If you’re new to golf, then you know there’s an overwhelming number of products available in both online and brick-and-mortar stores.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed starting out, not knowing what you need and what you can live without.
Not sure what a beginner golfer should have in their bag? No problem! This guide will take you through everything step-by-step, including the golf bag itself.
With an improved understanding of the game, it becomes simpler to make accurate decisions about purchasing clubs and other equipment. By following this guide, you can bypass costly errors and compile the ideal golfing set-up for your needs.
Golf Clubs
According to the USGA, each player is allowed a maximum of 14 clubs. However, complete sets aren’t necessary for beginners. When you have too many options, it becomes more difficult to choose which club before your shot, and it also adds weight to your golf bag.
Every golf set needs a putter and driver. The driver gives you distance with one shot, while the putter is more precise on the green. For the rest of the clubs, you will need fairway woods, irons, and hybrids. Each club is given a number that reflects how much height and distance it should allow for.
As a beginner, you should carry 4-5 irons with you. When choosing your irons, go for the ones with a number ranking five or higher as they are easier to use. Widened soled irons will be simpler to master than narrow-bladed ones.
Furthermore, if you’re someone who plays courses with lots of bunkers often, make sure to include a sand iron in your set. And lastly, don’t forget the pitching wedge for precision shots just off the green! In addition to these clubs, add a couple of fairway woods and hybrids for those long-distance shots.
The loft is an important factor to consider when picking out golf clubs because it changes how easy (or challenging) it is to hit the ball in the air and then keep control over it while it’s flying. In simpler terms: The higher the loft on a club, the easier it will be to make good shots. Choose fairway woods with at least a 17-degree loft and drivers with 10 degrees or more.
It can be cheaper to buy a set of golf clubs all at once, but it might not benefit you as much in the long run. A professional can help customize your clubs to fit both your strengths and weaknesses, something that store-bought sets cannot always do. In the end, you’ll have fewer clubs that actually get used rather than a whole bunch of unused ones.
A beginner’s golf set is cheaper and easier to use than professional sets, making them perfect for those starting out. Most beginners’ sets come with a driver, two kinds of wood, one putter, one hybrid, seven irons, and two wedges–14 clubs in total. You don’t have to carry all of them around with you when you play through.
Is There A Minimum Recommended Number of Clubs a Beginner Should Carry?
Depending on player preference and the type of course, the average number of clubs is most likely between six to eight. Although USGA rules don’t mention a minimum number, having too many clubs isn’t always ideal because picking the right one for your shot becomes more challenging.
Club Brush And Groove Cleaner
This golf club cleaner won’t set you back much, as it typically retails for $12. Wire bristles clean irons quickly and efficiently, while nylon bristles take care of the wood.
Most designs feature a sharp pick to lift stubborn dirt wedged in the grooves to help you make better contact with the ball. Choose a cleaner with an easy-to-use ergonomic design that also has a swivel clip for attaching to your golf bag loop.
Golf Balls
Looking for the best golf balls to improve your game? Look no further than our selection of top-quality golf balls. Whether you’re looking for distance, accuracy, or a combination of both, we have the perfect ball for you. Shop now and take your game to the next level!
Golf Tees
Wearing a tee on the first shot of each hole may be often overlooked, but it can give you an advantage.
There is a wide variety of golf tees available in size, color, and material. Wooden tees are the cheapest but break easily. Plastic tees are the most durable. Bamboo is strong, flexible, and breaks far less frequently than wood. Keep at least 20 tees in your bag before you start any round to make sure you have plenty of some fly away after shots. Brightly colored tees are easier to find on the ground if they happen to get lost.
Spare Socks
Socks are the best invention, especially for golf. On rainy days, they protect your feet from getting wet and cold. And on hot days, a fresh pair of socks can provide you with instant relief and comfort. So make sure to keep a spare pair in your golf bag at all times!
Gloves
Many golfers opt to purchase and wear a single glove rather than a pair, as the non-dominant hand typically generates more power behind the shot. Right-handed golfers usually wear gloves on their left hand, while lefties do vice versa. Beyond easing any potential soreness or blistering of the skin, gloves also provide protection for the hands. In short: it’s all preference.
Snacks And Water
Carrying snacks and drinks with you on the golf course is a great way to stay energized and hydrated throughout your round. Many golf bags have an insulated pocket that can keep your snacks and drinks cool, but if yours doesn’t, carrying them in a zipped pocket will help too. Always carry water with you to stay hydrated – many courses have water filling stations or beverage carts where you can buy more if needed.
First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit can be used for band-aids, aspirin, sunscreen, and insect relief cream. A small towel to wipe your hands and forehead on a hot day can also offer comfort.
Golf Ball Marker
A golf ball marker is a small plastic medallion that identifies your ball on the green while you wait for other players to swing. Many people personalize these markers by engraving them with initials or a logo.
Divot Tool
A divot tool is used to fix the turf where your ball made an impact. Often, these tools are sold along with a smaller marker that notes where your ball landed.
Don’t Forget The Golf Bag
Now that you have all the gear, it’s time to focus on the golf bag. With numerous options available, your first decision should be whether you want a cart or carry a golf bag. If you choose the latter, opt for one with a comfortable strap; if you go for a cart bag, make sure it has a sturdy stand. High-end bags often come with several dividers and pockets–some even have space for up to 14 clubs!–while more basic bags might only have room for balls and tees.
When you are first starting out, it is best to keep your golf bag light and only purchase the essentials. You don’t need all of the bells and whistles that come with an expensive branded kit because they won’t make any difference in your game. Instead, try to find a water-resistant bag or one that comes with a rain cover. This will protect your clubs from the weather and prevent them from slipping before you play. Make sure there are enough pockets for snacks, cell phone, etc., so you can stay hydrated during games
Take Good Care Of Your Kit
You want to make your money last after investing in a golf bag, so it’s important to clean everything properly. Wipe down each club and clean the bag thoroughly; this will extend its life significantly.
Conclusion
With all the equipment that exists for golf, it’s easy to go overboard with purchasing clubs and other gear. As a beginner, you likely only need 6-8 clubs– focus on quality over quantity. Also, consider what type of bag you want; there are many standard options available. It’s important to be thoughtful about your choices as a beginner so that you don’t end up wasting money on things you won’t use or won’t help improve your game. Ask for advice from professionals when in doubt! You don’t need a lot of clubs when you’re just starting out. A set of 12 is usually pretty affordable, and you might find that you only use a few of them regularly anyways.
Also, avoid being drawn in by big-name brands. They always come with a hefty price tag but won’t make your game any better. Later on, once you know more about the sport, it might be worth investing in an iron or driver endorsed by a professional–but for now, stick to what’s cheap and simple while you learn the ropes!
Now that you know what kind of equipment beginners need, put your knowledge to the test next time you hit up the course!
