The Must-Purchase List Before You Start Playing Golf (Tried & Tested Golf Items Recommended)

Golf is more than a game; it is also a lifestyle of like-minded individuals and has its rules for everyday care. Aside from clubs and balls that you obviously need to play golf, some must-have items will make your life on the course much easier and more enjoyable (like the Golf polos that can be worn on and off the course).

It's crucial to get your golf gear from a specialized manufacturer (like the PGA Tour) to ensure that it meets quality standards and is suitable for the game. So, before you hit the green, here's a tried-and-tested must-purchase list of golf items recommended by seasoned golfers.

Buy Beginner Golf Gear from PGA Tour

What Is the Starter's Golf Equipment List? What to Buy First?

If you decide to buy everything humanity has produced for golf players, a second home will probably be needed to keep it all. Golf has the essential equipment needed to play the game and some non-necessary items in their classic definition, yet still accepted and demanded items to add to the game experience.

Of course, the equipment you need as a beginner will differ from what you'll eventually acquire as an experienced player. In this list of starter essentials, we have focused on three core product categories.

• We picked up the items you need to play. We're talking about the very basics here—clubs, balls, tees, and some other things needed to play the game. You should buy these as a starter, so you won't have to borrow from friends or rent every time.

• We added items that you will be expected to have in the golfers' world. Can you hit the ball in a hoodie? You obviously can. But most golf courses and golfers are accustomed to wearing polo shirts. In this list, we have included items that will make you blend in and be welcomed into the golf community.

• We added some items that, aside from being widely accepted, are also safer and more convenient to play. These are non-slipping shoes, special gloves, and several more items you will be happy to have once you start playing frequently.

One last note: golf is more mental than physical, so don't forget to go out and play with your game face on!

Now, moving to the actual list of items you'll need to buy very soon.

Golf Clubs (Cause You Need to Hit the Ball)

Here's a surprise you might not know: you don't need one golf club; you need a set of them. This can be 5, 7 (enough when you're a beginner), 9, 12...and 14 is the maximum number of golf clubs you're allowed to carry in a game!

Why do you need so many? Because they don't do the same things but complement each other. The club that helps you throw the ball at the farthest distance is not the same one that can help you throw it to its final destination when it's quite close to the hole.

So, what are these clubs? These are the most common ones:

• Woods: These have a large head and are used to hit long-distance shots from the tee or fairway.

• Irons: These have a smaller head and are used for shorter shots, typically when you're closer to the green.

• Wedges: These have a high loft (angle of the club face) and are used for high shots that land softly on the green.

• Putter: This is used on the green to roll or put the ball into the hole.

You can buy golf clubs individually, but it's recommended for beginners to start with a complete set that includes all of the above. There are also sets specifically designed for beginners, which typically have easier-to-hit clubs and are more forgiving when it comes to minor mistakes.

When you're just starting, and you will most probably train your skills in a shorter distance (that's rational, considering the ball is going to fly in all directions), we would recommend you choose iron golf clubs. A 7-iron is a good starting point, as it has enough loft to get the ball up in the air and enough weight to help you control your swing.

Best for Beginners Just Learning on the Short Shots: Mizuno from PGA Tour

Key Specs:

• Set: 5-PW, GW (7-Club Set)

• Flex: Regular, Stiff

• Right and Left Hand Options

Why Beginners Need This:

When you're just starting out and it's too early to learn how to throw a wood, it's good to focus on the iron. That's why we chose Mizuno from PGA Tour Superstore as the best for beginners learning short shots.

First, these clubs have a cavity design designed to help you get the ball airborne more easily and with more control. They also have perimeter weighting, which means there is more weight around the edges of the clubface to reduce twisting at impact.

Additionally, these clubs have a wide sole (bottom part of the club), which helps prevent digging into the ground when you hit a shot fat (hitting the ground before hitting the ball). This makes it easier for beginners to make clean contact with the ball and get it up in the air.

This golf club is made from Nickel Chromoly, the PGA Tour's original material. Its high-energy 8% thinner clubface enables an extremely fast ball speed.

The thinnest part of the sole is extended 18% wider, creating a wider, high-energy area. Overall, this club makes it quite easy to control the landing angle, which is especially beneficial for beginners.

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Tips for Buying Golf Clubs

• Start with small sets at first and then add the in-between clubs (such as 3-wood and hybrid) later on when you have played enough and can understand what is missing for your tactics.

• Try visiting a golf shop and get fitted for clubs. This will ensure you have the right equipment for your body type, swing speed, and skill level.

• If the seller or professional consultant can provide information about your hit style, your advantages as a new learner, and the areas you find most difficult in golf, they can better recommend the right clubs for you.

