Best Golf Gear for Beginners: Clubs, Balls, Shoes & More (2024)

Welcome to our beginner’s guide to golfing accessories and gear. Are you new to the game of golf and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the different types of equipment available? Well, don’t worry, we’re here to help.

Golfing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get some fresh air and exercise, and it can be a really fun social activity as well. But having the right equipment is absolutely essential to your enjoyment and success on the course.

In this overview, we will go over all the different types of equipment and accessories you’ll need to get started. We’ll cover everything from clubs and balls to shoes and gloves, and we’ll give you some tips on how to choose the right equipment for your game – So, grab your clubs and let’s hit the course!

Golf Clubs for Beginners Guide

Golf clubs are the most obvious gear you’ll need to get started. There are many different types of clubs and each is designed for a specific purpose. Here’s a rundown of what to look out for:

Types of Golf Clubs

• Driver: used for long distance shots, hitting off the tee
• Woods: For long distance shots from the tee, fairway or rough
• Hybrids: combination of woods and irons, versatile for long distance shots
• Irons: for control and accuracy, for shots from fairway or rough as well as most par-3’s
• Wedges: for short shots around the green and getting out of bunkers
• Putters: for rolling the ball into the hole on the green

How to Choose the Right Golf Clubs

Before you go ahead and buy a set, there are a few things you ought to consider…

First and foremost – you need to think about your skill level. Do you have the basics down or are you starting from scratch? This will play a big role in determining which clubs you should buy. For example, if you’re just getting starting, you’ll want to look for clubs that are the most forgiving and easiest to hit. As you progress in your game, you can then start to invest in clubs that will help you fine-tune your shots.

Another thing to consider is your playing style – How do you like to play the game? Are you a power player type who likes to hit the ball as far as possible, or are you a player who likes to focus on precision and accuracy? Answering this will help you figure out which clubs you should buy.

Finally, try out different clubs at a driving range or pro shop before making a purchase. This will give you a chance to see which clubs feel the most comfortable and perform the best for your swing. Take your time, and don’t rush into buying a set of clubs. The right set of clubs can make all the difference in your game.

Best Overall Golf Club Set for Beginners: Strata Complete Golf Club Set

Score: 9.2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Callaway Strata 12 Piece Set includes a driver, 3 wood, 5 hybrid, 6-9 iron, pitching wedge, putter, stand bag and 2 head covers. The set is designed for maximum performance and includes a lightweight 460cc forged driver with a large sweet spot and titanium head for more forgiveness. The set also includes an oversized 3 wood for high flying shots, a 5 hybrid for difficult long irons, stainless steel irons for forgiveness and control and a mallet putter for accuracy.

Pros

• Inexpensive top rated golf club set for beginners, really affordable for those on a budget
• Fits well for most golfers (5’5″-6’1″)
• Works well and will definitely outperform older generation golf clubs
• Optimal golf set for beginner skill level golfers and those just starting out
• 2 year warranty

Cons

• The grips are a bit rough on the hands
• Driver underperforms relative to the other clubs in the set

Verdict

This is a top club set for beginner level golfers. We recommend upgrading the grips on the entire set and swapping out the driver if you’re looking to get more out of the performance.

Golf Balls for Beginners Guide

You know how we all want to improve our golf game, well one of the things that can make a big difference is the type of golf ball we use. Now, I’m no pro… but I’ve been playin’ long enough to know a thing or two about the different types of balls.

Types of Golf Balls

Here are the main types of golf balls beginners should know about:

• Two-piece golf balls
• Three-piece golf balls
• Four-piece golf balls
• Distance golf balls
• Soft golf balls
• High and low spin golf balls

You know how we all want to improve our golf game, well one of the things that can make a big difference is the type of golf ball we use. Now, I ain’t no pro or nothin’, but I’ve been playin’ long enough to know a thing or two about the different types of balls.

First off, there’s the two-piece ball. This is the most basic and cheapest kind. It’s made up of just two layers, a cover and a core. It’s great for beginners or for those of us with a slower swing speed.

Next, we got the three-piece ball. It’s got an extra layer in between the cover and the core called a mantle. This helps control the spin and trajectory of the ball, making it a good choice for those of us with a moderate swing speed.

