Starting golf can feel overwhelming.
There are drivers, irons, wedges, hybrids, putters, package sets, graphite shafts, steel shafts… and before long it can feel like you need to spend a fortune just to begin.
The good news is, you really don’t.
One of the biggest misconceptions in golf is that beginners need a full 14-club setup straight away.
In reality, most new golfers will play better, learn faster, and enjoy the game more with a simpler setup.
You Don’t Need 14 Clubs
A lot of beginners think they need every club in the bag immediately.
You don’t.
In fact, having too many clubs early on can actually make things more confusing.
When you’re learning golf, the priority should be:
- Making consistent contact
- Building confidence
- Learning basic shot patterns
- Enjoying the game
A smaller, more forgiving setup is usually the best place to start.
A Great Beginner Golf Setup
For most beginners, a setup something like this makes perfect sense:
- Driver
- Hybrid or fairway wood
- 6 iron
- 7 iron
- 8 iron
- 9 iron
- Pitching wedge
- Sand wedge
- Putter
That’s more than enough to get started properly.
You can always add more clubs later as your game develops.
Why Hybrids Are So Helpful
One thing I often recommend for beginners is using hybrids instead of difficult long irons.
Modern hybrids are:
- Easier to launch
- More forgiving
- Easier to hit from rough
- Better for slower swing speeds
- Less intimidating behind the ball
For many golfers starting out, a hybrid can be one of the easiest clubs in the bag to hit.
That’s why a lot of beginner sets now include hybrids instead of 3, 4, or 5 irons.
Package Sets vs Individual Clubs
One of the biggest decisions beginners face is whether to buy:
- A complete package set
- Or build a bag individually
For many new golfers, package sets can offer excellent value and simplicity.
They’re designed to:
- Match together properly
- Be forgiving
- Cover all the key clubs you need
- Remove some of the confusion
You can read our full guide on package sets vs individual golf clubs here:
https://golf360.co.nz/blogs/scotts-corner/package-set-vs-individual-golf-clubs-nz
Should Beginners Get Fitted?
This surprises a lot of people, but yes, beginners absolutely can benefit from fitting advice.
That doesn’t necessarily mean a full tour-level custom fitting straight away.
But things like:
- Correct club length
- Shaft weight
- Grip size
- Club forgiveness
- Lie angle
- Set makeup
can absolutely help make golf easier.
A beginner using clubs that are far too heavy, too stiff, or difficult to launch can make the learning process much harder than it needs to be.
You can also learn more about what happens during a fitting here:
https://golf360.co.nz/blogs/scotts-corner/what-happens-during-an-iron-fitting
Men’s vs Women’s Golf Clubs
Another common question is whether men’s and women’s clubs are actually different.
Generally speaking, women’s clubs are often:
- Slightly lighter
- More flexible
- Shorter in length
- Easier to launch
But there’s no hard rule.
Some women suit men’s clubs.
Some men suit lighter graphite clubs.
It should always come back to what suits the individual golfer best.
We explain that in more detail here:
https://golf360.co.nz/blogs/scotts-corner/mens-vs-womens-golf-clubs-nz
New vs Second-Hand Golf Clubs
This is another really common beginner question.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with second-hand clubs if:
- They’re in decent condition
- They suit your height and strength
- They aren’t overly outdated
But modern beginner equipment is much easier to hit than older gear from 15–20 years ago.
Technology has improved a lot, especially around:
- Forgiveness
- Launch
- Weight distribution
- Shaft technology
For many beginners, newer equipment can genuinely help make golf more enjoyable.
The Biggest Mistake Beginners Make
One of the biggest mistakes I see is beginners buying clubs that are too difficult to hit.
A lot of golfers buy:
- Small blade irons
- Low-lofted drivers
- Heavy shafts
- Clubs suited to elite players
because they like the look of them.
But golf is much more enjoyable when your clubs help you rather than punish you.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using forgiving clubs.
In fact, most golfers probably should.
Keep It Simple Early On
Golf gets easier when you simplify things.
You don’t need:
- Tour-level clubs
- Expensive shafts
- 14 clubs
- Perfect technique
You just need equipment that helps you:
- Get the ball in the air
- Make decent contact
- Build confidence
- Enjoy learning
That’s the foundation.
Final Thoughts
Starting golf should feel exciting, not stressful.
The best beginner setup is usually one that is:
- Forgiving
- Simple
- Comfortable
- Confidence inspiring
And remember, your setup can evolve over time.
You don’t need to have the “perfect” bag on day one.
If you're looking at getting started, you can browse our range of men's beginner-friendly golf clubs here: and women's beginner-friendly golf clubs here
You may also find our beginner golf club guide helpful here:
https://golf360.co.nz/blogs/scotts-corner/best-beginner-golf-clubs-in-new-zealand-2026-picks
FAQs
How many golf clubs does a beginner need?
Most beginners only need around 7–10 clubs to get started comfortably.
Should beginners use hybrids?
Yes. Hybrids are generally easier to hit than long irons and can help beginners launch the ball more consistently.
Is it better to buy a package set?
For many beginners, yes. Package sets offer simplicity, forgiveness, and good value.
Should beginners buy new or second-hand clubs?
Both can work well. Second-hand clubs can save money, but newer clubs are often more forgiving and easier to hit.
Do beginners need expensive golf clubs?
No. Forgiveness and suitability matter far more than price when starting out.
Happy golfing
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder - Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
