The Beginners Guide To Buying Clubs
Buying your first set of golf clubs can be a nerve racking adventure, especially if you haven’t done your research. With so many brands on the market, beginners can get lost trying different clubs. The market’s best new offerings often cost over $2,000 for a set of irons and $500+ for a driver but a newbie doesn’t need to break the bank getting the latest gear. A simple, low cost set often has everything a new golfer needs and then you can always upgrade as your love for the game grows.
Here’s some criteria to consider when looking:
- Cost Efficiency – Obviously this is the biggest factor for most people. Don’t max out a credit card getting your first set, but be prepared to spend on quality equipment. Getting a set is more cost effective than buying individual clubs and you can always add to your collection later. And don’t be swayed by extra bells and whistles – we want high quality clubs, not a fancy bag.
- Forgiveness – Remember, Jordan Spieth you are not. Technology has come a long to help the high handicapper and clubs are now designed to compensate for imperfections in your swing (you have them, admit it). Get a set that’s not going to punish every indiscretion.
- Brand Name – Spending a ton of money on your first set of golf clubs won’t make you expert, but there’s something to be said for the peace of mind that comes with a well-known brand. Don’t just get the cheapest ones you find; durability and performance are important.
With these factors in mind, here’s five sets that can help novices without breaking the bank.
Callaway Strata Tour 18-Piece Men’s Set
Price: $499.99
Clubs: Driver, 3-Wood, 5-Wood, 4-Hybrid, 5-Hybrid, 6,7,8,9 irons, pitching wedge, sand wedge, putter
Callaway has become synonymous with pros like Phil Mickelson, but they have plenty of offerings for beginners too. This 18-piece set comes with a good-looking red, white, and black bag with backpack strap and rain guard.. The wood and hybrid clubs are built for forgiveness at unforgiving distances. With hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon, this set might be the best bang for your buck a beginner can find.
Wilson Profile XD Men’s Complete Golf Set
Price: $299.99
Clubs: Driver, 5-Wood, 5-Hybrid, 6,7,8,9 irons, pitching wedge, sand wedge, putter
This set from Wilson Golf wants to help you rip it right from the jump. The driver utilizes the latest designs to give you power and accuracy off the tee and the irons have large sweet spots. This entire collection is lightweight and the bag comes with a double shoulder strap and plenty of storage room.
Pinemeadow ZR 3.0 Hybrid Complete Set
Price: $449.95 – $479.95
Clubs: Driver, 3-Wood, 3-Hybrid, 5,6,7,8,9 irons, pitching wedge, sand wedge, putter
This set from Pinemeadow adds an iron and the price different depends on whether you want a graphite or steel irons. The driver is powerful and the irons are forgiving with big sweet spots. Durable and sleek, these clubs are designed for getting out of trouble too – great for beginners looking for a little challenge reaching the green.
Cobra Fly-Z XL V2 12-Club Men’s Complete Set
Price: $799.99
Clubs: Driver, 3-Wood, 5-Wood, 4-Hybrid, 5-Hybrid, 6-Hybrid, 7,8,9 irons, pitching wedge, sand wedge, putter
Cobra has been making elite golf clubs since the 1970s and sponsors world-class golfers like Rickie Fowler. This gold set might be their best work yet with forgiving irons and a driver guaranteed to increase your distance. This is the most expensive set on our list, but it’s the most complete of the bunch and the 6-Hybrid is great for toning up those approach shots.
Tour Edge Golf – Reaction 3 Complete Set
Price: $278
Clubs: Driver, 3-Wood, 4-Hybrid, 5,6,7,8,9 irons, pitching wedge, putter
These aren’t the most expensive clubs on the list, but they might be the most durable and likely the ones to most immediately improve your game.. The 4-hybrid club allows for challenging approach shots and the irons are oversized and forgiving. Putts are also more accurate with the improved mallet-style design.