Golf Balls (Cause You Need to Win the Most Holes)

There are two-piece and three-piece golf balls, and we recommend buying the former for beginners. The two-piece, highly compressible golf balls reduce spin and fly straighter, making it easier for beginners to control their shots.

Golf balls are usually sold by the dozen. You might think that's pretty enough for several months ahead, but trust us, you will lose a lot of them (hitting in the water, bushes, or someone else's garden). So don't have your first dozen last forever.

Many golf balls, including the one we're about to recommend in minutes, have play numbers on them (usually 1-4, but can go up to 7). These numbers show the golf ball's compression level, and you should choose one appropriate for your swing speed. If you have a slower swing, opt for 1-3 play numbers, while faster swings might benefit from 4-7 play numbers.

Additionally, consider the durability of the golf ball when making a purchase. Some balls may offer more spin or control but may only last for a short time. As a beginner, it's important to balance performance and durability.

Best for Low Flight, Long Distance Shots: TITLEIST AVX 2022 Golf Balls from PGA Tour

Key Specs:

• Color: White, Yellow

• Quantity: 4

• Play Numbers: 1-4

Why Beginners Need This:

The same logic as for our previous pick. These golf balls are designed for those with lower swing speeds, offering a soft feel and low spin for straighter shots. They also have a thinner cover construction for maximum distance on long shots.

But their aerodynamic design makes them even better. It helps keep the ball flight lower and more stable so you can confidently take your shot without it going all over the place.

These balls are constructed with high-performance urethane for more precise control on shots into the green. The large core formulation helps to improve distance while maintaining a soft feel off the clubface.

With the model's new spherically-tiled 348 catenary dimple design, you can expect a stable and consistent flight trajectory for every shot.

The balls come in a pack of 4 and are numbered 1-4, which is a great chance to test the waters—hit each ball and get a feel for how they perform and, consequently, which one is the best fit for you.

It's a great option if you're looking to improve your distance and control on the course without sacrificing too much durability.

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Tips to Buy Golf Balls

• When starting out, you may prioritize quantity over quality because those early balls will be less likely to stay with you for long. So, it's better to get a pack of 12 or more, considering you first test the play numbers so you can find the right fit.

• Choose a golf ball with a spin and compression level that best suits your swing speed and skill level. This will help you achieve more consistent shots on the course.

Golf Gloves (Cause You Need to Hold the Club and Balls Without Slipping)

Can you feel it's getting serious? Now, we discuss the gloves. They're actually more than just an accessory; they help maintain a proper grip on the club and prevent blisters or calluses from forming.

They typically are made of leather or synthetic materials with varying levels of grip, breathability, and durability. Leather gloves are known for their soft feel and excellent grip, while synthetic gloves offer better moisture-wicking abilities.

When choosing a glove, consider the weather conditions you'll be playing in as well as your own personal preference. Some golfers prefer to play without gloves while others swear by them for better control and comfort.

If you choose the right glove, it will enhance traction and reduce blisters on the palm of your hand, keeping you comfortable and focused on your game. It's recommended to have at least one spare glove in case of unexpected weather changes or excessive sweating.

You will also shift your glove between your hands depending on which one you use to hold the club, so make sure the gloves you buy come in pairs.

Best for Feel, Comfort and Ventilation: Maxfli Tour Golf Glove

Key Specs:

• Size: XS - M/L

• Glove hand: Right and left

• Hand size: Regular, cadet

• Material: Cabretta leather

Why Beginners Need This:

As mentioned, Cabretta leather is one of the best materials for golf gloves as it provides a soft and natural feel on the club. When gripping a club for the first time, it would be significantly harder to do it with something on your hand that feels unnaturally bulkier or stiffer.

The Maxfli Tour Golf Glove is designed with mesh and perforations that allow for better ventilation, keeping your hand cool and dry during hot weather. Both hands are available in regular and cadet sizes, accommodating a variety of hand shapes and sizes.

Another factor that makes this glove great for beginners is the adjustable closure tab, which allows for a customizable fit to your hand. This can be especially helpful for those with larger or smaller hands than the average size.

The Maxfli Tour Golf Glove also offers excellent grip and durability, making it a reliable choice for beginners who may not have as much control over their swing yet.

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Tips to Buy Golf Gloves

• If there is a chance of rain, make sure you have synthetic leather on your palm, and opt for natural leather for sunny and dry conditions.

• Consider buying gloves with adjustable tabs or velcro closures for a better fit.

• Look for gloves with good ventilation to keep your hands cool and dry during hot weather and prevent the club from slipping from your hand.

