What are the best clubs for a beginner in golf?
Beginner sets come with between 9 and 12 clubs but the most important clubs for an absolute beginner are the hybrid, the 7 iron, pitching wedge and the putter. Learn to hit those ones first and golf will come easy as you start to build you game from the ground up.
Why a beginner's guide to golf?
At Golf Digest, this may be the language we speak every day, but we also know it's a language that can scare prospective golfers off before they ever pick up a club.That's where this online beginner's guide comes in. To those who know nothing about golf, our goal is to shepherd you through this uncertainty. What kind of clubs do you need?
Are beginner golf clubs worth the money?
The beginner sets are good value but will one day need to be upgraded. You might be tempted to buy what the pros are playing because you see them on TV. They are some of the best golfers in the world and beginners should be starting off really easy and simple to gain confidence to move through the ranks.You may one day be a professional.
How do I start learning to play golf?
DO: Start on a practice range, not on the golf course. The range is the perfect place to get acclimated to the game. It’s low-pressure, you can stay as long as you want. DON’T: Worry about anyone else at the range. Everyone there was once a beginner too, and we all know the game is a struggle.
Do golf clubs matter for beginners?
Beginner golf clubs are a bit more forgiving if your swing and contact isn't quite right, which is very common when you start out. They will be less powerful than pro-clubs, but you should be able to achieve more consistency as you develop and improve your technique.
How many clubs does a beginner golfer need?
If you're a beginner golfer you should start with 10 golf clubs. You can golf with a fairway wood, iron, and putter but you're going to want to learn how to use more clubs if you want to be able to handle every situation.
Which golf club should I replace first?
Generally speaking, wedges and your golf driver will be the first to go from a set of golf clubs. For instance, wedges need to be replaced because the grooves will wear out, and drivers can lose impact if you hit them frequently on the range and course.
What irons does a beginner need?
Mid-irons: 6-, 7-, 8-iron The mid-irons are the clubs that beginners should use for the majority of their full-swing practice. You can also use these club around the green for a chip and run shot too.
How much should I spend on golf clubs as a beginner?
Beginner golfers should spend anywhere from $350 to $1,000 on a set of golf clubs. The more money you spend, the better the technology you will get, and the easier it will be to transition into being a great player.
What is the easiest golf club to hit?
On average the easiest golf club to hit is the 7-iron. 6-irons and 8-irons come close because these mid-iron clubs deliver high launch angles for all standards and their appearance gives confidence when players look down at them.
Should a beginner use a 4 iron?
Should a beginner use a 4 iron? A beginner should not use a traditional 2, 3 or 4-iron. These clubs have low lofts and are hard to strike the middle of the clubface. Unless a beginner has a reasonably fast swing speed, stay away from long irons.
What is the most important club to get fitted?
Even if you don't want to invest in a full bag fitting at this time, you should still get the two most important clubs fitted, the putter and driver, so you are set up for success.
What is the most important golf club?
What Are The Most Important Golf Clubs To Own? In total, 54 percent of golfers agreed that the putter is the most important club to have in the bag in order to lower scores. 20 percent of golfers said the driver was their most important club while 14 percent said their wedges.
How do I get started in golf?
Golf 101: Dos and don'ts for beginnersDO: Start on a practice range, not on the golf course. ... DON'T: Let your spouse or significant other become your primary teacher. ... DO: Learn how to grip the club properly. ... DO: Recruit friends to learn with you and make it an event! ... DO: Buy a glove.More items...•
How do I know what golf club to use?
Generally speaking, the following clubs are used in the following shot range:Driver = 230 yards.3-wood = 210 yards.2-iron/4-wood = 190 yards.3-iron/5-wood = 180 yards.4-iron = 170 yards.5-iron = 160 yards.6-iron = 150 yards.7-iron = 140 yards.More items...
How long does it take to learn golf?
Learning golf typically takes about six months to a year. Of course, the rate at which you learn the game of golf is going to change based on your athletic ability, prior knowledge, and the rate at which you practice and play. Some people are very dedicated to their golf careers, and they put in a lot of time.
