Jackson Reid
Building a golf set can be a challenging task, especially for beginners. The rules of golf allow a maximum of 14 clubs in the bag, including a combination of woods, irons, wedges, and a putter. When building a golf set, it's important to consider factors such as budget, performance, course conditions, and the specific challenges of the golf course you play at. Safety should always be a priority when working with tools and materials. If you're looking for a cost-effective option, buying used clubs on Facebook Marketplace or eBay is a great alternative to new ones. For those who want to build their own clubs, golf clubmaking kits provide the tools and components needed to assemble and customize a set tailored to your preferences and playing style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of clubs in a set | 14 |
| Club types | Woods, irons, wedges, putter |
| Club combinations | Fairway woods, hybrids, long irons |
| Club buying order | Putter, irons, wedges, woods, driver |
| Club buying factors | Budget, performance, course conditions, distance gaps, yardages |
| Building wedges | Sole width, bounce angle, grinds |
| Building putters | Mallet putter, blade putter, alignment, precision, forgiveness |
| Building tools | Golf clubmaking kits, golf shaft cutter, sandpaper, epoxy, grip solvent, vice, saw, belt sander, swing-weight scale |
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What You'll Learn
Budgeting and performance
If you are on a tight budget, you can still build a complete golf set by making careful choices and being mindful of your spending. You can opt for used clubs or older models, which can offer significant savings without compromising performance. Golf technology does not change drastically year-on-year, so slightly older clubs can still be excellent performers. Keep an eye out for sales and promotions, especially during the off-season or when new products are launched, as prices can drop significantly.
When it comes to performance, the putter is arguably the most important club in your bag, as you will use it on every hole. It is worth investing in a putter that suits your stroke type and feels comfortable for you. Irons are another key component of your golf set, and they can vary widely in price. Depending on your budget, you may allocate between 35% to 50% of your total budget to irons, as they will make up a significant portion of your clubs.
If you are building your set piece by piece, there are budget-friendly options for each category. For wedges, a pitching wedge is often included with iron sets, and you can add a sand wedge or lob wedge. For irons, game-improvement irons offer more forgiveness and are easier to hit than players' irons. When buying individual clubs, decent beginner golf clubs typically cost $100-$300 per club, so it is more cost-effective to buy a set unless you only need one or two clubs.
You can also save money by buying components and assembling the clubs yourself. You can find club heads, ferrules, grips, grip tape, and solvents at golf stores or online. Steel shafts are generally cheaper than graphite shafts, and you can find decent options for under $10 each.
While budgeting is important, it is also crucial to consider your skill level and the type of clubs that will suit your game. Custom fitting can be invaluable, even on a budget, to ensure that your clubs match your swing and abilities. Remember, the right set of clubs can help you play your best golf and enjoy the game.
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Putters
There are two main styles of putter to choose from: the blade style and the mallet style. The blade style is a classic, more compact design, offering a smooth stroke and good alignment. The mallet style has a larger head, which provides stability and reduces twisting on off-centre hits, with advanced alignment aids for more consistent strokes. The mallet putter may not be as forgiving as the blade style, and it may not suit those who prefer a smaller, more traditional putter.
When choosing a putter, it is important to consider the grip. Thicker grips can help to reduce shakiness and improve consistency, but they can also soften the feel, which may be an issue for those who rely on touch and feedback to judge distance. It is a good idea to test a few putters to see how they affect your stroke rhythm and confidence.
If you are building your first golf set, you may want to prioritise budgeting over performance. In this case, you can start with the most expensive clubs and finish with the least expensive. However, if performance is your priority, you should start with the putter, as this will be the most-used club in your bag. Irons are also a good second choice, as they are important for performance, and you can then fill out the rest of your bag within your budget.
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Irons
When building your iron set, you can buy used or new irons, or even make your own custom set. Used irons can be found for a few hundred dollars, while new iron sets can range from less than $100 to over $5,000. If you're on a budget, you can start with cheaper irons and gradually invest in more expensive ones. On the other hand, if performance is your priority, you should allocate a significant portion of your budget, around 35-50%, to your iron set.
