Buying golf equipment has never been easier.
Buying the right golf equipment has never been harder.
A quick search online will give you thousands of opinions, hundreds of YouTube reviews and more product choices than ever before. Every new driver promises more distance. Every new iron promises more forgiveness. Every golf ball claims to be longer, straighter and softer.
So how do you know what's actually right for you?
After more than 20 years as a PGA Professional, one thing has become very clear.
The golfers who enjoy the game the most aren't always the ones with the newest equipment.
They're the golfers using equipment that suits their game.
I've helped thousands of golfers choose clubs over the years, from complete beginners buying their very first set to low handicap golfers chasing tiny improvements.
The biggest mistake I see isn't people buying cheap equipment.
It isn't people buying expensive equipment.
It's people buying equipment that doesn't suit them.
Sometimes a golfer only needs one new club to completely change how they feel about their game. Other times I'll happily talk someone out of spending thousands of dollars because I honestly believe they'd get a better result by spending less on clubs and putting the rest towards lessons or coaching.
That's probably not something you expect to hear from someone who sells golf equipment.
But that's how we've always approached things at Golf 360.
Our job isn't to sell you a particular club.
Our job is to help you find the right club.
Sometimes that's the newest model.
Sometimes it's not.
This guide is everything I'd tell you if you walked into Golf 360 and asked,
"Scott, where do I start?"
Whether you're buying your very first clubs, upgrading your current set or simply wondering whether that shiny new driver is really worth it, I hope this guide helps you make better decisions and enjoy your golf even more.
Golf Equipment Should Give You Confidence
One word comes up over and over again when I talk to golfers.
Confidence.
Confidence standing on the first tee.
Confidence over a five-foot putt.
Confidence pulling a club from your bag knowing it suits your swing.
Golf is hard enough without fighting your equipment.
The right equipment won't magically make you a scratch golfer.
But it can absolutely make the game easier, more enjoyable and more consistent.
Sometimes golfers ask me whether buying a new driver or changing their irons will make them a better player.
My answer is usually the same.
"It depends."
If your current equipment genuinely isn't suited to you, then yes, the difference can be enormous.
If your equipment already fits your game reasonably well, you may see smaller gains.
The important thing is understanding the difference.
Buy Equipment That Fits Your Game—Not Someone Else's
One of the biggest traps golfers fall into is buying what somebody else uses.
Maybe your mate just bought a new driver.
Maybe you've watched Rory McIlroy or Scottie Scheffler on television.
Maybe you've seen a YouTube review saying a particular club is the "best driver ever."
None of that means it's the best driver for you.
One thing golfers often don't realise is that our swings are usually much closer to an LPGA Tour player's than they are to a PGA Tour professional.
Swing speed.
Launch conditions.
Strike quality.
They're all very different.
That's why copying the equipment used by elite professionals rarely produces the same results.
The best golf clubs are the ones that suit your swing, your speed and your typical ball flight.
Not someone else's.
Golf Is A Journey, Not One Big Purchase
One thing I've learnt is that very few golfers build the perfect bag overnight.
Golf is a journey.
Most golfers gradually improve their equipment as their game develops.
It usually looks something like this.
Stage One – Getting Started
If you're completely new to golf, I'd almost always recommend starting with a Men's Package Set or a Women's Package set.
They're excellent value, they include everything you need to get started and they allow you to discover whether golf becomes a lifelong passion before investing thousands of dollars.
I've seen plenty of golfers start with a package set before gradually building a fantastic bag over the following few years.
Stage Two – The Golf Bug Bites
This is where it gets exciting.
You've caught the golf bug.
You're playing regularly.
You're practising.
Now you start noticing things.
Maybe your driver feels inconsistent.
Maybe you want a putter that gives you more confidence.
Maybe you've realised your clubs don't quite suit your game anymore.
This is often when golfers begin upgrading one club at a time.
And that's absolutely the approach I'd recommend.
