The first time you pick up a golf club, you’ll probably feel overwhelmed. There’s so much gear to buy, and there are so many different options that you may not be sure where to start. The good news is that after playing the sport for a few years and purchasing more equipment as your skills improve, the majority of new players will only need about two or three pieces. Because of this, buying your first set shouldn’t necessarily be overwhelming; it should be an exploration of what kind of player you want to become and which clubs match your style and capabilities the most.
Your first set is going to serve you for many years, so it makes sense to invest in something that will last. However, cheap sets can end up being expensive in the long run if they don’t meet your playing standards and break at inconvenient times. It doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of money on something that won’t last forever either. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know when buying your first set:
What is a golf set?
A golf set is a collection of individual clubs that come in a set of bags. These bags are designed to store all your clubs, hold them securely and protect them from being damaged. You can buy a ‘complete set’ of golf clubs that comes in a carrying bag. These sets include a driver, a fairway wood, a hybrid, a putter and a bag. You can, of course, buy each individual piece of a set separately, too.
However, many beginners start their golfing careers by buying a complete set that includes all the equipment they need to start playing right away. The only difference between a complete set and a ‘starter set’ is that starters usually include just a driver, a hybrid, a putter and a bag.
Buying Guide: Equipment you’ll need
- Grips – You’re going to be holding the clubs in your hands for the majority of your time on the course, so choose a set of grips that feel comfortable for you. There are many grip styles and materials available, so make sure to take this into account when you’re out shopping.
- Shaft – A good tip when choosing your shaft is to try out a few different shafts of different lengths. The shaft is what attaches the club head to the shaft, so the length of this part of the club affects how the ball flies and where the ball lands.
- Head – The head of the club is the part that attaches to the shaft. There are many types of head available, so make sure to try a few out to find the one that feels best for you.
What is right price point for a starter set?
There’s no set price for a starter set, because the golf club set you choose will depend on your budget, your skill level and your personal preferences. If you’re a beginner, you’ll need just a driver, a hybrid and a putter; a full set can range from $100 to $300 depending on its quality and brand name. As you learn and improve your skills, you can upgrade to different clubs that will enrich your golf experience like a metal woods or a putter. Or, if you’re on a budget, you can go with a cheaper set, but it might be worth upgrading your clubs as you become better at the sport.
The Most Important Pieces of a New Set
- Driver – There are two options when choosing a driver: you can get a driver that is made for beginners and one that is made for experienced players; the latter will be faster and more accurate. A good driver will last you for years, so it’s important to get one that feels comfortable in your hands, is easy to swing and is affordable. If you’re on a tight budget, you can get by with a driver that is less than 500cc in size.
- Hybrid – Hybrids are used for shots over longer distances because they have a combination of both a woods and a fairway club. A good one that is made for beginners should be lightweight, have a straight shaft and have a face that is designed to stop golf balls.
- Fairway Wood – The fairway wood is used for hitting shots that are on a relatively short distance. The best fairway woods are lightweight, easy to swing and have a face that can stop a number of golf balls.
- Putter – The putter is the final piece of a set and is used to roll the golf ball into the hole. It should be lightweight, easy to use and have a face that can stop a number of golf balls.
Wrapping Up
Choosing your first golf set can be overwhelming, but don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Start by checking out our buying guide and the five important pieces of a new set. Then, head to your nearest golf shop or visit the golf equipment website of your favorite brand and try out as many clubs as you can until you find the perfect set for you. Once you’ve got your perfect set, you’ll be well on your way to hitting the green and enjoying the great sport of golf for years to come!
