Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Golf Club Sets
If you’re new to golf, choosing the right beginner club set can give you a much better start on the course. As a beginner, it's important to look for sets that are forgiving, easy to use, and offer a good mix of clubs to help you learn different shots. Rather than focusing on professional-level features, you’ll want clubs that help you get the ball in the air more easily and correct for common mistakes. Pay attention to how comfortable the clubs feel during a swing and if you enjoy using them, as confidence and enjoyment are crucial early on.Set CompositionSet composition refers to which clubs are included in the set. For beginners, sets often include a driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons (usually starting from 6 or 7 iron), wedges, and a putter. Having a variety of these clubs helps you handle different situations on the course while you’re learning. Fewer clubs make the game less intimidating and easier to manage for a beginner, while too many options can be confusing. Most beginners do well with a basic set that covers the essential clubs rather than a full set of every possible club.
Club Shaft MaterialClub shafts are typically made from either steel or graphite. Steel shafts are durable and offer more control, but they are heavier. Graphite shafts are lighter, which can help generate more swing speed with less effort, making them popular among beginners and players with slower swing speeds. If you are less athletic or prefer lighter clubs, graphite might be a better fit, while steel offers a sturdier feel if you’re comfortable with the extra weight.
Club Head DesignThe shape and style of the club head, especially for irons and woods, impacts how forgiving the clubs are. Beginners should look for larger, cavity-backed irons and oversized driver heads. These provide a bigger 'sweet spot,' which helps reduce the negative effects of off-center hits. Blade-style irons and smaller heads are made for more experienced players looking for precision over forgiveness. The more forgiving the club head, the easier it will be to make decent shots even if your swing is inconsistent.
Flex of the ShaftFlex describes how much the shaft bends during your swing. Common options are regular, stiff, and senior (or even ladies) flex. Beginners often do best with regular or even a more flexible (softer) shaft because it helps generate power and height without needing perfect technique. Stiffer shafts require faster swing speeds and can make it more difficult for a beginner to hit the ball well. Choose the flex that matches your physical strength and how hard you swing. If unsure, regular flex is a safe option for most newcomers.
Grip SizeThe grip is the part of the club you hold. Grip size can affect comfort and control. Standard grips usually work for most adults, but if you have smaller or larger hands, you might need undersized or oversized grips. Trying different grip sizes can help you find what feels natural and stable in your hands, allowing for better control of your shots. As a beginner, comfort is the priority here.
Bag and AccessoriesAlmost all beginner club sets include a golf bag, and some may come with headcovers and other accessories. While not a playing feature, having a lightweight, easy-to-carry bag and some basic headcovers can make learning the game much more pleasant and organized. Stand bags and cart bags are the main types—choose based on whether you prefer walking the course or riding in a cart.