Used golf equipment allows you to get your hands on all the basics without breaking the bank. Golf Bidder, the leading source of secondhand equipment, offers a large selection of clubs, balls, bags, shoes, clothing, and accessories. Products are organized into sections to make it easier to search—you can shop exclusively for beginner’s gear, for example, or look at women’s golf clubs. It even offers product guides for those buying their first equipment, making sure they get their money’s worth.

Golf Bidder started out as a small shop dealing in used golf clubs, but grew into a full-fledged shop and eventually took its business online. It is now one of the biggest online retailers in Europe, as well as the most trusted in golf circles. It’s known to have the most competitive prices in the market and the highest quality—most of their products are in excellent shape and can even pass for brand-new. They back this quality by offering a one-month warranty and a seven-day money-back guarantee on all their items.

Another advantage to buying secondhand is that you get a larger selection than you would at other stores. Stores like Golf Bidder can stock up on older items alongside new ones, while their commercial counterparts will put old ones on sale and only keep new gear on the shelves. The best ones even create professional catalogues for their top-selling items, treating each product as if it were fresh off the factory. Occasionally they put specific products up for auction, which can save buyers over half the going price.

If you’ve built up a good collection of gear over the years, you can sell some of them to Golf Bidder or another secondhand dealer. Many people do this so they can upgrade without shelling out the entire retail price, or just for some quick cash. Just make sure they’re in good quality (they check everything) and shop around so you know you’re getting the best price.

Today, golf is “hemorrhaging” with such players, according to sports columnist Scott Michaux. Thirteen of the most recent majors have gone to a handful of different golfers, most of them on their major tour debut. Case in point: Keegan Bradley, who recently nabbed the PGA title, follows six other first-time winners, adding to the longest string of first-time winners in the game’s history.

One obvious reason for this is that the old-timers are aging. By next year most of them, Woods being the major exception, will be in their forties. This leaves the door open for newcomers to start making their marks, just as it works with any other sport. The difference is that golf has been dominated by Woods and a handful of veterans—Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh, to name a couple—for so long that a lot of new blood has cropped up, waiting for their turn.

Michaux has picked some of the younger players most likely to rise to the top in the next few years. Topping his list is Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, who won his first major, the U.S. Open, last June. It capped off a successful amateur career and established the 22-year-old as a force to be reckoned with in pro circles. Indeed, experts say it’s not a question of whether he’ll make it big, but when.

Martin Kaymer of Düsseldorf, Germany runs a close second. To date, the 26-year-old has won nine tournaments on the European Tour, including the 2010 PGA Championship. It made him only the second German to win a major title, following Bernhard Langer (who’s known for having won pro tournaments on every continent).

Also worth watching is South African Charl Schwartzel, whose performance Michaux noted as the “most consistent” of the year. He has made the cuts in every tournament he has joined in 2011. Geoff Oglivy of Australia, although older and currently struggling with a losing streak, can be trusted to deliver on every tour and has shown a few promising games this year. Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell also made the list, although he seems to have strayed following his successful 2010 run.

The basic concept behind golf trading is that you back a golfer for a certain price (i.e. you bet X dollars that Golfer A will win). You can then bet against that same player, for a different price and at a different stage in the tournament, ensuring a profit for yourself. This is called laying. It’s one of the simplest and most efficient ways to go around golf trading. Of course, as you go along you may find more strategies that work better for you, or that better reflect your favorite players’ patterns.

Betfair is the go-to place for golf trading, mostly because of its simple interface and large customer base. Although based in the UK, it accepts golf traders from around the world and supports tournaments from all continents. At the moment they are giving away free £25 bets for new signups, so it’s a good time to try it without putting anything at stake.

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll want to allocate a pot, or a certain amount of money, to use on upcoming tournaments. Most experts suggest putting between 10 and 15 units from your bankroll, and then dividing it between two events. This should help distribute the risk so that you don’t lose a large pot if the odds aren’t in your favor. Of course, this means getting to know each player and estimating their odds. You can further distribute your stakes among five or so players if you’re wary about losing.

