Golf equipment for beginners: The right initial equipment for new golfers

You have recently discovered golf, perhaps you have already taken a taster course or perhaps you have already passed your license to play? In any case, you are now considering buying your first golf equipment. But what should you pay attention to when buying your first golf equipment?

Admittedly, the choice of golf equipment out there is huge: different brands, sizes, colours, shapes and specifications can overwhelm a beginner, when all you really want to do is spend what you need to start playing golf. This equipment is what a new golfer needs:

Golf clubs for beginners

Each player may take up to 14 clubs with him on his round of golf. A set consists of different clubs for different situations – e.g. for the first tee-off at the start or to play the ball from a bunker. Golf clubs are divided into woods, irons and the putter. The woods are designed for the first tee-off and the long shots on the course, the irons are suitable for the game up to the flag and the putter is used on the green for the hole.

If you are not careful, you can easily spend around 1500,- Euro for good golf clubs. As a beginner you only need a reliable beginner’s golf set of a decent brand to get used to the sport of golf and to start learning. Many new golfers initially decide on half a set of clubs, buy used equipment or demo clubs. A well maintained set of used clubs is often better than a brand new, cheaper set. The best thing to do before buying is to take extensive advantage of the opportunities for testing in a pro shop or retail store. It is especially important to know whether you want to play right- or left-handed golf.

Tip: Just like when buying a car, most people do not choose the top model. This also applies to the purchase of golf clubs. It does not necessarily have to be the best and it does not necessarily have to be brand new. It is also not important how the equipment looks, but that it feels good for the player and is as forgiving as possible.

Golf balls for beginners

Especially for beginners golf balls are unfortunately often lost. They are attracted “as if by magic” by high grass or water hazards and suddenly cannot be found anymore. Therefore, as a beginner, it is always better to have a few balls too many than too few in your pocket.

If you think that all golf balls are about the same except for the brand name on the front, you are wrong. Different types of balls are aimed at players with different abilities. Beginners don’t need fancy spin or compression values: you should use a 2-component golf ball with a large core in the middle and a Surlyn cover made of solid rubber, such as PearlGolf golf balls “PG-EDITION” or Foreace golf balls “Hades”. These models are initially the most controllable for beginners, fly the farthest and are much more durable than the easily damaged 3 or 4-piece golf balls used by the professionals.

Tip: An inexpensive alternative to brand new balls are so-called “Lakeballs” (rescued from the water hazard by golf ball divers) or refurbished (“refurbished”) brand golf balls. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Golf bags for beginners

The type of golf bag you buy will certainly not affect the quality of your golf game. But it could be unpleasant to carry a particularly heavy bag over several kilometres or to have to pull it on a trolley. Of course, it is advisable to choose a light golf bag that offers some storage space for additional equipment. Ideally, your new golf bag will also be waterproof or at least water-repellent.

Tip: Lightweight bags with a built-in stand (“stand bags”) are best for getting started. These can either be carried or strapped onto a trolley or golf cart. Make sure it is a comfortable model with well-padded straps. Here you will find tips for recommended golf stand bags.

The first pair of golf shoes

To practice on the driving range, a beginner only needs sports shoes or sturdy shoes with a firm profile. When it comes to the golf course, proper golf shoes are essential – they give your feet the traction and comfort you need and conform to the dress code of most golf clubs.

Tip: When choosing shoes, comfort is always a priority, as a round of golf over 18 holes will cover a distance of 6 to 10 kilometres. The investment in a good pair of golf shoes pays off after a long, 5-hour round in hilly terrain at the latest. Ideal golf shoes are stable, light and waterproof. Whether the shoes have soft spikes or nubs on the sole is a matter of taste. Here you will find tips for the best men’s golf shoes and the top 10 women’s golf shoes.