How many golf clubs do I really need?
So how many golf clubs does a beginner need? Beginner golfers should aim for 8-10 clubs to start with rather than a full set of 14. Junior golfers only need 5-7 clubs to get started.
Do you need a 3 wood and 3 hybrid?
The less grass between your ball and club, the better. 3 wood vs. 3 hybrid doesn't always matter. Hitting the ball off the toe or heel will create a ton of spin, but you'll still get more distance than you would with a long iron.
Do I need 14 clubs?
It's very rare that every club does come out of the bag throughout the 18 holes. So why do we need 14? Fewer clubs will save you time on the golf course, as well as cash in your pocket, as you don't feel the need to purchase a full set for your bag.
Do you need a full set of golf clubs?
A full set of golf clubs consists of twelve clubs: three woods, one wedge, one putter, one hybrid, and six irons. But, do you really need all twelve, and can some golf clubs be downright superfluous for your golf game? Turns out you should use your full set of golf clubs for every game.
How to set a golf club grip?
To start, you’re going to want to grab the shaft where it meets the grip with your right hand and hold the club out in front of you. Try your best to hold it at about a 45 degree angle. Next, rotate your left palm toward you and set your grip precisely in the area between your first knuckle and the top of your palm.
What is the most difficult part of golf?
Putting often times can be the most difficult and frustrating portion of any round of golf. A nice drive and solid approach shot can set you up for success on the green , but a poor putt (or 3 in my case) can be totally derailed the entire hole.
What does a putt look like?
When you are putting, your swing should simply look like pendulum swinging in a back and forth motion. During your putt, it’s important to remember to keep your body straight and in line. You do not want your shoulders or hips turning, as this causes the angle of the putter’s head to change.
Why is chipping harder for beginners?
Many times you do not need a full swing when you are chipping because you are closer to the hole, and don’t want to get further away due to a shot that was too strong.
What does the number mean on a golf ball?
The numbers signify different heads that have size, shape, and loft variances. Depending on what iron you are hitting, you will most likely want to have the ball positioned in the middle to front of your stance. If you are using a long iron, say a 3 or 4, you want the ball more in front.
Is golf a hobby?
Whenever you make the decision to pick up golf for the first time, be prepared for a long term commitment.
Do you need to swing hard when hitting an iron?
Whereas if you are using your mid to low irons, having the ball in the middle of your stance will be fine. When hitting irons, you do not need to swing too hard.
What is the longest club in golf?
A driver is the longest club in your bag , and also the one with the biggest head. These characteristics make it less precise, but all that more powerful, and that’s why it’s yous on the tee shot at the beginning of each hole – it will get your ball the furthest, as the name suggests.
When to use a pitching wedge?
When you are in a situation that you need an approach shot close to the green, pitching wedge is your club since you can use it to get under the ball and loft it high up.
How to learn golf putter?
The most used club in the bag, the putter is a club that you want to get very confident in using. One of the best ways to learn golf is “from the hole outwards”. This means that you can start by getting good at putting, then move to chipping and work your way up to tee shot s. You can never practice your putting too much and there are two types of putter to chose from, the mallet and the blade putter.
What is the most flexible club in golf?
Hybrids. These have become one of the most used utility clubs in golf and are definitely the most flexible club you can buy. Hybrids are easier to hit than long irons from the fairway, can be used from the tee instead and can be used for chip and run shots.
What is the club you use on many tee shots?
The driver. This is the club that most people love to stand and hit at the driving range to test how far they can hit a ball, don’t fall into that bad habit. Your driver is the club you will use on many tee shots and the key is to find the fairway.
How many clubs can you carry in a golf tournament?
In tournament golf you are allowed to carry fourteen clubs but when you are just getting started, this is way too many to carry. Even elite golfers can learn a lot by carrying a half-set from time to time. If you are just taking up golf, this is the perfect article for you to read about what to equip yourself with.
