7 Tips on Choosing Golf Clubs for Beginners
You’ve been thinking about it for a while but today’s the day that you’re going to start playing golf. Going to the sporting goods store to pick up your equipment is proving to be more stressful than you thought it would be.
From clubs to golf balls there’s so much stuff available to you. Choosing golf clubs is where many beginners make their first mistake. If you don’t pick up a set that will work with your skill level or don’t suit your body type, you’ll be setting yourself up to fail.
Don’t worry, we can help you make the right choice. Keep reading for a complete golf club buying guide.
Why Your Golf Clubs Matter
The types of clubs that you buy matters when you're first starting out. The reason is that beginner clubs are a little more user friendly. You'll have some wiggle room if your swing and contact with the ball isn't exactly right.
Beginner clubs have larger clubfaces and shorter shafts. This design makes it easier for you to get the ball into the air no matter how you hit it. It gives you the chance to work on your golfing technique without getting frustrated and quitting the game.
1. Test Them Out First
The staff at the sporting goods store will show you a bunch of different clubs and boast about them. It's important that you allow yourself to form your own opinion by testing golf clubs before you buy them.
Many stores have indoor green areas where you can swing the clubs around a little. If you're buying your clubs used from a friend, don't even take their word as truth.
Clubs aren't one size fits all. A set that worked well for your friend may not work out as well for you. Try them out before you commit to the purchase.
2. Don't Buy the Entire Bundle
Many sporting goods stores will try to talk you into buying the entire bundle of clubs in one shot. When you're first starting out you don't need an entire set of clubs. Buy a half set that's created with newbie golfers in mind.
They'll be easier on your golf gear budget and won't be as overwhelming to use as some of the clubs that come in the complete bundle. As you get better and develop your technique you can add more clubs to your half set or trade it in for the bundle.
3. Pick Up a Shorter Driver
Your driver is the main club that you'll use at the beginning of each hole. It has the largest head and has the power to send the ball as far out as you need it to go.
It's also usually the longest club in your set. This being said, you need to try and find the shortest driver that you can. The average driver length that's used on the PGA Tour is around 44.5 inches long.
Use that as your basis. If you purchase one that's longer than that, it will be harder for you to control so you won't get the best results out of it.
4. Buying Your Putter
Your putter is the club that you use when you're already well established on the green and are trying to get the ball in the hole. They have a flat face that makes it easier for you to send the ball out in a straight line.
As you can imagine, you'll be using your putter a lot so you need to make sure you get the right one for you. Your buying decision will all depend on your height, stance, and arm length.
Test out the putter in the store. If you're not able to keep it parallel to the ground when you hit the ball, it's not the right one for you.
You should also consider the putter's loft. If the putter has the right amount of loft, the ball won't bounce as much and will be more likely to land in the hole.
5. Irons Vs Hybrids
Including 3-, 4-, and 5- irons in your beginner golf set is a recipe for trouble. They just don't contain enough loft for a beginner player to be able to practice their technique for swinging. It's a good idea to replace your irons with hybrids.
Hybrids are made out of a mixture of woods and irons. You get the best of both worlds without having to deal with the weaknesses that either bring to the table.
They have the shape of wood clubs with the length of iron ones. This makes them easier for a beginner to control and they tend to be a little forgiving if you happen to hit the ball a bit off-center.
6. Selecting Your Wedge
Choosing the right wedge all depends on the course that you're working with. If the green is elevated then you'll need a wedge with plenty of loft to stop the ball from bouncing around.
If the course has a bunch of bunkers of soft sand, your sand wedge needs to be sort of wide and have more bounce. If you're working with a firm turf, you don't want a lot of bounce going on.
7. Ask Your Golfing Friends for Help
If you're still on the fence about choosing the right clubs, ask your experienced friends for a bit of help. See if they will let you try out their set so you know a bit more about what you should be looking for.
Ask them to go to the sports shop with you. They'll be able to help you find exactly what you need.
Choosing Golf Clubs That Are Perfect for Beginners
Choosing golf clubs when you're first starting out with the sport can be a bit tough. There's a lot of terminologies that you have to get used to. Not to mention filtering through all the options available to you to find clubs that will allow you to polish your technique and learn the game.
Once you do find the clubs you're looking for, you'll need a place to practice your swing. We can help you with that. Sign up to become a member of our beautiful community.