Buying Golf Clubs - Advice for Beginners

For the beginner, choosing and buying golf clubs can be a daunting task. If you are new to the game, you probably never knew the choice that was available. So many drivers, fairway woods, irons, utility clubs and putters. The list is endless. And some of the prices can be mind boggling.

So, let's try and simplify it.

Don't Spend A Fortune Buying Golf Clubs!

Firstly, let's understand that you don't need to spend a fortune buying golf clubs to get started in this game. In fact, I would advise against it. I have seen on numerous occasions newcomers spending hundreds of pounds on clubs because golf magazines or friends have recommended them.

The problem with this is these clubs are mostly not suitable for the novice. Then, a couple of months down the line, when there is no improvement, the golfer gets disillusioned.

It can be very easy to decide that golf is not for you. The result being the new clubs, and a lot of money, lying in a cupboard gathering dust. No, you are better off starting at the modest end of the market and as you improve, you can also improve your equipment.

What Do You Need?

Now, most sets of clubs would consist of driver, maybe one or two fairway woods, 3-9 irons and a putter. You may also want to add a wedge or sand wedge. Bearing in mind that you are only allowed to carry 14 clubs in your bag.

Nowadays, there are also utility clubs available which are a cross between a wood and an iron.
You can get utility clubs that do the same job as a 3 or 4 iron so a lot of players today leave these two irons out of their bag and carry one utility instead. The utility also has a shorter shaft than a long iron, in theory making it an easier club to use. These are all thing you can try as you go along, and find out what suits you best.

Where Should You Buy Golf Clubs From?

Well, there are a wealth of golf stores around nowadays to suit every budget. And you could look in your local classified ads or even in golf magazines for second hand clubs. You can get a good buy this way, but be wary and make sure you know what you are buying.

I would advise going to one of the big golf stores and have a good browse there. A lot of these stores have their own driving range attached and this is ideal for the beginner. You can select some clubs in store and ask if you can try them on the range. This usually is not a problem. This way you can get a feel for the clubs and find out what suits you. Also, sometimes there are package deals on offer which can consist of a full set of clubs, bag, balls and maybe even a trolley and waterproof suit!

And now we also have the online golf stores which carry a massive stock and usually at very good prices. The only problem here is you are not able to try the clubs like you can at the range but maybe you know someone who has the club you like and they will let you test drive it. It could save you some money.

I hope this has helped when buying golf clubs to suit you. Just remember that you don't have to spend a fortune to get started and you won't play like a professional right away. But if you take it nice and easy from the start I'm sure you and golf will have a long association.