is now part of a bigger, well-established platform.

Here’s what this merger entails:

A New Home: The BudgetGolf.com website now directs all traffic to GlobalGolf.com. All shopping, browsing, and purchasing now happens on the Global Golf platform.
Joining the Family: This wasn’t a hostile takeover but an integration. The announcement framed it as “joining the Global Golf Family,” aiming to combine the strengths of both retailers.
Expanded Programs: Former Budget Golf customers are now part of the Global Golf ecosystem. This automatically enrolls them in the UPerks® rewards program, where they can earn “GlobalCash” on their purchases.
Access to History: Your old order information isn’t lost. Quick Fact: Existing Budget Golf customers can still access their old purchase history by contacting GlobalGolf’s customer service.

This merger solidifies the company’s position in the market, combining Budget Golf’s reputation for deals with Global Golf’s extensive inventory and established programs like their trade-in service and 90-day playability guarantee.

For Former Budget Golf Customers: What This Means for You

If you were a loyal Budget Golf shopper, the transition to GlobalGolf.com brings a few practical changes to how you’ll interact with the company. It’s a positive shift overall, giving you access to more features and a larger inventory. Your purchase history is safe and accessible through GlobalGolf’s customer service, and you are now automatically enrolled in the UPerks® rewards program to earn GlobalCash on future purchases.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know:

Your Account: You are now part of the Global Golf customer base. Pro Tip: If you had an account on BudgetGolf.com, check your email for information about your new GlobalGolf account and the UPerks® program.
Purchase History: To look up any orders placed with Budget Golf before March 20, 2024, you will need to get in touch with GlobalGolf Customer Service. They have access to the legacy data.
Rewards Program: You’re now a member of the UPerks® program. This is a significant upgrade, as you’ll earn reward points, called GlobalCash, on every dollar you spend, which can be applied to future orders.
Expanded Policies: You now have access to all of Global Golf’s policies, including their popular “90 Day Test Drive” program on a wide range of clubs.

The Full Picture: Pros and Cons of Shopping with Budget Golf (Now GlobalGolf)

No retailer is perfect. To truly answer the question “is Budget Golf legit?”, you need a balanced view. Based on aggregated user reviews, forum discussions, and company policies, we’ve compiled a clear, side-by-side comparison. This table synthesizes the collective customer experience, highlighting where the company shines and where it falls short. Does the wide selection and pricing outweigh the potential customer service risks for you?

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Authenticity is Assured: Overwhelmingly positive reports confirm they sell 100% genuine clubs and gear.	Poor International Shipping: Documented cases of extremely high, unexpected customs/brokerage fees, especially for Canadian buyers using UPS.
Massive Product Selection: As part of Global Golf, you have access to over 300,000 items from all major brands.	Inconsistent Customer Service: While often good, service can become unresponsive and ineffective when complex order issues arise, based on documented customer experiences.
Competitive Pricing & Deals: Known for excellent prices on closeout items, plus a price match guarantee and trade-in program.	Order Accuracy Issues: Reports exist of incorrect items being shipped or items showing in-stock online that are actually unavailable.
Excellent “Test Drive” Policy: The 90-day return policy for used clubs (for full credit) is a major advantage and confidence-booster.	Refund Delays: In cases of order problems, customers have reported unfulfilled promises of refunds and long waits for resolution.
Strong U.S. Reputation: Domestic customers generally report fast shipping and smooth, positive transaction experiences.	BBB Status: Budget Golf is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

A Warning for International Buyers: The Cross-Border Shipping Challenge

While U.S. customers often praise Budget Golf’s service, the experience for international buyers—particularly those in Canada—can be a completely different story. This is the single most significant negative pattern found in customer feedback. International customers, particularly in Canada, report risks of unexpectedly high shipping and customs charges from carriers like UPS, alongside challenges with order accuracy and getting support when issues arise.

One detailed account from a user on the Toronto Golf Nuts forum paints a vivid picture of the potential pitfalls. It serves as a crucial case study for any cross-border shopper.

A common sentiment sums it up perfectly: "UPS still sucks for cross border transactions"

The customer’s experience highlighted a cascade of failures:
1. Incorrect Order Fulfillment: An item was discovered to be out of stock after the order was placed. Despite instructions to cancel the entire order if the item wasn’t available, the company shipped the remaining items incorrectly.
2. High Unexpected Fees: The shipment arrived with a demand for substantial additional charges from UPS for brokerage and customs, turning a supposed “deal” into an expensive purchase.
3. Unresponsive Customer Service: Multiple attempts to resolve the issue with Budget Golf’s customer service were met with unfulfilled promises. The promised refund for the shipping charges never materialized.
4. Final Outcome: Frustrated by the lack of resolution and exorbitant fees, the customer ultimately had to refuse the entire shipment.

This isn’t an isolated incident but an example of a systemic problem with certain carriers and cross-border e-commerce that can leave international customers in a frustrating and costly bind.

Authenticity & Policies: What Guarantees Do You Have?

Two of the biggest fears when buying golf gear online are receiving counterfeit junk or being stuck with a club that just doesn’t work for your swing. A legitimate retailer addresses these fears head-on with a transparent reputation and clear, customer-friendly policies. Budget Golf (now GlobalGolf) has a strong reputation for selling authentic clubs and offers two key policies: a standard 30-day return for unused items and a unique “90 Day Test Drive” on many clubs for a full-credit return.