Stage Three – Tailoring Your Bag
As your game improves, equipment becomes more personal.
You begin understanding your strengths.
Your weaknesses.
Your preferred ball flight.
Your yardages.
This is where properly fitted clubs can make a real difference.
Sometimes New Equipment Isn't Really About Performance
Here's something that surprised me when I first heard it.
Sometimes golfers simply want something new because it makes them excited to play.
At first, I wasn't sure what to make of that.
Then I realised there was actually a lot of truth in it.
A shiny new driver.
Fresh wedges.
A new remote-control trundler.
Sometimes buying something new motivates golfers to head to the range, book another round or spend more time practising.
And that's never a bad thing.
Golf is supposed to be enjoyable.
If a new purchase gets you playing more often, there's genuine value in that.
The key is making sure you're buying something that's actually going to benefit your game rather than chasing the latest release simply because it's new.
When Spending Less Is Actually The Better Decision
People are often surprised when I recommend spending less money.
Imagine someone walks into Golf 360 ready to spend $4,000 on new clubs.
If I honestly believe they'd be better off spending $2,500 on equipment and using the remaining money on Golf Lessons & Coaching, that's exactly what I'll tell them.
Because great equipment can't fix poor technique.
Good coaching gives you knowledge.
Knowledge helps you understand your tendencies.
And once you understand your tendencies, you can actually practise with purpose.
That's how golfers improve.
The Biggest Myth Golfers Believe
One thing I hear all the time is,
"My swing changes every day."
In reality, that's rarely true.
What usually changes are the results.
Most golfers have very consistent tendencies.
Maybe they occasionally hang back.
Maybe they release the club a little early.
Maybe they leave the face open through impact.
Those tendencies create different shots.
But the swing itself is often much more consistent than golfers realise.
That's another reason why Golf Club Fitting can be so valuable.
Rather than guessing what suits your swing, you can measure it and choose equipment that complements the way you naturally play.
Don't Let Poor Advice Cost You Money
One of the biggest mistakes I see golfers make is getting poor advice.
That advice might come from a friend.
It might come from social media.
It might come from somebody who means well but doesn't really understand your game.
Golf equipment has become incredibly specialised.
The right shaft.
The correct loft.
The right grip size.
The correct club length.
These things all matter.
That's why asking questions is so important.
Whether you're talking to a PGA Professional, a club fitter or an experienced retailer, don't be afraid to ask why they're recommending a particular product.
Good advice is often worth far more than buying the wrong club.
The Driver: The Biggest Smile In Golf
If you asked me which club creates the biggest smile when golfers buy a new one, it would almost certainly be the driver.
There's something exciting about standing on the first tee with a brand-new driver in your hands.
Everyone wants to hit the ball a little further.
Everyone wants to find a few more fairways.
The good news is that modern drivers really have improved over the last decade. Today's drivers are more forgiving, more stable across the face and easier to launch than many of the models golfers are still using.
That doesn't mean everyone needs a new driver every year.
Far from it.
But if you're still using a driver that's ten or fifteen years old, there's a good chance you're leaving performance behind.
For many golfers, upgrading their driver is one of the quickest ways to gain confidence off the tee.
If you're looking to upgrade, browse our range of Golf Drivers.
Why Driver Fittings Matter
No two golfers swing the club the same way.
That's why the shaft, loft, head design and even the length of the driver all play an important role.
I've seen golfers gain distance simply by changing loft.
Others have found more fairways with a different shaft.
Some golfers actually hit a more forgiving driver further because they're striking the middle of the face more often.
The best driver isn't always the most expensive one.
It's the one that gives you confidence every time you stand on the tee.
If you're investing in a new driver, I'd strongly recommend a Golf Club Fitting so you know you're getting the right combination for your swing.
Don't Forget The Putter
If the driver is the most exciting club to buy, the putter is probably the most important.
Think about it.
You might hit your driver 12 or 13 times during a round.