Most experts agree that your exit point, or the stage where you pack up and quit, is vital to maximizing your wins or curbing your losses. You’ll usually know how well you’re doing halfway into the game. At this point you can trade out or wait to see if your money can grow further.

Each golf trader has his own strategy. Even the more experienced ones will have contradicting opinions on how you can win more or lose less. It all boils down to how much risk you’re ready to take, which in turn is tied to how well you know the game and your players. Start with small bets, and when you’ve got a better feel of how it works, you can trade more boldly and earn more.

Of course, at some point even the most solid wheels will give in to wear and tear. If you’re a moderate to active golfer, you should always keep spares on hand—one for each wheel—so you’re not left hand-carrying your gear if one gives in. Golf trolley wheels can be expensive, but a good-quality one can last you years of regular use and will be well worth your money.

Golf trolleys come in two-wheel and three-wheel models, the latter being more recent and more costly. Each wheel is uniquely placed, so they’re not always interchangeable. On a three-wheel model, for example, the front wheel is smaller and mostly provides extra speed and balance. Some two-wheel models have identical left and right wheels, while others make them slightly differently.

Plastic and metal wheels offer the best value for money, although they vary in terms of durability. Most lightweight two-wheel trolleys will accept both types. Use plastic wheels if you expect mostly soft surfaces, or if you won’t be using the trolley more than a few times a week. If you will be pulling it over long stretches of concrete or pavement, invest in a sturdier metal piece. These are usually treated to resist most scratches and moderate impact.

Some manufacturers go all the way and offer a range of added features, from anti-wear to flame-retardant treatments. At this point it’s really about how much you want to invest in golf trolley wheels. Low gravity means better balance, a plus if you’re carrying heavy gear. Scratch and impact resistance are always good to have; in fact, they’re practically standard and a wheel that doesn’t have them is probably not worth your money.

Larger trolleys, especially electric ones, often use pneumatic wheels, which are basically miniature tires. This makes for a lighter yet stronger build, and better protection against rough surfaces. The downside is that it’s more expensive—one wheel can cost over $60, and some models require specific brands that aren’t readily available. You can save a few dollars by buying in pairs, and have a local distributor find one online for you.

Most golf buggies are made to carry two golfers and their equipment, and are suited to different kinds of terrain. In the 1950s, small electric motor-powered models could be had for as little as $300. Prices went up to the $1,000-$1,500 range when the gas-powered cart was introduced in the 1970s. Electric golf carts still exists, although gas motors are far more popular. Today, golf carts range in price from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the size, features, and appearance. Some manufacturers also offer custom-made carts, although these can cost twice as much.

Many new golf carts are made to resemble regular cars and can be used for short-distance transport in small neighborhoods, even to and from schools. If your neighbourhood allows it, this double duty may make it more worth your money. This will eat up more of your mileage, of course, so take everyday use into account. A well-made brand should have no trouble putting up with the wear and tear.

Club Car buggies are among the most trusted in the market. The company, based in Augusta, Georgia, also makes utility and all-terrain vehicles, so their golf carts more than do the job. The Club Car Precedent, its most popular model, is ranked the best golf cart by several magazines and websites.

If you’re just starting out in golf, you may not need to buy a golf cart just yet—you can simply ride with more experienced players or rent one from a club. In fact, most players just rent for most of their lives; some will invest in a golf cart when it starts to become a career (i.e. the cart will pay for itself). When it comes time to buy your first, you can save money by buying a used cart—one should still be in good condition after a couple of years of occasional use, and will go for around 30% less the market price.

When buying a used cart, make sure to look at the mileage and usage. If you’re not careful, the repairs may cost you just as much as a brand-new cart. Appearances count as well; at the very least, they tell you something about the previous owner. Bumps and scratches on the exterior can mean they didn’t take as much care of the cart as they should have.

The favorites to win at the U.S. Open tennis championship, which opened this week in Bethesda, Maryland, and at Wimbledon on next week, are mostly Europeans. Last month, the U.S. placed off the top ten in tennis rankings for the first time in almost 40 years.

