How to Tell Fake Callaway Clubs

The golf counterfeit industry is worth between $4 billion and $6 billion per year, according to Golf Digest, making it a serious global problem. Because of the abundance of counterfeit golf clubs on the market, you should protect yourself as a consumer by making sure that the Callaway clubs you buy are indeed authentic.

1. Check the hosel of the club, which is the section that joins the shaft to the clubhead. Callaway stamps serial numbers on the hosel.

2. Legitimate Callaway serial numbers are stamped clearly with uniform digits.

3. Counterfeit clubs might be missing the serial number or contain a serial number that is crooked. Contact Callaway to check whether the serial number is legitimate.

1. Compare the Callaway name, logo and other identifying markings on the club side-by-side with an authentic Callaway club. Counterfeiters do not always duplicate logos closely enough to trick an informed customer. If the name or logo on the clubs in question appear slightly different from an authentic Callaway club, the clubs are likely fake.

1. Hold a magnet to a club purporting to be titanium to check if the material is indeed titanium. Callaway uses this type of metal for many of its clubs, but counterfeiters usually use generic metals instead. A magnet will not stick to titanium, but it will adhere to other types of metals.

1. Gauge the price of the golf clubs in relation to Callaway's recommended price.

2. If the clubs are new, they should sell for a price close to Callaway's suggested price. If the price is substantially lower, it could be an indication that the clubs are fake.