And then there’s the four-piece ball. It’s got one more layer than the three-piece, a cover. This extra layer gives the ball more control and a softer feel. It’s the most expensive and best suited for those of us with a fast swing speed.

Another thing to consider is distance golf balls. These are designed to travel farther when hit, which can be great for players looking to add some extra yards to their shots. They often have a lower compression core and a firmer cover to increase ball speed and distance. Keep in mind, however, that distance golf balls may not offer as much control as other types of golf balls, so they may not be the best choice for golfers looking to improve their accuracy.

High spin golf balls are designed to generate more spin on the ball when hit, which can be great for golfers looking for more control and accuracy on their shots, especially for short approach shots, but they tend to fly shorter than low spin balls. On the other hand, low spin golf balls are designed to generate less spin on the ball when hit, which can be great for golfers looking for more distance on their shots, but they tend to fly straighter than high spin balls. This can be a tradeoff between control and distance, so it’s important to consider both.

How to Choose the Right Golf Balls

Now when it comes to picking the right ball, it’s important to think about our skill level, swing speed, and what kind of conditions we’ll be playing in. For example, if it’s wet out, we might want to go for a ball with a softer cover for better grip. Or if we’ll be playin’ on a course with lots of bunkers and obstacles, we might want to choose a ball with a firmer cover for better control.

So there you have it fellas, a quick run-down on the different types of golf balls and what to consider when choosing the right one for your game.

Best Overall Golf Ball for Beginners: WILSON Profile Distance Golf Balls

Score: 9.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros

• Long distance ball flight
• Low compression
• Less ball spin to maximize distance
• Simple dimple pattern technology reduces hooks and slices

Cons

• Harder feel than advertised that is not liked by all

Golf Shoes for Beginners Guide

Another golf gear item that is essential to performing well on the course is a good golf shoe.

Types of Golf Shoes

Proper golf shoes are real important when you’re out on the course, right? Well, there’s two types of these shoes – spikeless and spiked.

Spikeless shoes got a rubber or plastic sole with little bumps instead of metal spikes. They feel real good on your feet, and you can wear ’em anywhere.

Then you got the spiked shoes, which got metal or plastic spikes on the sole. They give you extra grip on the course, but ain’t as comfortable to walk in, so you best keep ’em for the course.

How to Choose the Right Golf Shoes

When you’re picking out your shoes, make sure they fit just right and feel good on your feet. They should be snug, but not too tight, and leave some room for your toes to move. It’s best to try ’em on at a golf store before you buy ’em.

Also, think about the course you’ll be playing on. If it’s wet or muddy, go for the spiked shoes. If it’s dry and hard, the spikeless shoes might be a better choice.

Best Overall Golf Shoe for Beginners: ECCO Men’s Biom Hybrid Hydromax Water-Resistant Golf Shoe

Score: 9.2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros

• High durability, premium materials
• Water repellant
• Feels more like a regular shoe which is beneficial for new golfers
• Lightweight construction

Cons

• May not be comfortable to all, look to add an insole

Golf Gloves for Beginners Guide

Golf gloves are designed to improve their grip on the club. They are worn on the non-dominant hand (the left hand for right-handed golfers and the right hand for left-handed golfers) and are usually made out of a smooth, flexible, breathable leather.

Types of Golf Gloves

There are few different types of golf gloves, and each serve their own purpose:

• Full-finger gloves
• Half-finger gloves
• Cold weather golf gloves
• Rain golf gloves

How to Choose the Right Golf Glove

So when it comes to golf gloves – how it fits is the most important factor. You’ll want something that’s snug but not too tight, and made of a flexible, breathable leather that lets your hand move freely. The best way to make sure you find your fit is to go try on some different sizes at your local pro shop or golf store.

You also need to consider the weather. If you’re playing in cold weather you’ll want a glove that performs better in low temps; If it’s raining, you might want to think about getting a rain glove to keep your hand warm and dry. But, if you’re playing in hot and humid weather, a half-finger glove might be the way to go, to keep your hand cool and comfortable.

Best Overall Golf Glove for Beginners: Callaway Weather Spann Golf Gloves

Score: 9.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros

• Great Feel, Flexibility and Increased Durability
• Moisture wicking, great breathability
• Secure fit with plenty of sizing options
• Best golf glove for the price

Cons

• Prone to wear and tear, especially if they get wet

Golf Bags for Beginners Guide

Golf bags are an essential piece of equipment for any golfer… as they hold all of your clubs, balls, personal items, and other accessories.