American golfers aren’t doing much better, especially after Tiger Woods, without doubt the country’s strongest contender, conceded the top spot. Luke Donald and Lee Westwood of the U.K., and Martin Kaymer from Germany, have since surged to the front. They’ve also steered clear of men’s tour titles: the reigning U.S. Open champion is Irish golfer Graeme McDowell, and South Africans Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen hold the 2011 Masters and 2010 British Open titles respectively.

On the second day of this year’s Masters tournament, only one American, Fred Couples of Palm Springs, California, made it to the top 10. Women golfers aren’t doing as badly—Cristie Kerr is the current LPGA champion and currently ranks second in the world, and Paula Creamer won the U.S. open last year. Both women are from Florida.

Experts say it’s more about Europeans rising up to the sport rather than Americans slipping off. Tiger Woods became a worldwide icon and sparked interest in golf outside of the U.S. According to PGA Tour veteran Charles Howell III, most of the prominent players from Europe trained in the U.S.—McDowell went to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Donald was on a golf scholarship at Northwestern University.

In the ladies’ tour, Swedish-American Annika Sorenstam, who lives in Florida, also had a sort of “Tiger Woods effect” across the continents. Last year’s LPGA tournament winner, Germany’s Sandra Gal, said many successful women golfers looked up to Sorenstam, including some fellow golfers from as far as Korea.

Asian golfers also appear to be on the rise, particularly in the ladies’ tour. Six of the top ten players in the Women’s World Golf Rankings, informally known as the Rolex Rankings, are from Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea. Besides Kerr, who ranks second, there is only one other American on the list: part-Korean Michelle Wie from Hawaii. Yani Tseng of Taiwan is the current top ranker.

Golf shoes are designed to give you more stability as you swing. Metal or plastic spikes on the soles help you “grip” the ground so your feet don’t slide off, especially in wet conditions. Some courses have banned metal spikes, though, as they make tend to make deep marks on the green.

Some players claim a good pair of shoes can change your swing, improve your accuracy, and increase your distance. It’s probably a bit far-fetched, especially if you’re a casual player. But for the added comfort and traction, they might be worth your money if you spend entire days playing regularly. If anything, it keeps those blisters away on toasty summer days.

Golf shoes can cost you as little as $35 (on sale) or as much as $300. As with any other footwear, your main concern should be comfort. You want them to be light and breathable but not too flimsy, sturdy and waterproof but not cramped. Set your budget according to how passionate you are about the game. You get what you pay for, but it’s no use buying more than what you need.

You may also want to get additional spikes, in case you lose some during play. Ask your dealer if your shoe takes metal and plastic/rubber spikes. It’s not an essential feature, but it’s always good to have options.

Walk into a pro golf store or browse a golf shoe website, and you’ll get a good idea of your options. While some only ask for your size, others will take into account the width of your feet and your terrain, among other things. Obviously, the more meticulous you are, the more complicated the shopping gets.

The best test, however, is to try them on, ideally on a simulated green. Unless they have a good return policy, buying golf shoes—or any footwear for that matter—on the internet is always a bit tricky. When you slip into the shoes, expect a tighter fit around the middle. It gives you extra balance as most of your weight goes in the middle when you swing. Remember to wear the same socks you use on the green to make sure you get the perfect fit.

The first few minutes leading up to a game tends to be hurried—running to the check-in counter, dashing over to the tee, lugging equipment around. New players tend to be out of breath by the time they start, and this can lead to very unsteady play.

So what kind of warm-up works well for golf, and how much should you get in? A common trick is to practice your putting stroke on the green itself. This will not only get you used to the move, which is one of the most important in golf, but also help you match your pace to the greens. After all, not all greens are made the same. Hard greens make the ball roll faster than soft ones, and you want to get used to it before the actual game starts.

Do your warm-up putting from various distances and angles, ranging from 20 to 40 feet. Pay attention to your particular weaknesses—if you have trouble with speed control, for example, keep an eye on the ball and see if it’s rolling at the speed you intended. Spend a few minutes more on rolling putts at short distances (about three to ten feet), using a tee or coin as the goal. Don’t putt into the cup, as missing it will lower your confidence level and greatly affect your game.

If you have a few minutes more to spare, spend them on quick putts that run directly uphill. Hit about 25 in a row—this will give you the image of the ball falling into the hole for the rest of the game. It’s a nice motivational picture, and as is often the case with sports, motivation gets you halfway there.

