The Ultimate Guide to Beginner Golf Clubs
With so many different brands and options to choose from, purchasing your first set of golf clubs can be daunting for golfers just getting into the game.
So, you have just decided to pick up a new hobby and your next step is to go out and buy your first set of golf clubs. With so many different brands and options to choose from, this can be daunting for golfers just getting into the game. This post will help guide your journey for purchasing your first set of clubs and help you get out on the course faster!
What are the Different Types of Golf Clubs?
Before you buy your first set of clubs, it's important to know the difference in the types of clubs you want in your bag.
Driver
The driver is the longest club in the bag and is typically meant to be used on tee shots. It has the largest club head and is designed to hit the ball the farthest.
Fairway Woods
Your fairway woods (the most common are 3-woods and 5-woods) have slightly smaller faces than the driver and have more loft. They are typically used for longer shots from the fairway or rough when the ball is sitting up.
Irons
Irons have much a flatter and more angled face. A typical golf set will range from a 4-iron to 9-iron with the higher number indicating a more lofted club.
Hybrid/Utility Club
Some players - particularly beginners - will opt to replace some of their irons with hybrids. A hybrid (or utility club) will have similar loft to an iron, but the face of the club is constructed more similar to a wood to provide more forgiveness.
Wedges
These are your highest lofted clubs intended to be used for shorter shots. Most standard club sets will come with a Pitching Wedge and Sand Wedge, however some golfers will carry as many as five different wedges of various lofts in their bag.
Putter
There are two primary types of putters. Blade putters have a thinner and more traditional face whereas a Mallet putter has a much larger and more forgiving club head.
Which Golf Clubs are Best for Me?
As someone just getting into the game, it's important to recognize that your swing is going to dramatically change as you practice and play more. While experienced golfers will benefit from a full fitting to ensure the clubs fit their body and swing type, a beginner just needs some tools to get started!
Most golf courses and retail stores allow golfers to go through a simple fitting process with an experienced club fitter before purchasing. Focus on the type of shaft and flex that feels most natural for you, and look for clubs that have larger club heads as these provide more forgiveness and are easier to hit.
In short, don't break the bank looking for the latest and greatest set of clubs - you can always upgrade down the road once your golf swing is in a more consistent spot!
Used Golf Clubs are a Great Option for Beginners
Once you have an understanding and idea of the type of clubs you want to buy, don't be afraid to search for used clubs that fit your desired specs. You can find great quality golf clubs at a fraction of the price by electing to buy a pre-owned set.
Test Out Different Golf Clubs in GOLF+
A big part of choosing golf clubs that suit you best simply comes down to how the club looks in your hands. The color, finish, branding and size of the club face are all things that a golfer sees when looking down at the ball. So, finding one that fits your eye provides a sense of comfortability when approaching a shot.
GOLF+ is loaded with a variety of different brands and club styles to explore and test out in-game. If you're in the market for new clubs, having the opportunity to visualize a wide-array of clubs in the virtual world is a great first step!
