The clubs you carry are your tools, your brushes, your weapons. Pulling your favorite wood, wedge or putter feels like lifting your version of King Arthur’s Excalibur or the Elder wand, giving you the magic you need to execute the perfect shot.
To find such magic, let’s begin with a few basic questions.
- Have I played before? How serious will I practice? How much can I budget for clubs?
It’s important to weigh your goals for golf, and what you’re looking to get out of the sport. For very first timers, finding granddad’s old wooden clubs in the basement and whacking cracked Top-Flite balls across your backyard might suffice. For those interested in taking your new-found passion to the course, here are my thoughts:
Budget Under $250: Dick’s Sporting Goods has the best options for beginners and golfers looking to buy their first real set. Standard full sets range from $200 - $250 for the Top-Flite brand and junior sets are ~$100.
- These clubs are easier to hit, fairly durable, and a great chance to hang granddad’s woods in the garage. They provide a budding golfer with the tools to hit the range and learn to swing (the most important part!).
Budget Under $1,000: If you’re looking to expand on your first couple years, or want to upgrade from an old set, Adams golf and Callaway provide great options. The sets usually include hybrids which will be helpful on longer shots. More expensive Titleist, Taylormade and Callaway clubs are also great options, but I suggest asking a local pro for advice before purchasing.
Budget Tip: Golfers buy and sell clubs all the time on eBay and Craigslist. If a set didn’t work for a previous owner, it doesn’t mean it can’t work for you!
Once you have a set you feel comfortable with, go to the range or chipping green and find that Excalibur! Enjoying your clubs and having fun will give you a lot of confidence in your game.