Mental warm-up is also important in golf. You’ve probably heard players say that practice greens are different from the actual greens. They’re not—both are prepared and cut to the same standards and using the same tools. What makes the difference is that during a real game, there’s more pressure to do well. Build up your confidence on both fields, and you can get into the game knowing you’ve got what it takes to win.

Luckily, some tips are universal. When it comes to clubs, for example, most experts agree that quality is a must. Bad clubs can bog down your game enough to discourage you. If cost is an issue, rent a set for the first few games, or buy a used set if you’re more serious. When you’ve gained some experience, you’re in a better position to know which clubs are most worth your money.

The same rule applies to golf aids, such as golf trainers, training mats, and instructional videos. Don’t splurge on high-end stuff just yet; rather, get into the game slowly and get to know your own strengths. You’ll be able to decide what you need later on.

It’s also important to realize, early in your career, that golf is a serious sport. Images of well-off retirees playing golf and private greens in high-end resorts make it seem leisurely next to more high-impact sports, but if you want to excel, you’ll have to put in a proportionate number of hours, just like any athlete.

That being said, the pros agree that you need to take time to relax. You don’t want to take the game so seriously that you see it as work instead of play. Don’t get riled up over a bad shot or when your opponent makes a nice move. It’s good to be competitive, but it shouldn’t get in the way of a good time. Golf should be a test of skill, not of patience.

If you’re in it for the exercise, skip the golf cart and get around on foot. Use golf carts only when the weather’s bad, or if the distances are too demanding. Most courses are very scenic—the perfect spot for a stroll!

Finally, practice good sportsmanship. All the technical prowess money can buy are worth little if you don’t get along with other players. The most successful golfers know that the competition isn’t always obvious, and that it never pays to underestimate others. That other guy may have a funny swing, but he just might give you a run for your money!

The best way to evaluate a country in terms of golf is to consider how the international community views their courses. In this regard, Canada has had amazing success recently. Golfers from all over the world are coming to Canadian golf courses in record numbers. A big factor in this achievement is Canada’s public courses, which are some of the highest profile and most well respected public golf courses in the world.

Let’s examine the top five.

1. Loch March

Loch March is “exclusively public,” and not only does it pride itself on being one of Canada’s premiere courses, it exhibits the most superb Ottawa golf club in the entire a rea. What makes Loch March so famous is how un-man-made it feels. It’s uncanny the way they were able to use the natural topography of the stunning March Highlands. Another impressive feat is its golf club, which boasts a quality normally reserved for private clubs.

2. The Links at Crowbush Cove

Established in 1993, the Links at Crowbush Cove are on Prince Edward Island overlooking the remarkable north shore dunes. The beauty of this place is majestic, and its 18 holes provide an impressive amount of diversity. It has challenging greens, undulating fairways, pot bunkers, water holes and a number of other exciting features. Part of what makes the Links at Crowbush Cover so popular is that you can plan entire family vacation around it.

3. Lake Joseph

Golf Digest voted Lake Joseph the best new Canadian golf course of 1998, and that was no small honor because there were a number of high profile openings that year. Since then, Lake Joseph has continued to live up to the distinction. The primary course at Lake Joseph is 18 championship holes that provide an excellent blend of strategy and scenery. It also boasts a fantastic 27-par secondary course called the Villa Course.

4. Highland Links

Designed by the legendary Stanley Thompson and opened in 1939, the Cape Breton Highland Links golf course is a unique masterpiece that distinguishes itself among the great golf courses in the world. What makes this 18-hole course so magical is that it boasts spectacular ocean views all while being nestled in the Nova Scotia wilderness. But what keeps golfers coming back for more is the exhilarating challenge that never becomes stale.

5. Jasper

Designed by Thompson in 1925, (years before he devised Highland Links), Jasper is a jewel buried deep in the Canadian Rockies. What makes Jasper special is that it accentuates challenge and diversity, and the 18-hole layout boasts an array of impressive features, including mountain vistas, layered and dramatically stylized bunkers and even elevated tee boxes. The course has changed over the years, but since 1994, has readopted it original 1925 design.