Knowing What to Use

When beginning to play golf, the first step is to find the right equipment. This includes golf clubs, bag, and golf balls. As a beginner the most expensive equipment is unnecessary. Cheap, used equipment is best for when just beginner to learn how to play. Golfers are allowed to carry up to fourteen clubs with them on the golf course (Stachura). Beginners don't need to carry this many clubs and they can be very successful with a basic set of clubs. A basic set of clubs includes:

• A driver
• A fairway wood
• Two irons (usually a 6 iron and a 8 iron)
• A pitching wedge
• A putter

The driver, fairway wood and the 2 irons are long distance clubs used to get the ball close or on the green. The driver will hit the ball the farthest followed by the wood, 6 iron, and then the 8 iron. The pitching wedge and putter are the short distance clubs used on and around the green. Pitching wedges are used to pitch the ball onto the green from a short distance then the putter is used to roll the ball into the hole.

Not only is having the right clubs important but so is having the correct attire. Most golf courses enforce a dress code on players (Stachura). A typical golf outfit includes:

• A collared shirt
• Khakis (shorts or pants)
• A hat
• Golf shoes 

This outfit will fit most golf courses' dress code with the exception of shorts for the more strict courses. Once all of these items have been obtained the player is ready to begin working on the fundamentals of the golf swing. 


Stachura, M. (n.d.). How To Play Golf: A Beginner's Guide From Golf Digest: Golf Digest.Golf Digest. Retrieved from http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-instruction/golf-beginners-tips