Golf Accessories (Cause You Need Support for Ideal Game)

As promised from the start, we're not going to recommend some nice-to-haves, as it's not yet that part of your golfing journey. We want to mention a few key accessories that can help support and improve your game as you progress. (Though they are named accessories, we think they are great and necessary.)

Tees are very important. You can't place your ball without a tee. A simple wooden one will do, but you may also want to invest in some fancy rubber tees. The golden middle option is the plastic tee, which is both affordable and durable.

There are different heights for golf tees - when you want to hit your driver, you should use longer tees (2 3/4 or 3 inches long) compared to the shorter ones (1 1/2 - 2 inches) for irons and fairway woods. And when you're just starting, we recommend you choose longer ones for both types of clubs, as it will help give you more confidence and space for your driver swings. You can experiment with shorter tees as you get more comfortable with your swing and improve your accuracy.

What else? You need a marker pen. Yes, as simple as you just pictured it in your mind. You need equipment to mark the golf ball as yours because it's so easy to lose it on the course, and you don't want to confuse yours with someone else's. You can also use a colored golf ball or even add some creative designs to your regular white golf balls.

Lastly, necessary not only for you but for fellow golfers, you need to have a pitch mark repairer. This is a small tool used to fix the dents or marks on the green caused by golf balls. It's a basic etiquette in golf to repair any damage you make on the course, and having this tool handy will not only help maintain the course but also show respect for other players.

Best for Beginners to Have All the Needed Little Things in One Place: Maxfli Premium Golf Accessory Pack

Key Specs:

• In the Pack: Ball markers, tees, dual wire brush, divot tool

Why Beginners Need This:

There is nothing better than an all-in-one package for a golf novice who does not wish to spend a fortune on various small items. The Maxfli Premium Golf Accessory Pack is perfect for beginners as it contains all the necessary things—and, most importantly, they are universal sizes and materials to fit any player.

The package has everything we've mentioned above as a must-have. You get a metal flip-action divot tool that is also a pitch mark repairer, so you quickly save the green and won't have to look for your tool in a bag.

Along with it, you get 6 high-performance 2.75" plastic golf tees, which are good for some training (but not for the real game) (see the next item). You will also receive a hat clip with a magnetic ball marker that securely fixes to the brim of your hat or visor, making it easily accessible when needed.

And yes, this pack also comes with dual wire brush clears, so your golf clubs are always in top shape. This is not something you need as a beginner, but this pack comes with all the necessary things, so why not have it for later?

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Best for a Typical 18-Hole Round of Golf: Brentwood Golf Supply 3.25" Bamboo Golf Tees

Key Specs:

• Material: Bamboo

• Quantity: 50

• Tee height: 3.25"

Why Beginners Need This:

So, when it's your first time playing golf, you might find that 5-6 tees from the previous accessories pack are quite enough.

But once your training progresses (hopefully not too slowly) and your skill level improves, you will definitely need more tees as you'll be hitting 18 holes.

Many golf learners progress when they start playing on the real course and not only the training ground. And many learners try to make the real attempt as soon as possible. So, while you can train with fewer and shorter tees for your first few times, soon, you will need more tees that are longer and sturdier. So, order it in advance and be prepared.

This pack is perfect for beginners who have already started playing on an 18-hole course or those planning to do so soon. The 3.25" length of the tees makes them suitable for drivers, while the bamboo material ensures durability and stability when hitting your shots. Plus, with a quantity of 50 tees, you will be fine with running out anytime soon.

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Tips for Buying Golf Accessories

• Never rush to collect a big collection of accessories before you start playing regularly. Only purchase what you need for the time being.

• Take advantage of package deals or discounts to save money on essential accessories like balls, tees, gloves, etc.

Golf Clothing (Cause You Need to Feel Comfortable and Meet Course Rules)

You need appropriate, golf-specific apparel for two reasons - both unavoidably important.

Firstly, you're playing golf outdoors, and the game typically lasts for four hours. Considering how the weather can change during this period, you should be prepared for any weather. The very last thing you want to do on the golf course is to worry about your clothing getting wet or keeping you too hot when it's sunny.

So, you need quick-drying, breathable clothing that lets you move around freely and comfortably. You need something you're comfortable in, no matter the weather.

Secondly, golf courses have rules or dress codes that every player must follow. For example, most courses require players to wear collared shirts and golf shoes. It's always a good idea to check the course's dress code before heading out.

So, prepare your golf attire beforehand, without waiting until a course marshal pulls you aside. You can choose from a wide range of clothing specifically designed for golfers, including shirts, pants, shorts, skirts, and hats.

