Forgiving Golf Clubs for Beginners: The 7 You Need
Many amateur golfers use clubs that don’t suit them. Sam De’Ath of Golf Monthly reviews seven types of clubs that make it easier for beginners to play, testing them on the course—including on poorly struck shots.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
This fact sheet lists the types of clubs, not the models shown in the video. At the driver, many beginners lack loft and swing too hard: it’s better to use a very forgiving, wide clubhead with weight in the back to get the ball airborne. The wood 7 A great alternative to long irons: shallow face, weight in the back, a shorter shaft than a 3-wood or 5-wood, so more control. The 4- and 5-irons can be replaced by hybrids (A 5-hybrid has about the same loft as a 5-iron), making them easier to play in the rough, on the fairway, and even for bump-and-run shots around the green.
For the other irons, some rear-cavity irons (or very high tolerance): large sweet spot, thick top line, and offset that helps close the face when the blades require a very precise strike. The same logic applies to the hollow wedges, with a wide sole and bounce to prevent the leading edge from digging in. If chipping is still difficult, the chipper is executed with a putting motion, keeping the wrists still. Finally, a mallet putter Very stable on off-center hits, with an alignment line; it stays square more easily than a blade.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Choose a forgiving driver with enough loft rather than the one advertised as having the longest distance.
- Replace the long irons with a 7-wood and a hybrid.
- Use irons with a back cavity for the rest of the set.
- Pair them with cavity-back wedges that have a wide sole and sufficient bounce.
- If chipping is costing you strokes, try using a chipper with your putting stroke.
- Finish with a mallet putter that has a clear alignment line.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a driver that's too difficult out of pride, thinking about distance.
- Keep irons 4 and 5, which don't lift off the ground.
- Playing with the same clubs as the pros—blades or wedges—without having their consistency.
- Snap your wrists with a chipper instead of using a putting motion.
- Choose a blade putter for its look.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Testing the 7-wood and the hybrid on poorly struck shots
- Hybrid Bump-and-Run Around the Green
- Chipper played with a fixed wrist position, like a putt
Your Questions
Should you replace your 4- and 5-irons with hybrids?
Here's the tip from the video for beginners: a hybrid has a lower center of gravity and makes it easier to get the ball airborne, even from the rough. A 5-hybrid is roughly equivalent to a 5-iron.
How do you play a chipper?
Just like a putt: assume your putting stance and swing, keeping your wrists still, and let the club's loft lift the ball before it rolls toward the hole.
Why choose a mallet putter over a blade putter?
According to Sam De’Ath, a very stable mallet is more forgiving of off-center hits and stays square more easily, whereas a blade, with more toe hang, is harder for a beginner to time correctly.
Should I buy the models shown in the video?
No. Keep in mind the different types of clubs and their features. Several comments point out the cost of the set shown: more affordable or used models may offer the same qualities.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator. Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.