Best Golf Clubs for Beginners: Why You Only Need Four

Best Golf Clubs for Beginners: Why You Only Need Four

The rules allow 14 clubs. Beginners play better with four. Here's what a new golfer actually needs, and how our Just the Roots starter set credits back every dollar when you upgrade.

A beginner golfer needs four clubs: a wood or hybrid for distance, a mid iron for approach shots, a wedge for short shots and bunkers, and a putter. That covers every shot on the course. The rules allow 14 clubs, but more clubs means more decisions, and new golfers usually play better with fewer.

The four clubs and what each one does

  • 5 wood: your distance club off the tee and from the fairway. Easier to hit than a driver for most new players.
  • 7 iron: the most versatile iron. Use it for approach shots and punch-outs, and choke down for shorter shots.
  • Sand wedge: for chips, pitches and getting out of bunkers.
  • Putter: the club you'll use on every hole.

What's in the Just the Roots starter set

We built our Just the Roots (Starter) Set around exactly that idea. It includes:

  • GolfRoots 5 wood
  • GolfRoots 7 iron
  • GolfRoots sand wedge
  • GolfRoots Model No. 1 putter
  • 5 golf balls
  • Our Swing Satchel carry bag

It comes in men's and women's right-handed versions, with regular flex, for $89.99.

You get every dollar back when you upgrade

The biggest reason people put off starting golf is the cost of getting it wrong. So we took that risk away. When you're ready for a full set, you get 100% of what you paid for the Just the Roots set back in store credit toward any full set at GolfRoots. You only send the starter set back after your new set arrives, so you're never without clubs.

If golf isn't for you, you're out less than a nice dinner. If it is, the starter set costs you nothing in the end.

Common questions

Should a beginner buy a full set of golf clubs?

Not right away. Start small, learn what you like, and upgrade once you know how often you'll play. When you're ready, used full sets give you the most for your money.

Do beginners need a driver?

No. A 5 wood or hybrid is easier to hit straight and gets new golfers around the course just fine. Add a driver later.

What should a beginner know before their first round?

A few basic terms go a long way. Our golf terms glossary covers the ones you'll hear most. Getting kids started too? Read getting kids into golf without overspending.