Usually, it's a polo shirt with khaki trousers or shorts for men and a collared shirt with either pants, skorts, or shorts for women. Don't worry; you're not going to a shopping mall to find something; we have great golf looks for men and women here.

Best for Men Golfers: Flat Front 7" Fashion Golf Short with Active Waistband from PGA Tour

Key Specs:

• Color: Black, Navy, Brown, White, Grey, Khaki

• Size: 30-44

• Material: 98% Polyester/ 2% Spandex

• Care: Machine Wash

Why Beginners Need This:

When you're a beginner, it can be challenging to decide what to pair your golf shorts with. The Flat Front 7" Fashion Golf Short with Active Waistband from PGA Tour makes it easier by providing a classic look that looks perfect with both plain and patterned polos.

The Driflux™ moisture-wicking technology helps to keep you cool and dry during your game, while the Active Waistband provides extra stretch for added comfort. The flat front design also gives a slimming effect that enhances your overall look on the golf course.

Moreover, the range of colors available makes it easy for you to mix and match with different shirts and shoes. This versatile piece is a must-have for any beginner golfer looking to step up their fashion game on the course.

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Best for Beginners Who Don't Like Feeling Hot While Playing: J Lindeberg Yannick Color-Block Polo from PGA Tour

Key Specs:

• Size: S - XXL

• Fit: Regular

• Material: 100% Polyester 37.5®

Why Beginners Need This:

The short-sleeved J Lindeberg Yannick Color-Block Polo is the perfect choice for those who want to stay cool and comfortable on the golf course. The 37.5® technology allows for quick drying and moisture-wicking, keeping you fresh throughout your game.

The color-block design adds a modern touch to this classic polo, making it suitable for both on and off-course wear. The regular fit also provides enough room for movement without feeling too loose or restricting.

The USA flag is just an added patriotic bonus to show your love for the game. With this polo, beginners can feel confident and stylish while focusing on their swing. And we think they are going to pair perfectly with the Flat Front 7" Golf Shorts.

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Best for Women Golfers: Jamie Sadock Airwear Sleeveless Dress from PGA Tour

Key Specs:

• Size: XS-XL

• Material: 92% Polyester / 8% Spandex

Why Beginners Need This:

It's a matter of personal preference if the dress is going to be your go-to option for playing golf. But if you're looking for something stylish and comfortable, the Jamie Sadock Airwear Sleeveless Dress is perfect.

This dress features moisture-wicking technology and stretchable fabric, allowing for freedom of movement on the course. The sleeveless design also adds to breathability and comfort in hot weather.

The plain, solid-color design makes it easy to mix and match with other golf apparel pieces. The added bonus of pockets in the dress is always a plus for storing small essentials on the course.

With this dress, beginners can feel confident and fashionable while making their mark on the green.

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Tips to Buy Golf Clothing

• Look for moisture-wicking technology. This is essential, especially if you plan to play golf in warmer weather. Moisture-wicking fabric helps to keep you dry and comfortable.

• Choose a comfortable fit. Avoid clothing that is too tight or restrictive, as it can affect your swing. Opt for pieces with a regular or relaxed fit.

• Go for neutral colors. Solid colors are always a safe bet for mixing and matching golf apparel. Plus, neutral colors tend to be more stylish and timeless.

• Don't forget about sun protection. Look for clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays.

Golf Shoes (Cause You Need Excellent Grip and Stability)

Your typical choice here will be between spiked and spikeless golf shoes. Spiked shoes provide excellent grip and stability, especially on wet or hilly courses. Spikeless shoes, on the other hand, offer versatility and can be worn best in summer when the ground is dry.

It's needless to say how much you will walk and turn on the golf course, so it's vital to invest in a shoe that offers good traction and stability. Also, make sure to select shoes that offer comfort as well, as you'll be wearing them for an extended period.

We recommend options that fit nicely and provide support for your feet, be it spiked or spikeless. Fitting comfortably in them would help absorb shock and reduce the potential for blisters.

Best for Those Preferring Comfort and Style: FootJoy Men's 2022 Pro/SL Sport Golf Shoes from PGA Tour

Key Specs:

• Color: Grey/Blue, White/Orange

• Size: 7.5-12.0

• Width: Medium/D, Wide/2E

• Upper material: Breathable performance mesh

• Midsole: Lightweight StratoFoam

Why Beginners Need This:

This is what we call an excellent underfoot comfort. The lightweight StratoFoam midsole cushioning is a proprietary foam compound that provides underfoot cushioning for walking comfort and fantastic energy return. They are incredibly lightweight and can withstand long hours on the course.

