What Golf Clubs Do I Need? A Beginner’s Guide to Building Your First Set

What golf clubs do I need? That’s one of the hardest questions for any first-time golfer. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t be intimidated, buying your first set of golf clubs is a super exciting experience! It’s like picking out your tools for a fun new adventure. But with so many types of clubs, brands, and parts to choose from, it can feel a little confusing too.

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about golf clubs in a way that’s easy to understand. By the end, you’ll know how to build a great set that fits you perfectly and helps you hit awesome shots on the course. Most importantly, you’ll finally have the answer to the big question of “What golf clubs do I need?”

What is a Golf Club?

A golf club is a tool used to hit a golf ball in the game of golf. It’s made up of three main parts:

• Grip: The part you hold onto

• Shaft: The long, thin part that connects the grip to the head

• Clubhead: The part that hits the ball

Most golf clubs are primarily made from materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, titanium, and graphite.

the Main Types of Golf Clubs:

Golf clubs can be overwhelming. Many of them look alike, and it’s easy to get confused. However, each golf club has a special job and helps you with different parts of the game. Think of them like tools in a toolbox: you wouldn’t use a hammer to screw something in, right? Same idea here. Each golf club has a special job to help you play your best. 

Here’s a simple breakdown of the main types of golf clubs:

• Driver: The largest club, used to hit the ball very far for tee shots at the start of a hole.

• Fairway woods: Used on shorter tee shots and for long ground shots.

• Hybrids: Can be used for medium and long distance shots. They are much easier to hit than long irons and fairway woods.

• Irons: Used for medium-distance shots. They give you more control than woods and are great for getting closer to the green.

• Wedges: Designed for short-distance shots. They are great for chipping near the green or getting out of sand traps.

• Putter: Only used on the green to roll the ball in the hole

Golf Club Numbering System:

Golf clubs have a unique numbering system that helps you know how far each one will hit the ball. It might seem tricky at first, but here’s the easy way to think about it:

• Higher numbers = higher loft = shorter shots

• For example, a 9-iron has a high loft, which means it hits the ball higher but not as far.

• Lower numbers = lower loft = longer shots

• A 6-iron has less loft, so it hits the ball lower and farther.

This numbering system mostly applies to irons, fairway woods, and hybrids. Once you understand how loft works, choosing the right club for each shot becomes much easier!

How Can I Buy Golf Clubs?

You can either buy golf clubs individually or in a complete set. We recommend that beginners buy a complete golf set because it includes every essential club, a bag and other accessories. It’s usually more affordable than buying clubs separately and gives you everything you need to start playing right away.

What is a Golf Club Set?

A complete golf set is a package that includes clubs, a golf bag, and club headcovers. Most complete golf sets range anywhere from 8-12 clubs. The maximum number of clubs allowed in a golf bag is 14 clubs. That’s the official USGA rule for tournaments and most courses. We recommend that you start off with 8-12 clubs. As you get better you can add more clubs to fill out your set.

Which Golf Clubs Do I Need the Most?

These are the most essential clubs we recommend every beginner should have in their bag:

• Driver

• 3 wood

• Irons 5-9

• Pitching wedge

• Sand wedge

• Putter

These clubs cover most golf course situations. As you improve, you can add more specialized clubs but this is the perfect mix for getting started.

What Factors Should I Consider When Buying Golf Clubs?

Club Handedness:

It might seem obvious, but choosing clubs that match your dominant hand is super important. Golf clubs are made for either right-handed or left-handed players, so always double-check before you buy. Using the wrong type can make your swing feel awkward and affect your game.

Club Length:

To swing comfortably and hit the ball well, your clubs need to be the right length for your height and posture. Most golf sets and stores offer short, standard, or long club options, and many will help you find the best fit. If you're unsure, it's worth checking a sizing chart or asking for help.

Callaway’s club length infographic below is a great visual guide for figuring out what size you need based on your height and wrist-to-floor measurement.

Club Shaft Flex:

When choosing golf clubs, the shaft plays a big role in how your swing feels and performs. Two key things to consider are shaft flex and shaft material.

Shafts come in different levels of flexibility, called flex. The shaft flex is how much the club shaft bends. The faster your swing, the stiffer (less bendy) your shaft should be.

Common flex types:

• Extra Stiff: For very fast swings

• Stiff:  For fast swings

• Standard/Regular: Good for most beginners

• Light/Senior: For slower swings

• Ladies:  Designed for slower swing speeds and lighter feel

We recommend that if you’re just starting out with golf, go with a standard flex shaft. In fact, most beginner club sets already come with standard flex shafts built in. You can always adjust the shaft as your swing improves.

Shaft Material: Steel vs. Graphite

Shaft material is another important factor. Shafts are usually made of either steel or graphite.

• Steel Shafts: Heavier, more durable, and offer better control. Great for fast swings and accuracy.

• Graphite Shafts: Lighter and more expensive. Easier to swing and better for slower swing speeds or players looking for extra distance.

These are just a few of the most important factors to consider when buying golf clubs. There are more advanced details out there, but if you’re new to the game, these basics will set you up for success and help you feel confident on the course.

What Accessories and Equipment Do I Need?

Basic Equipment:

We recommend you should have the following equipment in your golf bag as these are essential tools that help you play the game:

• Golf tees

• Ball marker

• Golf divot tool

• Golf balls

• Pencil

• Golf glove

Accessories:

These items are completely optional but help keep you comfortable, prepared, and ready for anything:

• Golf towel

• Range finder

• Club cleaner

• Umbrella

• Rain jacket

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Marker

• Water bottle

• Bag cover

Now You Know What Golf Clubs You Need!

Now that you know all the essentials of golf clubs, you no longer need to ask the question “what golf clubs do I need?” It’s time to buy your set and hit the links! 

Also don’t forget that golf has a dress code, and showing up in the right gear matters. You’ll need comfortable, course-appropriate clothing to play your best.

Start your golf journey today with a complete set and stylish gear from Birdie-Bird.  They offer affordable, comfortable, and stylish golf polos and hats. We recommend them because looking good and feeling confident should be part of every swing.

Shop now, suit up, and hit the links!