Getting started with golf: A beginners guide

Getting started with golf: A beginners guide

Golf is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle, a social outlet, and a way to challenge yourself in a beautiful outdoor setting. Whether you're looking to enjoy weekend rounds with friends or begin a journey toward serious competitive play, getting started the right way makes all the difference. One of the most important first steps in learning golf is understanding your equipment – especially golf clubs. At ARC Golf, we’re passionate about making golf accessible and enjoyable for everyone, especially beginners.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about starting golf and choosing your first set of clubs, including some top recommendations from our current selection.

Why Golf Is a Great Sport for Beginners

Before diving into the gear, let’s talk about why golf is such a fantastic sport for newcomers:

  • Low-impact exercise: Golf is easy on the joints while still offering cardiovascular benefits.
  • Social connection: Many courses are social hubs where players build lifelong friendships.
  • Personal challenge: Every round of golf is a new opportunity to learn and improve.
  • Beautiful environments: Golf courses are scenic and offer a chance to disconnect from technology.

Getting the right equipment is critical to making the most of these benefits – and that starts with understanding your clubs.

Types of Golf Clubs Explained

A complete golf set includes a mix of different clubs, each serving a unique purpose. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll typically find in a standard golf bag:

1. Driver

  • The longest club in the bag.
  • Designed for tee shots on par 4s and 5s.
  • Has a large clubhead and low loft to maximise distance.
  • Beginners benefit from drivers with high forgiveness and larger sweet spots.

2. Fairway Woods

  • Used for longer shots off the fairway or short tee shots.
  • Typically labeled 3-wood, 5-wood, etc.
  • Slightly smaller than a driver but still geared toward distance.

3. Hybrids

  • A cross between an iron and a wood.
  • Easier to hit than long irons.
  • Great for newer players who struggle with consistent contact.

4. Irons (3–9)

  • Versatile clubs used for various approach shots.
  • Number indicates loft – lower number = longer shot.
  • Most beginner sets skip the 3- and 4-irons in favor of hybrids.

5. Wedges

  • Designed for short-distance, high-loft shots around the green.
  • Includes pitching, sand, and lob wedges.
  • Helps get the ball out of bunkers or close to the pin.

6. Putter

  • Used on the green to roll the ball into the hole.
  • Arguably the most important club for lowering your score.
  • Comes in blade or mallet designs.

Key Features to Look For in Beginner Golf Clubs

When selecting your first set of clubs, there are several important factors to consider. Golf club technology has come a long way – especially when it comes to helping beginners hit better shots.

Forgiveness

Forgiving clubs help reduce the penalty for off-center hits. This is achieved through perimeter weighting and a low center of gravity, which leads to straighter and higher shots. If you’re just starting out, forgiveness is a must.

Shaft Flex

Shaft flex refers to how much the shaft bends during your swing. Most beginners should choose Regular (R) flex, which suits average swing speeds. If you’re particularly strong or athletic, you might consider Stiff (S) flex – but most new players will benefit from Regular.

Set Composition

A great beginner set doesn’t need every club available. A typical starter set includes:

  • 1 driver
  • 1 or 2 fairway woods
  • 1 or 2 hybrids
  • 5 or 6 irons (usually 5-PW)
  • 1 wedge (usually a sand wedge)
  • 1 putter

Less is more when you’re learning the game.

Club Length

Make sure the clubs match your height and posture. Standard length clubs fit most golfers between 5’7” and 6’1”.

Recommended Beginner Golf Clubs Available at ARC Golf

At ARC Golf, we offer a selection of high-quality, pre-owned and new clubs ideal for beginners. Here are some of our top picks:

1. Callaway PARADYM Irons (6-PW) – Stiff Flex

callaway-paradym-irons-6-pw

Why we love it:
These irons are packed with technology designed to help players get better, faster. Callaway’s Speed Frame Construction and A.I.-designed face enhance ball speed and forgiveness.

Best for: Players who plan to stick with golf and grow into a better swing over time.

Key features:

  • Enhanced turf interaction
  • Consistent launch
  • Forged 455 face for speed and feel

2. TaylorMade SIM2 MAX Driver – 10.5° Regular Flex

TaylorMade SIM2 MAX 10.5° -Driver (Regular)

Why we love it:
This driver features a forgiving face and optimized aerodynamics to help beginners gain distance and keep the ball in play more often.

Best for: New golfers struggling with driving accuracy or consistency.

Key features:

  • Speed Injected Twist Face
  • Forgiving sweet spot
  • Lightweight carbon sole for faster swing speeds

3. TaylorMade P790 Iron Set (5-PW) – Stiff Flex

TaylorMade P790 5-PW - Iron Set (Stiff)

Why we love it:
While not designed specifically for beginners, this iron set offers outstanding performance for players progressing quickly in skill.

Best for: Committed beginners looking for clubs they won’t outgrow.

Key features:

  • SpeedFoam Technology
  • Forged hollow body design
  • Exceptional distance and control

Take Your First Step into Golf Today

Getting started with golf can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With the right guidance and equipment, you can confidently step onto the course and begin enjoying the game from day one. At ARC Golf, we’re here to help you make that first step count – with handpicked clubs, expert advice, and a passion for making golf more accessible for everyone.

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