The Breathable performance mesh upper material is very durable, making it perfect for all-day wear. It offers breathability to keep your feet cool and comfortable while playing golf. The spikeless outsole also makes it versatile for both on- and off-course wear.

The combination of style, comfort, and functionality makes these shoes a top choice for beginners looking to invest in quality golf shoes. These shoes will not make you tired when you're trying to grasp the basics of golf, keeping you focused on improving your skills instead. They offer excellent value for money and are designed to last long, even with regular use.

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Tips to Buy Golf Shoes

• Breathability, comfort and waterproofing should be your top priorities - far more crucial than the style and brand.

• It's not necessarily preferable to wear spiked shoes - they are not a must when the weather is hot and dry, and you don't have the risk of slipping.

Golf Bag (Cause You Need a Safe Place for Your Gear)

Theoretically, you can put your golf clubs in any bag that suits the size of clubs, balls, and other gear. However, the backpacks that people usually buy for everyday use are not going to cut them. You need something bigger and specifically tailored for golf clubs.

What's the point of those bags and how are they different from other bags? The golf bag is designed to store and protect your clubs while on the course. It comes with various compartments and pockets for organizing your clubs, balls, tees, gloves, shoes, and other accessories.

Golf bags also come in different shapes and sizes. The most common type is the stand bag which has retractable legs that allow it to stand upright on its own. Cart bags are designed to be used with a golf cart or pushcart as they have a larger capacity for extra gear. Staff bags are heavy-duty bags typically used by professional golfers or caddies.

The stand bag is a suitable starting point for most golfers. It's lightweight and easy to carry around the course. Besides, you'll not take the full 14 clubs in a round, so it saves you from carrying extra weight.

Here's a good stand golf bag that you might like.

Best for Carrying Beginner's Gear: Mid-Stripe 14-Way 2024 Stand Bag from PGA Tour

Key Specs:

• Color: White, Navy/Light Blue

• Top: 8.75" x 10.25”, 14-Way

• Pockets: 7

• Weight: 6.2 lbs w/o rain hood

• Fabric: Textured Vinyl

Why Beginners Need This:

Exactly what we were talking about above - this stand bag is lightweight, enough to carry and store the essential clubs that you will need as a beginner. What's more, it comes with multiple pockets for storing your accessories, including an oversized cooler pocket to keep your drinks cold on the course.

The firm leg system makes it stable on the ground, and the padded straps ensure comfort while carrying. Considering your golf course is not likely to have space for a cart, this stand bag is your best bet. Plus, it comes in two classic color options to match your style on the course.

This bag should be enough to carry 5-7 clubs, and it may not be suitable for a more experienced golfer with a full set of clubs. However, as you advance in the game, this stand bag can still come in handy when you need a lightweight option for certain rounds or courses.

Everything we have listed above can be conveniently stored in this stand bag, and it's perfect for walking on the course with an optional satchel strap.

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Tips to Buy Golf Bags

• Stand or cart bag? If you can do both, opt for the one that comes with both features. But if you have to choose one, choose stand bag only when your gear is not that heavy.

• How many pockets do you need? It's always tempting to have more pockets, but remember: the more pockets, the heavier the bag.

How to Get Started?

When you're a fully-equipped soldier with every weapon in the form of golf clubs, it's time to start what you're here for playing golf.

You can do it in various ways - from asking a friend or relative to take you out for a game, joining a local golf club or course, or simply calling them up and making an appointment. Nowadays, you can also book your tee time online with various apps available on the App Store or Google Play.

Here are just a few of the options you can use to start playing golf.

Visit Driving Ranges

Driving ranges or the practice range is the best place to start if you've never played golf before. It's an open area where you can practice your swings and get a feel of how the club works without worrying about hitting a ball into a lake or getting lost in the woods. Most driving ranges also have instructors available for beginners who want some guidance.

Why this is a good option:

• You can practice without worrying about losing balls or hitting them into unwanted places.

• Instructors are available to help you with your swings and technique.

• Most ranges have different clubs to try out before investing in your own set.

• It's more affordable than visiting an actual golf course.

Take Par 3 Courses

Par 3s are another option for beginners to start playing golf. These courses usually have holes ranging from 100 to 250 yards, making it easier for beginners to hit the ball and reach the green without much difficulty. It's a great way to get comfortable with a smaller course before moving on to bigger ones.

Why this is a good option:

• Shorter courses make it more manageable for beginners to complete without getting tired or frustrated.

• Par 3 courses are more affordable than standard golf courses.

• It's a great way to practice your short game, which is equally important in golf as your long shots.