Golf Equipment for Beginners: The Complete List
Are you new to golf and not sure what to put in your bag? Kevin Faivre breaks down which clubs are truly essential for a beginner, including driver loft guidelines, as well as the balls, glove, and small accessories you’ll need on the course.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
There's no need to have 14 clubs. The putter is the most commonly used club: choose one that's simple, easy to play with, and suits your style. For the irons, Kevin Faivre recommends sleeves made of graphite, which are easier to hit than steel, which requires more speed. Irons 9, 8, and 7 are enough—a 6-iron at most—with at least one hybrid. The sand wedge is essential around the green and in bunkers; an amateur typically hits it between 20 to 45 yards. When it comes to fairway woods, he advises against using a 3-wood in favor of a 5- or 7-wood. The driver is essential for departures: it recommends 10.5 to 11.5° loft for a beginner man, and At least 11.5°, up to 12 or 12.5°, for seniors and women.
Add a divot tool To repair ball marks on the green, a ball marker, and at least a dozen Basic “soft” balls: He estimates about 30 euros a dozen, compared to 60 for high-end balls that are unnecessary when you’re just starting out, and advises against reconditioned or used balls, which are often damaged. Tees at the right height, a rangefinder or a GPS watch if possible, a mark and your initials on the ball so you can recognize it and line up for putting. Opt for a lightweight tripod bag a large tournament bag, and never play without one glove, preferably not made entirely of leather.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Choose a putter that's easy to play with and that you find visually appealing.
- Bring 9-, 8-, and 7-irons with graphite shafts, and maybe a 6-iron.
- Include at least one hybrid and one sand wedge.
- Replace the 3-wood with a 5-wood or a 7-wood.
- Choose a driver with enough loft: 10.5 to 11.5° for men, 11.5 to 12.5° for seniors or women.
- Round out your kit with a pitching mound, a ball marker, tees, a dozen softballs, and a glove.
- Mark your balls with a line and your initials, and store them all in a lightweight tripod bag.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Fill the bag with 14 clubs right from the start.
- Start with steel handles without having the speed.
- Using a 3-wood is too challenging for a beginner.
- Choose a low-loft driver with low forgiveness.
- Buy high-end balls, or used, damaged balls.
- Playing without a glove, or with a tournament bag that's too heavy.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Determining the distance for a sand wedge between 20 to 45 yards
- Tees set at the correct height for the driver
- Mark the ball to align yourself for putting
Your Questions
What loft should you choose for your first driver?
Kevin Faivre recommends 10.5 to 11.5° for a beginner man, and at least 11.5°, up to 12 or 12.5°, for seniors and women. A higher loft makes the driver more forgiving.
Graphite or steel for beginners?
Graphite, he says. Steel requires more speed and body movement; he reserves it for experienced or very powerful players.
Why should you avoid a 3-wood when you're just starting out?
Because it requires a lot of speed. He recommends a 5-wood or a 7-wood instead, which are more open and easier to hit.
What kind of balls should I buy when I'm just starting out?
Basic softballs—around 30 euros a dozen, according to him—and at least a dozen in the bag. He advises against using reconditioned or used balls, which are often damaged.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Kevin Faivre). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.