Types of Golf Bags

There are three main types of golf bags:

• Carry bags
• Cart bags
• Travel bags

Carry bags are the smallest and lightest type of golf bag. Best used for carrying your clubs around the course; They have straps that go over your shoulders and a few pockets for storing balls, tees, and such. Carry bags are a great choice for golfers who like to walk the course.

Cart bags are designed to stand upright on the course and they are larger and heavier than carry bags. They have much more room for storage so you can bring all your gear with you. Stand bags are best for when you’re using a push-pull cart or using one of the clubhouse provided gas/electric carts. I wouldn’t recommend a cart bag for carrying around the course.

Travel bags are large and designed to keep your entire golf bag protected while traveling. They often have additional storage for your golf clothes as well. These bags are best suited for airplane travel.

How to Choose the Right Golf Bag

When choosing a golf bag, consider whether you like to walk or ride the course and determine which option is best for you from there. If you like to walk the course, a carry bag or cart bag paired with a push cart may be the best choice for you. If you prefer to ride in a cart, a cart bag the best option. It’s also a good idea to consider how many clubs and extra gear you want to bring.

Best Overall Golf Bag for Beginners: TaylorMade 5.0 ST Carry & Stand Bag

Score: 9.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros

• 6 large pockets and a water bottle sleeve
• Removeable ball pocket (great for practice sessions)
• Very lightweight, great for walking the course or riding
• Plenty of room for a full set of golf clubs

Cons

• Not made of the most durable material, but that is expected at this price range

Golf Carts for Beginners Guide

Using a golf cart is a great way to make your round of golf more enjoyable and less tiring. There are many options available, so lets break down the choices so you can pick the best one for you.

Types of Golf Carts

Push-pull carts are the most used option and are designed to be lugged around the course. They’re great if you prefer to walk the course and carry their own gear.

Ride carts on the other hand allow you to ride around the course. These are perfect for those who want to save some time, energy and just enjoy the breeze. There are even surf-board style ride carts now!

Finally, we have another newer option, the robo-caddy – the latest golf cart technology. They’re operated by a small electric motor and follow you around the course; and they can even be controlled by an app on your phone.

How to Choose the Right Golf Cart

To choose the right cart for you, ask yourself what your preference is and how much you’re willing to spend. When it comes to golf carts, more money = more features. If you’re looking for an easy way to get around the course and don’t mind paying the riding fee each time you play, use the ride carts at the course. If you’re looking for a way to save energy and enjoy the walk, a push-pull cart is all you need… and… if you’re looking for the latest in golf technology, look into some robo-caddy options.

Best Overall Golf Cart for Beginners: 3 Wheel Golf Push Cart

Score: 9.2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros

• Great quality for a low price
• Height adjustable to fit most golfers
• Smooth rolling wheels
• Brake system keeps it in place when on slight hills
• Folds down flat for easy storage

Cons

• Brake prone to wear over time

Best Golf Accessories for Beginners

In addition to the equipment above, there are a few other accessories that you’ll need such as:

Essential Golf Accessories

• Golf Tees
• Ball Markers
• Divot tools
• Stencils

Next Level Golf Accessories

• Rangefinders
• Golf GPS Watches
• Bluetooth Speakers with voice GPS

Final Thoughts: Equipment for Beginner Golfers

Alright newbies, we’ve now reached the ‘final hole’ of our beginner guide to golf equipment. We’ve covered everything from tee to green, discussing the essential gear you’ll need to get started on the course.

From drivers to putters, we’ve talked about the different types of clubs and their purpose. We also covered golf balls, tees, gloves and shoes, all of which are needed to play golf.

Now, when it comes to buying the right equipment, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to break the bank. Consider your skill level, playing style and budget before you buy anything and don’t be afraid to try out different options to find out what works best for you.

Also let’s not forget about the little extras like tees, markers, and divot tools that are often forgotten!

So, golfers, don’t be overwhelmed by all the options available, with a little research and some trial and error, you’ll find the perfect set of clubs, gear and accessories for you. And before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the game of golf.