Product Authenticity: Are the Clubs Real?

This is the most critical question, and the answer is a resounding yes. Despite the “budget” name, the company’s reputation is built on selling genuine equipment. In numerous threads on forums like The Hackers Paradise, where avid golfers dissect their purchases, the consensus is clear.

In a discussion about fake clubs, a user who ordered multiple times stated they “never had any problems receiving fake/counterfeit clubs from Budget Golf.” This sentiment is echoed by many others who praise the company for being “100% legit.”

The merger with GlobalGolf.com, another retailer known for authenticity, only strengthens this trust factor. You can shop with confidence knowing you are receiving authentic products from official brand supply chains.

Return Policies: Your Safety Net

Global Golf’s policies, now extended to all former Budget Golf customers, provide a robust safety net for your purchases. It’s crucial to understand the two main types of returns:

Standard 30-Day Return: You can return any item within 30 days of receipt as long as it is in new and unused condition and in its original packaging. This is perfect for apparel that doesn’t fit or an accessory you bought by mistake.
The “90 Day Test Drive”: This is the game-changer and a standout feature in the industry. Available on a huge selection of new and used clubs, this program allows you to:
- Play with the club(s) for up to 90 days.
- If you don’t like it for any reason, you can return it.
- You will receive 100% of the purchase price back as in-store credit to use on a different purchase.

The ’90 Day Test Drive’ is a standout feature. Have you ever wished you could try a club on the course before committing? This policy makes that possible, removing almost all the risk from buying a club online.

Smart Alternatives: Other Retailers for Budget-Friendly Golf Gear

While the new Global Golf platform is a fantastic one-stop-shop, it’s always smart to know your options. The golf retail landscape is filled with great companies, especially in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) space, that offer incredible value. Looking for something specific? One of these direct-to-consumer brands might have exactly what you need.

LAZRUS Golf: Known for cutting out the middleman to offer affordable, forgiving clubs. As featured in reviews by personalities like Rick Shiels, LAZRUS has gained a reputation for providing surprisingly high quality for a fraction of the price of major brands. They are a go-to for golfers who want solid performance without the marketing markup.
Giga Golf: If you want a more personalized fit, Giga Golf is a top choice. They specialize in allowing for the customization of clubs to match your specific swing specs, offering a custom-fit experience at an off-the-rack price point.
Seven Golf: For the discerning golfer who appreciates premium quality, Seven Golf focuses on high-end Japanese craftsmanship. Their clubs often feature CNC-milled faces and meticulous construction, offering tour-level quality for those seeking precision.
MacGregor and RAM Golf: These are classic brands that have been resurrected as direct-to-consumer powerhouses. They offer complete package sets and individual clubs that provide excellent value and solid, reliable performance for beginners and mid-handicappers.

To truly equip yourself for the course without overspending, exploring the best budget golf clubs can reveal hidden gems and perfect fits for your game.

FAQs About Budget Golf and Global Golf

Is Budget Golf now Global Golf?

Yes. As of March 20, 2024, Budget Golf merged with and now operates as part of GlobalGolf.com. The BudgetGolf.com website redirects to Global Golf.

Are the clubs sold by Budget Golf / Global Golf authentic?

Yes. Budget Golf has a long-standing reputation for being a trustworthy retailer selling authentic clubs. Forum discussions among repeat customers confirm they have not had issues with receiving fake or counterfeit products.

What was the biggest complaint about Budget Golf?

The most significant documented complaints relate to international shipping, where customers have reported issues with incorrect orders, high unexpected customs fees from carriers like UPS, and unresponsive customer service when trying to resolve these problems.

What is the “90 Day Test Drive” program?

The “90 Day Test Drive” is a GlobalGolf program, available on many clubs, that allows you to use a club and return it for any reason within 90 days for full credit towards a different purchase.

Is Discount Golf Store legit?

While this article focuses on Budget Golf, other retailers like Discount Golf Store are also often discussed. According to available data, discountgolfstore.co.uk has a very high consumer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, indicating most customers are very satisfied.

Final Summary: Should You Shop at the New Global Golf?

So, we return to the core question: is Budget Golf legit, and should you give its new home at GlobalGolf.com your business? The evidence is clear. The company is absolutely legitimate, with a long history of selling authentic products and a recent merger that strengthens its position in the market. The combination of a massive inventory, competitive pricing, and the industry-leading “90 Day Test Drive” policy makes it a compelling option for almost any golfer.

However, that recommendation comes with one major caveat. The legitimacy of the business is not in question, but the quality of the customer experience can vary dramatically based on your location.

Here is the final verdict, broken down by buyer type:

For U.S. Based Golfers: Yes, absolutely. You can shop with a high degree of confidence. You’ll benefit from the huge selection, great prices, and excellent return policies with a low risk of running into the major issues reported by others.
For International Buyers (especially Canada): Proceed with extreme caution. While you will receive authentic products, you face a tangible risk of significant, unexpected shipping and customs fees and may struggle to get help if your order goes wrong. You must weigh the potential savings against these considerable risks.
For Golfers Who Value Try-Before-You-Buy: It’s one of the best options available. The “90 Day Test Drive” program is a massive benefit that removes nearly all the financial risk of buying a club that doesn’t suit your game.

Now that you have the full story on the Budget Golf merger and customer experience, you can make the best choice for your golf bag and your wallet.

Last update on 2025-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API