Updated 2 October 2026
Your first set should fit your body, your swing and the way you practise. You do not need fourteen clubs to start.
A practical starting bag
- A putter.
- A pitching wedge and, when useful, a sand wedge.
- A few mid and short irons, for example 7 and 9.
- A hybrid or other comfortable club for longer shots.
- A driver when you are ready to practise it.
A 3-wood is not automatically easier than a driver, especially from the ground. Try different lofts with a coach and keep clubs that give you useful, distinct distances.
Package set or used clubs?
A package can simplify buying, but check exactly what is included. “Pieces” may include a bag and headcovers, not just clubs. Used clubs can offer good value, provided the grips, shafts, faces and hosels are sound. Compare replacement-grip costs and the seller’s return conditions.
Fit matters more than a label
Shaft flex is not standardised across all brands. Choose weight and flex for your speed, tempo and contact, not simply age or gender. Club length cannot be determined from height alone; wrist-to-floor measurement, posture and impact matter too.
A light graphite shaft can help some players, but light steel options also exist. Grip size should feel secure and comfortable; it is not a guaranteed cure for a hook or slice.
For a child
Use a junior sizing chart and recheck height as the child grows. Adult clubs cut shorter can remain too heavy or too stiff. Do not buy a set far too long just to allow room for growth.
Before paying
- Confirm right- or left-handed clubs, exact contents and condition.
- Try the longest and shortest club if possible.
- Leave room in the budget for lessons and practice.
- Compare the current price; our category prices are budget estimates.