A basic set of golf clubs is all any golfer needs to start playing the game. Three
woods, a collection of 3-9-irons, pitching wedge, sand wedge and a putter, are all that is
required. As your game develops and you improve, certain additional, more specific clubs
can be added to suit your abilities.
To start there's only one rule to remember: You can't carry more than 14 clubs in your
bag at any one time.
Determining your ability level
The low-handicap golfer
The mid-handicap golfer
The high-handicap golfer
Determining a basic set
Buying a child's club set
Determining your ability level
Before buying a set of clubs, first determine your ability level.
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The low-handicap golfer
A low-handicap player has a single-digit handicap, meaning he or she generally scores
less than 10 strokes over par, or an 82 or less on a par-72 course.
Woods
The low-handicap player should carry a driver and at least 1 fairway wood, most likely
the 3-wood
Irons
The low-handicap player will benefit from lower irons in his bag, because the three or
four-iron is a difficult club to hit but can be very useful if it can be controlled
Wedges
A minimum of 3 wedges--sand wedge, pitching wedge and either a lob wedge or approach
wedge--in their bags, with a maximum 4-degree difference between each one
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The mid-handicap golfer
The mid-handicap golfer plays "bogey golf," meaning his or her score averages
out to 1 over par on each hole, or somewhere in the 11-20 handicap range.
Woods
In addition to the driver and a 3-wood and a 5-wood, consider adding a 7-wood or even a
9-wood. These fairway woods give much better control and consistency than the harder to
hit long irons.
Irons
Usually only a 3 through 9 are recommended, since the 2-iron is very difficult to hit
consistently
Wedges
Three different wedges are recommended- pitching wedge, sandwedge, and either a lob
wedge or approach wedge
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The high-handicap golfer
The high-handicap golfer is either a beginner or has not had the time to hone his game
to reach the mid-handicap level. The high-handicapper usually shoots close to or over 100.
Woods
You may not even want to have a driver in your bag. Instead, go with the 3-wood as your
off-the-tee wood and add the easier-to-hit 7- and 9-wood.
Wedges
Up to 3 wedges - pitching wedge, sand wedge, and either a lob wedge or approach wedges
- should be carried
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Determining a basic set
While there are variations, golfers buying a basic set of clubs should include the
following:
2 or 3 woods
Either a driver and 2 fairway woods (a 3- and 5-wood are common)
Consider adding a 3.5-, and 7-wood
Eight irons
A set traditionally includes a 3 through 9-iron plus a pitching wedge. Many
golfers are now not carrying the longer 3- and 4- irons for an additional fairway wood
Wedges
Sand wedge (55-57 degree loft). Choose between a lob wedge (60-64 degree loft) or
a gap wedge (50-53 degree loft)
Putter
Putters are usually sold separately from full sets to allow the golfer to choose his or
her own style
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Buying a child's club set
Children just learning the game have certain requirements. Children should not
learn on an adult-sized set of clubs. Children should not use a cut-off set of adult
clubs because the shafts will be too stiff.
Starter sets offer child-specific designs
Undersized grips
Children have smaller hands and therefore need narrower grips
Length
Starter sets are usually sized for children under 10, for pre-teens and then for
teenagers
Weight
Need to be light enough to be swung easily and balanced enough to simulate full-sized
clubs
Number of clubs
Most children's starter sets have a reduced number of clubs, decreasing the club
decisions they have to make while learning the game, as well as decreasing the weight of
the golf bag
Irons/Woods. The lowest iron is usually a 6-iron. The driver is now being
replaced in starter sets by the easier-to-hit 3-or 5-wood
Putter
Proper size is essential. Measure from slightly above the child's waist to the
ground to determine an approximate size. This should give you the approximate proper
length of a child's putter
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