Golf Club Buying Guide
While advanced golfers need a large selection of clubs, if you are a beginning golfer, you will be best with just a basic set of clubs. You will want to choose the right selection of easy-to-hit clubs to get started. (Not only is having a lot of clubs unnecessary, they make things complicated and make your golf bag really heavy!)
Your collection will be made up of woods, irons, and wedges. Go through each section below to get an idea of which clubs to use when you get started.
Woods
You might think that you should have a driver since you need the power, but that is a common misconception. The driver is a large club that is hard to control, so you are actually better off using a 3-wood in place of the driver.
Along with a 3-wood, you should have a smaller wood, perhaps a 7-wood, that you can use on the fairway.
Irons
You will not need a large selection of irons to start with. Stick with smaller irons, like the 9-iron, which are easier to control.
Wedges
You should be able to get started with a pitching wedge and a sand wedge or lob wedge. The pitching wedge can actually take the place of most irons, so you could play without any irons if you wanted.
Putter
And last but not least, be sure to carry a putter!
Basic Sets
If you are going to purchase a full set of golf clubs to start with, here is a good setup:
- Woods - A driver, 3-wood, 5-wood
- Irons - 3-9 irons, or skip the 3- and 4-irons and get a 7-wood.
- Wedges - A sand wedge, pitching wedge, and lob wedge.
- Putter - Find one you like (usually not contained in the set.)
Getting a full set will allow you go progress your game and will save money in the long run.
About the clubs themselves
Drivers and woods are actually not made of wood, but either stainless steel or titanium. The stainless steel models are smaller, while titanium models are lighter and have a larger sweet spot, making them easier to play with.
Irons can be forged or cast steel, and the cast steel irons are usually perimeter-weighted for easier play (and a larger sweet spot.) You'll notice them based on the "cavity back" design that looks like a hole in the back side of the club. Forged steel clubs are a softer metal that is best left for experienced players.
Wedges come in handy once you get close to the green. A pitching wedge will get you from the fairway onto the green, while a sand wedge or lob wedge will let you make shorter, more accurate shots onto the green. (The sand wedge also picks up less sand, which is why it is best used in a sand trap.)
Now think about the club shafts, which are usually made of steel or graphite. Steel is durable and the weight helps you control it, but the graphite clubs are lighter.
One last thing is flex, which is the amount of flex in the club's shaft. As a beginner, you will want a club with more flex. (Avoid "stiff" or "firm" ratings.)
Now do some shopping and let's play!