How to Select Golf Equipment

Buying golf clubs and equipment can be intimidating for the new golfer. It doesn't have to be. Once a golfer has gotten in a few practice rounds and has determined that he enjoys the game, a trip to the golf discount shop or a large sporting goods store can take care of all your needs. As a new golfer, you don't have to go to a specialty shop to purchase top-of-the-line clubs. Not only are they expensive, it's simply not a good buy for someone who is just beginning. Your game is likely to change, and you'll need new clubs in a couple of years. Buy the expensive clubs once your game has developed.

Step 1: Purchase a basic set of clubs. Make sure you have a driver and a 3-wood, 3-, 5-, 7- and 9-irons, a pitching wedge, a sand wedge and a putter. You will also need golf balls (two dozen is great to start), a golf bag for your equipment, golf shoes and two or three golf shirts. In addition to the clubs listed, you may want to purchase a 4-iron, an 8-iron and a 5-wood to help you enjoy your journey around the course.

Step 2: While you may not need to get the best clubs available when you are starting off, you should take advantage of the modern technology and make sure your "wood" clubs are iron woods. Iron woods are relatively new and are hybrids. They combine the best attributes of wood clubs and irons and they are especially easy for beginners to use.

Step 3: Make sure you purchase cavity-back irons for use in the fairway or rough. A cavity-back club is hollowed out in the back, and most of the weight is located around the perimeter. The cavity-back club is considered to be quite forgiving and will help a new golfer with a less-than-perfect swing. There is less weight with a cavity-back club than a solid club and that makes it easier to swing.

Step 4: Golf shoes are a very important purchase for the golfer because they help provide traction when the golfer is hitting the ball from a bunker or any area where the footing is a bit on the slick side. Make sure that the shoes provide traction and are comfortable.

Try to swing your clubs at a practice tee before purchasing them. Many golf discount stores have practice areas that allow a buyer to take a few swings and get a feel for the clubs you are considering.