The best golf clubs for beginners are forgiving, simple and cheap: a small starter set to learn on, or a used full set with a high-loft driver, a hybrid or two, game improvement irons, a sand wedge and a mallet putter. You don't need 14 clubs, and you don't need new ones. Most beginners are best off spending a few hundred dollars on used clubs and putting the rest toward lessons and range time.
Prices below come from GolfRoots listings as of October 2026.
How many clubs does a beginner need?
Far fewer than the rules allow. The Rules of Golf cap you at 14 clubs, but most package sets have 10 to 12, and a brand new golfer can learn with five or six. A useful starting bag:
- A driver or a 5 wood for tee shots
- One or two hybrids (they're easier than long irons)
- A 7 iron and a 9 iron, or a short iron set
- A sand wedge
- A putter
Should a beginner buy a starter set or a full set?
Both work. Today's Golfer points out that for someone new to the game, a complete set is often the best way to go, since package sets are designed around forgiveness. The question is how sure you are that you'll stick with it.
Not sure yet? Start with a starter set
Our Just the Roots starter set is $89.99 and includes a 5 wood, 7 iron, sand wedge, putter, five golf balls and our Swing Satchel carry bag. If you get hooked, you can trade it in toward any GolfRoots full set and get the full $89.99 back as store credit. Read more in the most affordable way to start playing golf.
Ready to commit? Buy a used full set
A used full set gives you a matched bag for less than buying pieces. We had more than 180 used full sets listed in October 2026, with about 43 under $500 and 58 under $700. Shop used full sets, or men's full sets and women's clubs.
What makes a club good for beginners?
- Forgiveness: larger heads and wide soles that keep mishits playable.
- Loft: higher-lofted clubs and bigger sweet spots help the ball get airborne. A driver with 10.5 or 12 degrees of loft is easier than a 9.
- Hybrids instead of long irons: a 4 or 5 hybrid is much easier to hit than a 4 or 5 iron. We had hundreds of used hybrids under $100.
- The right flex: most beginners swing slowly enough for regular or senior flex. See what shaft flex do I need.
- A mallet putter: mallets are more forgiving and easier to aim. Odyssey 2-Ball and White Hot putters are cheap used; we had more than 400 used putters under $100.
How much should a beginner spend on golf clubs?
- Just trying it: $90 for a starter set.
- Playing a few times a month: about $300 to $700 for a used full set.
- All in: build a bag piece by piece with a forgiving used driver (many under $200, see best used drivers under $200), hybrids and game improvement irons.
Not sure what fits? Our build-your-own set tool picks clubs from live inventory based on your game, or you can try clubs on the simulator at our Farmers Branch shop, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
FAQ
Should beginners buy used golf clubs?
Yes. Beginners don't benefit from the newest technology, and used clubs let you learn your preferences before spending more.
What is the easiest club for a beginner to hit?
Usually a hybrid or a 7 iron. Both have enough loft to get airborne and are forgiving on mishits.
Do beginners need a driver?
Not right away. Many beginners hit a 5 wood or hybrid off the tee until they're comfortable, then add a high-loft driver.
When should a beginner upgrade?
When you're playing regularly and know your misses. At that point a fitting or a mid-handicap setup helps; see the best golf clubs for a 20 handicap.