You'll probably use your putter 30 to 40 times.
Yet it's amazing how many golfers are still using a putter they've had for 20 years simply because they've "always had it."
That doesn't necessarily mean it's wrong.
Some golfers absolutely love an older putter and hole plenty of putts with it.
But if you don't have confidence standing over a putt, it might be time to look at something different.
A putter should suit your eye.
It should sit comfortably behind the ball.
Most importantly, it should give you confidence.
Browse our range of Golf Putters if you're ready to upgrade.
A Great Putter Won't Fix Poor Distance Control
One thing I'd like golfers to understand is that buying a new putter won't automatically eliminate three-putts.
Most three-putts happen because of poor distance control rather than poor aim.
If you can consistently leave your first putt close to the hole, you'll make far more second putts.
That's why I always encourage golfers to spend time practising their putting as well as choosing a putter that suits them.
If you'd like to improve your putting at home, take a look at our Putting Training Aids.
Fairway Woods: More Versatile Than Ever
Fairway woods have become one of the most useful clubs in modern golf.
For many golfers, they're easier to hit than a driver while still providing excellent distance from both the tee and the fairway.
A 3-wood is often the obvious choice, but don't overlook 5-woods or even 7-woods.
In fact, we've seen more golfers adding 7-woods to their bags over the last few years because they're easier to launch and stop much more quickly on the greens.
If you've struggled with long irons, a higher-lofted fairway wood could be one of the smartest additions to your bag.
Explore our range of Fairway Woods.
Hybrids: The Club That Saves More Golfers Than They Realise
If there was one club I'd recommend to the average golfer more often than almost any other, it would probably be a hybrid.
Hybrids were designed to replace difficult-to-hit long irons.
For most golfers, they do exactly that.
They're easier to launch.
More forgiving.
More versatile from different lies.
Whether you're hitting from the fairway, light rough or even around the trees, hybrids often give golfers confidence where long irons don't.
If you're still carrying a 3 or 4-iron that you rarely hit well, it might be worth asking yourself whether a hybrid would make the game easier.
Browse our Hybrid Golf Clubs collection to see what's available.
Irons: Forgiveness Is Not A Dirty Word
One of the biggest changes in golf equipment has been the improvement in irons.
Modern irons offer more forgiveness than ever before while still providing excellent feel and performance.
Years ago, many golfers felt they needed to play small blade-style irons because that's what the professionals used.
Thankfully, that thinking has changed.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with choosing an iron that's easier to hit.
In fact, most golfers will score better because of it.
Remember, golf isn't about making the game harder.
It's about playing your best.
Take a look at our range of Golf Irons.
Should Beginners Buy Expensive Irons?
Usually not.
If you're just getting started, I'd still recommend a quality Men's Package Set or Women's Package Set.
You'll get everything you need to learn the game without spending thousands of dollars straight away.
Once you've caught the golf bug and your swing becomes more consistent, that's a great time to start upgrading individual clubs.
That's exactly how many golfers build a fantastic set over time.
Wedges: Fresh Grooves Make A Difference
Wedges don't always receive the same attention as drivers, but they're some of my favourite clubs to replace.
Why?
Fresh grooves.
Fresh grooves create more spin, more control and more confidence around the greens.
If your wedges are well worn, you're probably giving away more performance than you realise.
For golfers who enjoy playing creative shots around the green, new wedges can be one of the most satisfying upgrades you'll ever make.
Browse our selection of Golf Wedges.
Golf Balls Matter More Than Most Golfers Think
Golf balls are one of the easiest ways to change how your game feels.
Some golfers prefer a softer feel.
Others prioritise distance.
Some want maximum greenside spin.
The important thing is finding a ball that suits your game and then sticking with it.
Changing between different golf balls every round makes it much harder to understand your distances and how the ball reacts around the greens.
Consistency builds confidence.
That's why I'd rather see golfers play the same ball regularly than constantly switch between different models.