What are wedges in golf?
Wedges: Pitching- and sand wedge. These are clubs you should become friends with, they are the most fun to hit. You can chip from around the green, get out of bunkers, pitch from distance and hit full shots you’re your wedges. They are your attacking clubs to help you get close to the flag and make birdies/pars.
Who taught kids how to play golf?
The Hall of Fame golfer-turned-commentator Johnny Miller once described teaching his kids how to play golf as starting out by letting them whack balls into a pond because it was fun to see the splash. Notably, there was no talk about how to hold a club, how to swing it, or anything else technical.
How long has Golf Digest been around?
There’s a reason Golf Digest has been around for 70 years, and it’s because there’s no shortage of topics to cover when it comes to the greatest game there is. But best to keep it simple with some basics here first. When you’re ready for more, we’re here.
What time is a good time to check tee time?
Often, late afternoons are great options. There are a number of tee-time aggregators (Supreme Golf, GolfNow or TeeOff.com), which is good for searching for a tee time at multiple courses at the same time.
Is there a rule for golf?
It’s true, golf has plenty of rules, but you should take solace knowing even many experienced players don’t know all of them. If you’re venturing out onto the course for the first time, really the most important thing is to be respectful of the people you’re playing with and the golf course itself.
Is there a better time to learn golf?
There has never been a better time to learn golf, and if you’ve come this far, it’s probably because you’ve figured that out on your own. By its nature, golf is uniquely suited for a social-distancing world —it’s a game played over a vast outdoor space, a worthwhile source of exercise, a diversion for the mind.
Do you need golf shoes right away?
Our purpose here is to give you the basics—not only how to hit a golf ball, but what you need to hit the ball with, and anything else necessary to start your golf journey on the right foot (speaking of which, you don’t need golf shoes right away). There’s a reason Golf Digest has been around for 70 years, and it’s because there’s no shortage ...
What do you need to play golf?
Unlike other sports, you can’t get by with only one racket or ball. Golfers need to have a driver, a putter, irons, and a wedge or two to play the game at a basic level. That’s why finding the right set of golf clubs as a beginner is so important.
What is an adjustable golf club?
Adjustable clubs have settings built in that allow golfers to shift the weight of the club up or down, which will help reduce or increase spin on the ball, and therefore time in the air. This ability to adjust will allow you to keep the same clubs as your game improves.
What are hybrid golf clubs?
Hybrids—clubs that have features of both a wood and an iron —have become popular because they offer forgiveness and distance. Therefore, a set consisting of all hybrids is great for seniors who are learning to golf. The five hybrids in the Majek Golf Set are meant to replace heavier clubs, such as drivers, long irons, and 3-woods. Designed with seniors in mind, these clubs have lightweight shafts that are easy to swing and heavier club heads, which allow for more accuracy and distance on the course.
Who said there's golf and then there's tournament golf and neither one resembles the other?
Part 9: Outings. The legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones once said, "There's golf and then there's tournament golf, and neither one resembles the other.". If you're signed up to play in an organized golf event or outing for the first time, don't let those words unnerve you.
What to eat before a round of golf?
The best foods to eat for a round of golf are lean protein (such as chicken or turkey) and complex carbohydrates (such as all-bran cereal or a banana). You should eat before the round and again at the turn, or on the back nine, to maintain energy and concentration. And drink lots and lots of water.
How to get better at golf swing?
Start out by hitting one of your wedges or short irons, warming up your golf muscles with half-swings. Then increase the length and speed of your swings, and move on to your middle irons. Work your way up to the driver, and after you hit some balls with it, go back to a short iron or wedge.
How many pages are there in the rules of golf?
Yes, it's true, the Rules of Golf is 182 pages long and understanding many of the game's 34 rules is important. But don't worry. Most golfers, including those guys who turned their noses up at playing with a newcomer like you, have very little knowledge of how to play the game correctly.
Can you play from another hole?
