How to Choose Your First Golf Club Set

Taking up golf is an exciting decision, but walking into a golf store or browsing online can quickly become overwhelming. Walls of clubs, technical jargon, and price points ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars leave many beginners paralysed with indecision. The good news is that choosing your first golf set doesn't need to be complicated. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make a confident purchase and get onto the course.

Understanding the Basics: What's in a Golf Set?

Before diving into specific recommendations, let's understand what you're actually shopping for. A complete golf set typically includes several types of clubs, each designed for different situations on the course.

The Driver

The driver is your longest club, used for tee shots on par 4 and par 5 holes. Modern drivers feature large titanium heads designed to maximise distance and forgiveness. As a beginner, you'll want a driver with a larger sweet spot to accommodate off-centre hits—something we all make plenty of when starting out.

Fairway Woods

Fairway woods (typically 3-wood and 5-wood) offer more distance than irons while being easier to hit than drivers. Many beginners find fairway woods more reliable off the tee than drivers, and they're essential for reaching par 5s in regulation. The higher the number, the more loft the club has, making it easier to get the ball airborne.

Hybrids

Hybrids are a relatively recent innovation that combine the best aspects of fairway woods and long irons. They're significantly easier to hit than traditional long irons (3, 4, and 5 irons) and have largely replaced them in many players' bags. For beginners, hybrids are highly recommended as they provide forgiveness and confidence on longer approach shots.

Irons

Irons are numbered from 3 through 9 (plus the pitching wedge), with lower numbers producing longer, lower shots and higher numbers producing shorter, higher shots. Most beginner sets include 6-iron through pitching wedge, supplementing the longer clubs with hybrids as mentioned above.

Look for "cavity back" or "game improvement" irons, which feature a hollowed-out back and perimeter weighting. This design increases the sweet spot and provides more forgiveness on mishits—exactly what beginners need.

Wedges

Wedges are specialised short irons used for approach shots, bunker play, and chipping around the green. The pitching wedge (PW) typically comes with iron sets, while sand wedges (SW) and gap wedges (GW) may or may not be included. Many beginner sets include at least a pitching wedge and sand wedge.

Putter

The putter is used on the green to roll the ball into the hole. Putter design varies enormously, from traditional blade putters to modern mallet styles with alignment aids. Fortunately, putting is more about feel and practice than equipment at the beginner level. Most starter sets include a serviceable putter that will serve you well while you develop your stroke.

Complete Sets vs. Building Your Own

As a beginner, you have two primary options: purchase a complete boxed set or build a custom set piece by piece.

Complete Beginner Sets

For most new golfers, a complete set offers the best value and convenience. Brands like Callaway, TaylorMade, and Cleveland offer well-designed beginner packages that include everything you need to start playing immediately. These sets typically include:

• Driver
• 3-wood or 5-wood
• One or two hybrids
• Irons (typically 6-PW or 5-PW)
• Sand wedge
• Putter
• Stand bag or cart bag

Complete sets ensure that all clubs work together cohesively and are designed specifically for beginners. They typically range from $400 to $1,000 AUD, representing significant savings compared to purchasing equivalent clubs individually.

Building a Custom Set

Building a custom set allows for more personalisation but requires more knowledge and typically costs more. This approach makes sense for players who have taken lessons, know their swing characteristics, or have tried various clubs at a driving range. For true beginners, we recommend starting with a complete set and upgrading individual clubs as your game develops and you understand your specific needs.

Key Features to Consider

Shaft Material: Graphite vs. Steel

Golf shafts come in two primary materials: graphite and steel. Graphite shafts are lighter, helping generate more clubhead speed without additional effort. They also absorb more vibration, making them easier on the arms and joints. Steel shafts are heavier and provide more feedback but require more swing speed to perform optimally.

Most beginner sets feature graphite shafts throughout, which suits the majority of new players. If you're choosing individual clubs or have a faster swing speed, you might consider steel shafts in your irons.

Shaft Flex

Shaft flex refers to how much the shaft bends during the swing. Options typically range from Ladies (L) through Extra Stiff (X). Most beginner men start with Regular (R) flex, which suits moderate swing speeds. Senior (A) flex works well for those with slower swings, while Stiff (S) suits faster swingers.

Choosing the wrong flex can significantly affect ball flight and consistency. If you're uncertain, a club fitting session—often offered free at golf retailers—can determine your ideal flex.

Club Length

Standard length clubs suit most players between about 5'7" and 6'1". Taller or shorter players may benefit from length adjustments. Again, a fitting session can identify if you need adjusted clubs, though many beginners play standard length successfully regardless of height.

Smart Shopping Tips

Here are practical tips for getting the best value on your first set:

• Try before you buy: Visit a golf store that offers trial bays or hit demo clubs at a driving range
• Consider previous model years: Golf technology evolves slowly, and last year's models offer excellent performance at reduced prices
• Check for package deals: Some retailers bundle lessons or range sessions with club purchases
• Don't overspend initially: Your swing will change dramatically in your first year, potentially making an expensive purchase obsolete
• Quality matters more than quantity: A good 10-club set beats a mediocre 14-club set

What About Used Clubs?

Used or pre-owned clubs can offer excellent value, particularly for beginners who may outgrow their first set quickly. Many golf retailers sell certified pre-owned clubs that have been inspected and graded. Online marketplaces also offer used options, though these require more careful inspection.

When buying used, check for worn grooves on irons and wedges, cracked or damaged grips, and any dents or damage to clubheads. Regripping worn clubs is inexpensive and can make pre-owned clubs feel brand new.

Beyond the Clubs: Essential Accessories

Before heading to the course, you'll need a few additional items:

• Golf balls (buy inexpensive ones initially—you'll lose plenty)
• Tees
• Golf glove (left hand for right-handed players)
• Ball marker and divot repair tool
• Comfortable golf shoes (soft spikes are now standard)

Final Thoughts

Choosing your first golf set should be exciting, not stressful. For most beginners, a quality complete set from a reputable brand provides everything needed to learn the game without breaking the bank. Focus on forgiveness and ease of use rather than the latest technology marketed to tour professionals.

Remember that golf is a journey. Your first set is meant to help you learn fundamentals and discover whether you love the game. As your skills develop and you understand your swing better, you can make more informed decisions about upgrading specific clubs. For now, pick up a beginner-friendly set, book some lessons, and enjoy the process of learning one of the world's most rewarding sports.