Explore our range of Golf Balls to find one that suits your game.
You Don't Need Tour Equipment To Enjoy Golf
One final thought before we move on.
It's easy to believe that buying what the professionals use will help you play better.
In reality, most golfers simply need equipment that's forgiving, confidence-inspiring and suited to their swing.
There's no prize for making golf harder than it already is.
Choose clubs that help you enjoy the game.
You'll almost always play better because of it.
Golf Bags: More Important Than You Might Think
A golf bag probably isn't the first thing people think about upgrading.
But if you've ever battled with broken zips, worn-out legs, not enough storage or a bag that's simply too heavy, you'll know how much difference a good golf bag can make.
The right bag makes every round easier.
If you mainly walk the course, a lightweight stand bag could be the perfect choice.
If you mostly ride in a cart or use a trundler, a cart bag gives you more storage and easier access to your gear.
And if you travel regularly with your clubs, investing in a quality travel cover can save you from a lot of stress.
Browse our range of Golf Bags, including Stand Bags, Cart Bag and Travel Covers.
The Most Underrated Piece Of Golf Equipment
If you asked me to name the most underrated piece of golf equipment, I'd probably say...
A trundler.
Not because it'll instantly lower your handicap.
Because it'll help you enjoy your golf more.
Walking 18 holes while carrying a heavy golf bag can be surprisingly tiring, especially towards the end of the round.
That fatigue doesn't just affect your body.
It affects your concentration, your decision-making and sometimes even your swing.
A good trundler allows you to walk comfortably while saving energy for the shots that matter.
It's one of those purchases where golfers often tell us,
"I wish I'd bought one years ago."
Push Or Electric?
Push trundlers remain incredibly popular because they're simple, reliable and easy to transport.
Electric trundlers take things another step further.
If you regularly walk hilly golf courses, and let's face it, New Zealand has plenty of them, an electric trundler can make golf feel far less demanding.
Remote-control models have become especially popular over the last few years.
Being able to walk naturally while your trundler follows alongside makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
If you enjoy walking your golf, I'd genuinely encourage you to have a look.
Explore our Golf Trundlers, Push Trundlers, and our Electric Golf Trundlers.
Know Your Distances
If there was one purchase I'd recommend to almost every golfer after their clubs, it'd be something that measures distance.
It amazes me how many golfers guess yardages.
Then wonder why they keep missing greens.
Knowing exactly how far you are from the flag changes everything.
It allows you to choose the correct club with confidence instead of hoping you've picked the right one.
Just as importantly, you should also know how far you hit each club.
Not your best shot.
Your normal shot.
Golf is much easier when you're making informed decisions.
Rangefinder Or GPS Watch?
Both are excellent.
A laser rangefinder gives precise distances to the flag and is ideal for golfers who like exact numbers.
GPS watches provide quick front, middle and back distances while also tracking your round.
There's no right or wrong answer.
It simply comes down to personal preference.
Some golfers even use both.
Browse our Golf Rangefinders, and GPS Golf Watches.
Launch Monitors Have Changed Practice Forever
Not long ago, launch monitors were something only tour professionals and elite coaches had access to.
Today, they're available to everyday golfers.
That's one of the biggest changes I've seen in golf.
Launch monitors allow you to understand what your golf ball is actually doing instead of relying on feel alone.
Carry distance.
Ball speed.
Launch angle.
Spin.
Club speed.
They're all incredibly useful pieces of information.
More importantly, they make practice purposeful.
Instead of guessing whether you're improving, you can actually measure it.
If you're serious about your golf or love practising at home, it's one of the best investments you can make.
Explore our range of Launch Monitors.
Home Practice Has Never Been Better
One of the biggest lessons I've learnt over the years is that you don't always need to be at the golf course to improve.
Some of the best practice happens at home.
Rolling putts on a putting mat.
Making swings into a net.
Working on your setup.
Developing better habits.
Even 15 or 20 minutes a few times each week soon adds up.
