Golf is a sport that requires a few pieces of equipment before you can begin to play. Many golf courses offer this equipment for rent, but if you’re serious about golfing on a regular basis you’ll want to invest in your own golfing equipment. If you’ve never played golf before, it’s best to look at different clubs and balls before deciding on which set you want to purchase. You can also ask friends who play if they wouldn’t mind letting you see and hold their equipment so you get a good idea of what’s available.
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Equipment You Need to Start Playing Golf
The right set of golf clubs is often the difference between a fun day on the course and a frustrating afternoon outing.
You can find both individual golf clubs and full sets designed for your specific handicap and playing characteristics. The latest clubs offer a host of innovative features and materials, not to mention adjustability settings that let you dial in your equipment for your game.
The two main items that a golfer needs to play golf are a golf club and a golf ball. Most golfers have multiple golf clubs that are specialized for different shots. They also have other equipment that we’ll discuss below.
Golf Clubs
Each golfer can carry up to 14 golf clubs in their bag. Many of the clubs are numbered. The number refers to the angle or loft of the club. The lower the number of the club the lower the angle or loft. So a 1 iron will have very little angle or loft allowing the ball to go further on a lower trajectory while a 9 iron will have a lot of loft and will cause the golf ball to be hit high into the air.
There are three main traditional types of golf clubs
Woods
Woods have a big head (sometimes made out of wood) and are played for long shots. They tend to have less accuracy and are harder to hit than irons, but they will hit the ball further. Woods are numbered clubs with the lowest having the least loft and typically called a driver. Woods are usually hit of the tee or from the fairway on long golf holes.
Irons
Irons are clubs with a more flat head made out of metal. Irons tend to be more accurate, allowing the golfer more control over the distance, spin, and direction of the ball. Many irons are numbered for their loft, but there are some specialized irons that have names; for example the Wedge or Sand Wedge. Irons are used by golfers from pretty much every location and shot on the golf course, but are especially helpful in the rough or when approaching the green.
Putters
The putter is a club with a flat face used to roll the ball. Putters are mostly used on the green, but may sometimes be used from the fringe to roll the ball onto the green. Good putting is a key to scoring well in golf, although the type of putter is not nearly as important as the skill of the golfer doing the putting.
Golf Clubs and Tees
You can have up to 14 golf clubs on the green with you. The three main types of clubs include the woods, irons, and putters. The woods are used for long shots when shooting from the tee. Irons allow for more precision and are often used on the fairway. A putter is a club that doesn’t allow the ball to loft into the air too much, making it the ideal club for putting the ball when close to the hole.
Tees are used to place a ball on when taking the first swing. Plastic or wood, this piece of equipment is essential for getting a good swing in on the first try. Shaped like nails, they are placed into the ground and the ball gently balances on the cup part on the top of the tee. You will need a surplus of these, since they often break or sink into the ground.
Golf Balls
Golf balls have a minimum diameter (1.68 inches) and weight (1.62 ounces) defined by the rules. The materials that the ball is made of will affect the characteristics of the ball when hit. A harder ball will travel further, but a softer ball will allow the golfer more control over spin and distance.
Golf Bags and Apparel
You will need a bag to carry all of your equipment. Bags have lots of compartments and a strap for easy carrying. I suggest not just carrying a golf bag but also investing in a side-bag from a decent, trustworthy label like Hedgren or Kipling, something you can use to carry your non-golf items in close to your body. You may also want to invest in golf shoes, which have short spikes on the bottom to make walking on the green easier. As you learn more about the game of golf, you’ll find out which pieces of equipment you need and which are just optional for your game.
Other Golf Equipment
In addition to the mandatory golf clubs and balls, golfers will also need a bag to carry their clubs and other extras (like balls and tees). Golf tees are also used when teeing off to raise the ball up and to allow for a cleaner shot off the teeing area. Most golfers also wear special golf shoes that have spikes on the soles to help them grip the ground and keep their balance while swinging the club. Another helpful piece of equipment is the glove. Most golfers will wear a club on their off-hand (i.e. a right-hander will wear a glove on the left hand). The golf can help keep a good grip on the club without having to squeeze the club too hard. A towel is a good idea to clean off the golf ball and/or the club head. If rain is a possibility, it’s a good idea to have an umbrellas as well.