When choosing irons, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the length of the irons should correspond to your height. Factory irons are typically designed for individuals between 5'9" and 5'11". If you're taller or shorter than this range, you may need to adjust the length of your irons accordingly. Additionally, women's clubs tend to be one inch shorter and have more flexible shafts.
The design of the irons is also important. Cavity back irons, for instance, have a lower centre of gravity, making it easier to get the ball into the air. The look of the irons is also a factor; while aesthetics may not seem like a priority, they can impact performance. For example, certain designs may affect your ability to hit the ball accurately. Therefore, it's crucial to find irons that not only suit your preferences but also enhance your performance.
Finally, when building your iron set, consider the specific types of irons you need. This includes determining the range of irons you require, from long irons to short irons, and deciding if you prefer blades or game-improvement irons. By carefully selecting each iron and ensuring they suit your needs and playing style, you can create a customised set that improves your overall game.
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Woods
When building a golf set, it is important to consider the type of wood to include in your bag. The standard set for a beginner golfer typically includes a driver, a fairway wood, a hybrid, two wedges, a putter, and a set of irons.
Fairway woods are not as necessary for beginners and are often added last. However, they can be useful for advancing the ball, and having a secondary fairway wood can make the game more enjoyable. When selecting a fairway wood, consider the loft, which should ideally be at least 15° for beginners, and the length, which should not exceed 42" for beginners. The 5-wood is the most common choice for a fairway wood, as it is easier to hit than the 3-wood, and can be used all over the course. Adjustable fairway woods, such as the Cobra LTDx series, offer versatility by allowing you to change the loft and clubface settings to suit your needs.
If you are building a complete 14-club set, you can add another fairway wood, such as a 7-wood or a 9-wood. The choice of wood depends on your game and the course you play on. For example, if you play on a short and tight course with obstacles like water, you may need to lay up and use a fairway wood instead of a driver.
When purchasing woods, you can find good deals on pre-owned club heads and shafts, or buy components from stores like GolfWorks or Golfsmith. It is recommended to prioritize performance over looks when building your set, especially when it comes to wedges and fairway woods, which are less likely to stand out to other golfers.
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Wedges
When building your golf set, it's important to assess your needs by evaluating your skill level, the typical course conditions, and the gaps in your yardages. As a beginner, it's recommended to start with a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. The pitching wedge, also known as PW, generally comes with any irons golf set and has between 42-47 degrees of loft. It's used for full-swing shots and short chip shots around the green. The sand wedge, or SW, is highly versatile and can be used for full shots, knockdown shots, partial shots inside 70 yards, sand shots, and greenside shots. It typically has between 54-57 degrees of loft and is often the highest lofted club in a golfer's bag.
As you gain experience, you can consider expanding your wedge collection. The next addition would typically be a gap wedge or GW, which fills the gap between the pitching wedge and sand wedge in terms of loft. It usually has between 49-53 degrees of loft and is used for a variety of shots, including full swings, knockdown shots, and greenside bunkers. The final type of wedge is the lob wedge, which is excellent for flop shots, short-sided shots, 30-50 yard shots, and greenside bunkers. Lob wedges can be challenging for beginners as they require consistent and accurate striking.
When choosing wedges, it's important to consider your budget and the features that suit your needs. Second-hand wedges can offer excellent value and performance, especially for beginners, but be sure to inspect the grooves and overall condition. For new wedges, prices can range from €40 to over €250, depending on brand, technology, and performance.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to establish your priorities. If you are a beginner golfer, you need to decide whether you prioritise budgeting or performance.
If budgeting is your priority, start by buying the most expensive golf clubs first and finish with the least expensive ones.
If performance is your priority, start by buying a putter as it is the only club you will use on every hole. Then, consider adding irons to your set.
You should consider the challenges of the course you will be playing on. For example, if you will be playing on a course with thick rough, you may want to add a hybrid to your set.
You will need a golf shaft cutter, grit edge blade, hacksaw frame, masking tape, sandpaper, a ferrule installation tool, hammer, and a hard surface to tap the shaft butt down on.