The golfers who improve the most usually aren't the ones who practise the longest.
They're the ones who practise consistently.
Take a look at our Golf Nets and Home Practice and Putting Training Aids to build your own practice setup.
Don't Overlook Golf Shoes
Golf shoes probably don't get the attention they deserve.
No, they won't suddenly add 20 metres to your drives.
But they do provide stability throughout your swing.
Just as importantly, they keep you comfortable over four or five hours on the golf course.
If your feet are sore after nine holes, it's much harder to enjoy your round.
Choose shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable from the moment you put them on.
Your feet will thank you.
Browse our Golf Shoes.
It's The Little Things That Make Golf Easier
Some of the best golf purchases aren't the biggest ones.
Fresh gloves.
Quality rainwear.
A good umbrella.
A towel that's always attached to your bag.
A divot tool you'll actually remember to carry.
None of these things will transform your handicap overnight.
But together they make every round that little bit more enjoyable.
Over time, those little improvements add up.
Have a browse through our Golf Accessories if you're looking for those finishing touches.
Golf Equipment Should Make You Want To Play
One thing I've realised over the years is that golfers don't always buy equipment purely for performance.
Sometimes they buy something because it gets them excited about golf again.
A new driver.
A fresh set of wedges.
A remote-control trundler.
A launch monitor for the garage.
If buying something new motivates you to head to the range, play another round or spend more time practising, that's a positive thing.
Golf is supposed to be fun.
Good equipment should help you enjoy the game even more.
Buying Golf Equipment Online Or In Store?
This is a question I get asked all the time.
The honest answer?
Both can be great options.
If you already know your specifications, buying online is absolutely fine.
Maybe you've already had a club fitting.
Maybe you know exactly which shaft, loft and grip you need.
In that case, shopping online is convenient, fast and often the easiest option.
That's why we work hard to get orders packed and shipped as quickly as possible throughout New Zealand.
But if you're unsure about what suits your game, I'd always recommend asking questions before buying.
Sometimes a quick conversation can save you from making an expensive mistake.
Why Club Fitting Is Worth It
I genuinely believe every golfer can benefit from a club fitting.
That doesn't mean every golfer needs a tour-level fitting lasting several hours.
Sometimes a simple fitting is enough to confirm you're using the right clubs.
Other times it highlights opportunities you never knew existed.
We've seen golfers gain distance with a different shaft.
Others find more consistency simply by changing loft.
Some discover their current clubs are actually perfect.
That's a great outcome too.
A club fitting isn't about selling clubs.
It's about giving you confidence that the clubs in your bag suit your game.
If you'd like to learn more, visit our Golf Club Fitting page.
How Often Should You Upgrade?
There's no magic number.
Some golfers enjoy buying the latest equipment every couple of years.
Others happily use the same clubs for a decade.
Neither approach is right or wrong.
I'd only suggest upgrading when one of these applies:
- Your clubs no longer suit your game.
- Technology has genuinely moved on.
- Your equipment is becoming worn.
- You're no longer confident using it.
- You're excited to play more because of the upgrade.
That last point might surprise you.
But if buying a new driver gets you back on the course and practising again, that's a worthwhile investment.
Don't Forget Your Grips
This is one area golfers overlook all the time.
We regularly see grips that are shiny, hard and completely worn out.
They're the only part of the club you actually hold.
Fresh grips improve comfort, confidence and control.
Sometimes golfers also discover that a different grip size suits them much better.
Whether that's standard, midsize, jumbo or something customised with build-up tape, the right grip can make a noticeable difference.
Learn more about Golf Club Repairs & Regripping or browse our range of Golf Grips.
Ten Things I Wish Every Golfer Knew Before Buying Equipment
1. Buy equipment that suits your game.
Not your mate's game.
Not a tour player's game.
Your game.
2. More expensive doesn't always mean better.
Premium equipment is fantastic, but only if it suits you.
