Buying Golf Clubs as a Beginner

SPORT · GLOBAL

Buying Golf Clubs as a Beginner

What you actually need, fitting, forgiveness and buying used

Beginners are sold full sets and need fewer clubs than they think, and the specification that matters most is one rarely mentioned in a shop.

You need fewer clubs

A driver, a hybrid or fairway wood, a few irons, a wedge and a putter is more than enough to learn with. Fourteen clubs is a maximum rather than a requirement, and a half set is easier to carry and to learn from.

Spend on lessons before spending on clubs. It is the single best value in the game.

Shaft flex is the specification that matters

Flex should match your swing speed. A shaft too stiff loses distance and feels harsh; too flexible sends the ball offline. Most beginners are better with regular or senior flex than they assume.

Shaft weight and length matter too, which is why even a basic fitting session is worth doing.

Forgiveness

Game improvement irons have a wider sole, more offset and perimeter weighting, which reduces how much off-centre hits are punished. Blades look better and are for players who strike consistently.

Buying clubs that look professional is the standard beginner mistake.

Lie angle

A club whose sole does not sit flat at impact sends the ball left or right regardless of the swing. Static fitting for length and lie costs little and helps a great deal.

Buying used

Clubs hold up for years and the used market is excellent. Check the grooves for wear, the shafts for dents, and the grips, which are inexpensive to replace and make a real difference.

Balls and the rest

Cheap soft balls are fine while learning, since you will lose them. Add a bag, tees, a marker and a glove.

Getting started

Group lessons, pay and play courses and par three courses are the cheapest way in, and driving ranges let you practise without holding anyone up. Many clubs run beginner sessions with clubs provided.

Learn the basic etiquette and pace of play early, which matters more to other golfers than your score.

Looking after clubs

Clean the grooves after each round, dry clubs before bagging them and replace the grips every year or two, since worn grips make you hold on far too tightly.

Playing in weather

Waterproofs, spare gloves and a towel inside the bag change how a wet round feels. Leave the course if there is lightning, since golf courses are exposed and clubs are conductive.

Sun protection matters over four hours with no shade — sunscreen reapplied at the turn, a hat and proper sunglasses.

Practising

Short game and putting account for most shots and get the least practice.

WHERE TO BUY

Ready to shop Scottsdale Golf? Use the link below to visit the official store.

→ Shop Scottsdale Golf — official site

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