It's (mostly) OK to play from another hole : If your shot lands in another fairway, you can play the ball as it lies as long as that fairway is not designated as out of bounds (white stakes or lines). If you don't see white stakes or lines, you can play back to the hole you're playing.
Can golf make you think too much?
When in doubt, go back to basics: Golf can really get you thinking too much. There's a lot of information out there, and the most mind-numbing part can be the instruction. When you're a new golfer, you can't help but read it and watch it, but too much can be, well, too much.
How to teach a beginner golf swing?
Start with short swings at first, one-quarter of the way back. Pick clubs that are easier to hit, such as a 9-iron rather than a 5-iron or driver. Let him swing without a ball at first, so he gets the feel of the swing. Then have your student just work on making contact with the ball. This will build his confidence.
How to loosen back muscles in golf?
Step 1. Go to a driving range at a local course or to a practice facility with the beginning golfer. Purchase a bucket of balls and proceed to the practice area. Show the beginning golfer how to do some light stretching to loosen the back, shoulder and leg muscles before the practice session.
How to teach alignment?
Demonstrate alignment by placing a club on the ground pointed at the target and a second club parallel to the first to align the feet.
What do you need to know about golf?
It is also not a bad idea to know a few of golf’s basic rules: Familiarize yourself with the official way to drop a ball, to take relief from an unplayable lie, what to do if your ball is out of bounds and what to do if you hit your ball into a hazard.
How to putt golf?
A good, basic putting posture is to bow from your hips, have your eyes over the ball and your arms hanging below your shoulders. After that, remember that your back stroke length controls distance .
How many golf balls should I have in my bag?
Beginner golfers need to be prepared with the necessary tools that you’ll use on the course. You should plan on having six to 12 golf balls in your bag, a golf glove (if you wear one) and tees and a ball marker in your pocket and ready to go. Being ready to go when it’s your turn to hit is an important part of golf.
What is the hardest shot to hit in golf?
Sand shots are some of the hardest for beginner golfers. And like we talked about earlier: Remember that to hit the ball up, you need to hit the ground. This means overriding any instinct you have to lifting the ball up, and commit to hitting the sand instead.
How to get a ball in the air?
The basic concept is that in order to get the ball in the air, you need to hit the ground. Get into good posture, bending from the hips, and feel like your extending both arms into the ground during your swing, like you’re throwing a ball (as you see me demonstrating below).
Do you need to hit a chip to play golf?
Be able to hit a basic golf chip. As a beginner, you need to be able to hit a basic chip, This shot doesn’t need to be perfect and as a newer golfer, I would not expect you to have perfect distance control. Your goal is to have a go-to shot when you’re close to the green.
Can you use a hybrid golf club over a fairway wood?
Once you tee off and your ball is on the ground in the fairway, new golfers may have a comfort level with one club over the other — you may prefer your hybrid over a fairway wood, for instance.
Who said golf is the greatest game ever invented?
In the immortal words of Arnold Palmer: “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening—and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.”.
How to grip a golf club properly?
DO: Learn how to grip the club properly.#N#DON’T: Try to keep your head “down and still” through impact. Let it follow through with the rest of your body .#N#DO: Bend from your hip s.#N#DON’T: Bend from your knees.#N#DO: Get your lead shoulder under your chin on the backswing and finish with your face , chest and hips and facing the target.#N#DON’T: Stay flat-footed through impact.#N#DO: Concentrate on the short game by chipping and putting before focusing on long irons (3-iron, 4-iron, etc.) and your hybrids, fairway woods and driver.
Do you take range balls to the golf course?
Always be ready to hit your shot when it’s your turn. DON’T: Take range balls to the golf course. Many are limited-flight models, so it’s just not worth it. DO: Take the time to learn basic rules and etiquette.
Is golf the greatest game in the world?
Getty Images. Golf is the greatest game in the world—just ask anyone who plays! But getting started as a beginner can be a daunting—and often intimidating—prospect. To help you (or someone you know) take the plunge, here’s a definitive list of dos and don’ts for the aspiring player.