The right club will always outperform the wrong one.
3. The shaft matters.
The clubhead gets all the attention, but the shaft plays a huge role in how the club performs.
4. Driver and putter deserve your attention.
If I could only upgrade two clubs for many golfers, it'd often be the driver and the putter.
They're the clubs that can have the biggest impact on confidence.
5. Know your yardages.
One of the quickest ways to improve your golf is understanding how far you actually hit each club.
Guessing rarely works.
6. Replace worn grips.
Fresh grips are one of the cheapest ways to make your clubs feel new again.
7. Don't copy tour players.
Their swings are very different from ours.
Choose equipment that helps you, not equipment that looks impressive.
8. Ask questions.
Good advice can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Never be afraid to ask why a club has been recommended.
9. Buy equipment that makes you want to play.
Sometimes the best purchase isn't about lowering your handicap.
It's about getting excited to head back to the course.
10. Remember that golf is supposed to be fun.
Equipment should make the game easier to enjoy, not more complicated.
The Biggest Thing Golf Equipment Can't Fix
There's one thing I always tell golfers.
Golf equipment can't fix bad technique.
Good clubs can absolutely help.
They can make the game easier.
They can improve forgiveness.
They can build confidence.
But they can't replace good fundamentals.
That's where coaching comes in.
Knowledge is power.
The more you understand your own swing, the more productive your practice becomes.
One thing I see regularly is golfers becoming frustrated because they aren't improving.
Then I ask them a simple question.
"What have you done to improve?"
Often the answer is...
"Not much."
We've all been there.
Life gets busy.
You work all week.
You turn up on Saturday expecting to play your best golf.
Unfortunately, golf doesn't work like that.
Improvement comes from understanding your tendencies, practising with purpose and giving yourself realistic expectations.
Great equipment supports that journey.
It doesn't replace it.
If you're looking to improve your technique as well as your equipment, our Golf Lessons & Coaching can help you get more from your game.
Final Thoughts
After more than 20 years as a PGA Professional, one thing has never changed.
Golf is meant to be enjoyable.
The right equipment won't magically turn you into a scratch golfer.
But it can absolutely make the game more enjoyable.
It can build confidence.
It can remove frustration.
It can encourage you to practise more.
And ultimately, it can help you play better golf.
If you take one thing away from this guide, I hope it's this.
Don't buy equipment because someone else says it's the best.
Buy equipment because it's the best for you.
That's exactly what we'd help you do if you walked into Golf 360.
Whether you're buying your first package set, upgrading your driver, replacing worn grips or building your dream golf simulator, we're always happy to answer questions and help you make the right choice.
Because at the end of the day, our goal isn't simply to sell golf equipment.
It's to help you enjoy this incredible game even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What golf clubs should a beginner buy?
A quality golf package set is usually the best place to start. It provides everything you need to learn the game before upgrading individual clubs over time.
How often should I replace my golf clubs?
There's no fixed timeline. Replace clubs when they no longer suit your game, become worn out or when new technology offers a genuine improvement.
Is a club fitting worth it?
For most golfers, yes. A fitting helps ensure your clubs match your swing, giving you more confidence and consistency.
What's the most important club in the bag?
The driver and putter usually have the biggest influence on confidence and scoring, which is why they're often the first clubs I'd consider upgrading.
Should I buy golf clubs online?
If you know your specifications, buying online is a great option. If you're unsure, asking for expert advice first can help you avoid expensive mistakes.
Do golf balls really make a difference?
Absolutely. Different golf balls offer different levels of distance, feel and spin. Playing the same model consistently also helps you better understand your distances.
What's the most underrated piece of golf equipment?
For me, it's a golf trundler. It reduces fatigue, makes walking more enjoyable and helps you stay fresher throughout your round.
Can new golf clubs fix my swing?
No. Better equipment can improve confidence and forgiveness, but it can't replace good technique and quality coaching.
Happy golfing,
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder – Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
