Feb 18, 2025 12:57:34 PM

Golf Club Buying Guide for New Golfers: Which Irons, Woods, and Putters Are Right for You

Choosing the right golf clubs can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the game. With so many options available, knowing which irons, woods, and putters suit your skill level and playing style can make a big difference. This guide breaks it all down to help you make the best choice.

Understanding Golf Clubs

A standard golf set consists of three main types of clubs:

Woods – Used for long-distance shots off the tee and fairway.
Irons – Designed for precision shots from various lies.
Putters – Used on the green to roll the ball into the hole.

Each type of club has different variations to match different skill levels and playing styles.

Choosing the Right Woods

Drivers (1-Wood)

Best for tee shots with maximum distance.
Higher loft (10-12 degrees) is recommended for beginners to improve launch.
Adjustable drivers allow customisation for ball flight and control.

Fairway Woods (3-Wood, 5-Wood, etc.)

Ideal for long shots from the fairway or rough.
Higher loft than drivers, making them easier to hit.
Beginners may benefit from a 5-wood, as it provides more control than a 3-wood.

Choosing the Right Irons

Irons are numbered from 3 to 9, with lower numbers providing longer distance and higher numbers offering more loft and control.

Game-Improvement Irons (Best for Beginners)

Feature larger clubfaces and more forgiveness.
Cavity-back designs help with off-centre hits.

Players’ Irons (For Advanced Golfers)

Blade-style irons for greater shot control and workability.
Require precise ball striking to perform well.

Which Irons Should You Get?

Beginners should start with 6-iron through pitching wedge (PW) and possibly add hybrids instead of long irons.
Mid-handicap golfers should look for a mix of cavity-back and forged irons for control and forgiveness.
Low-handicap golfers may prefer forged blade irons for shot-shaping ability.

Choosing the Right Putters

Putters come in various shapes and styles, and choosing the right one is key for consistent performance on the greens.

Blade Putters

Traditional design, preferred by players with a strong arc putting stroke.

Mallet Putters

Larger clubhead provides more forgiveness.
Helps with alignment and stability, ideal for beginners.

Face-Balanced vs. Toe-Weighted Putters

Face-balanced putters work well for straight-back, straight-through strokes.
Toe-weighted putters are suited for players with more of an arcing stroke.

Additional Buying Tips

Test Clubs Before Buying – Visit a pro shop or driving range to try different options. Many golfers find that trying clubs at a range helps them get a feel for what works best before purchasing. Once you know what suits you, check Flyer for better prices on quality used clubs.
Consider Club Fitting – Custom fitting can optimise shaft length, grip size, and lie angle.
Used vs. New Clubs – Used clubs can be a budget-friendly way to get high-quality gear.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right mix of woods, irons, and putters depends on your skill level, swing mechanics, and personal preferences. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer, investing in the right clubs can make a huge difference in your performance and enjoyment of the game.