New clubs or second-hand? It’s a recurring question for beginner golfers, as is the next quandary: when to upgrade.
Whether you’re starting out solo, with a friend or your partner, there are many unknowns when trying a new sport. Dress codes, etiquette, rules, equipment – and that’s all on top of learning how to hit a tiny ball with a stick!
For many women dipping their toe into golf, the biggest hurdle isn’t the swing, it’s the gear. Do you need your own clubs? Are second-hand ones OK? Is it weird to show up with just three clubs in a tote bag?
To clear up the confusion (and calm your budget anxiety), we asked PGA professional Janine Barney to break down exactly how beginners should approach their first foray into the world of golf equipment. Coaching thousands of women each year in her role as the women’s golf co-ordinator at Brisbane’s Windaroo Lakes Golf Club and running Golf Fore Women clinics, she is a golf fairy godmother for beginners.
A huge barrier starting out is the cost of buying a brand-new set of clubs. It’s a big call, especially if you’ve never teed up before. Barney says that if you want to give golf a go, getting your own clubs straight away isn’t necessary, but playing with a ladies set is a must.
“The worst thing that they can do is turn up with a borrowed set from their partner – a men’s set of steel, extra-stiff, heavy golf clubs,” Barney says. “It just makes it so much harder for them when their clubs are too heavy or too stiff.”
The coach likens playing with men’s clubs to “learning to play golf with a fence paling – it’s just too hard”. What could be a kind gesture from your partner or friend lending you their clubs might set your game up for failure. The main difference is women’s clubs are lighter and designed for female swing speeds (which tend to be slower than men) and have a more flexible shaft.
Before heading along to your first lesson, clinic or round of golf, it’s easy enough to ask whether the equipment is available or included. If it’s not, a good option is to hire a women’s set from the pro shop.
FLEX YOUR STUFF
Once you’ve decided to invest in a set of clubs, there is another dilemma. Do you opt for second-hand or a new set of clubs? According to Barney, a pre-loved set is a great way to enter the market, setting you back only a few hundred dollars.
“Then I say it’s important that they have a look at the shaft to make sure it says either ‘W – women’s flex’ or the older sets would say ‘Ladies flex’, because the shaft has to be right. That’s the most important thing.”
Ensuring the grips are in good condition is also important. Rubber grips can deteriorate and if they need replacing that can set you back another couple of hundred dollars across a full set. Otherwise, if you are ready to commit and want to be sure you’re setting yourself up for success, buying an entry-level set of clubs is a good option. All the major golf brands make a starter ladies set where you can expect to pay about $1,000. This will mean you are spending a bit more money straight off the bat, but you can rest assured what you’re buying will last.
Another consideration when buying a set is understanding the make-up of what’s in the bag. Are there hybrids? Does it include fairway woods? As you will need to be able to get used to hitting them all. That’s where practice comes in.
Once you have your own set of clubs, it’s time to get a feel for them, learn the basics and dial in your swing. Finding a coach, group lesson or clinic is the best way to see improvements in your game and enjoy learning golf. Say goodbye to unhelpful advice from randoms (or your partner) and focus on your own game. Hello, straight shots and consistency!
THE NEXT STEP
So when should you upgrade that starter set of clubs? What’s the benefit of forking out thousands of dollars? And what exactly are they fitting you for?
To make it simple, one size does not fit all, despite having women’s specific clubs. If you get fitted (and you should), your height, swing speed, how you hold the club, your lie angle and how you hit the ball will all be taken into consideration. From there you can get the club suited to you and your style, making it easier to hit the ball further. It’s like a little life hack for your personal golf swing.
“While you’re learning, it’s probably not a great advantage getting fitted until you’ve got your swing sorted out. So there’s no point in going until you’ve had a few lessons,” Barney says.
Another good option if you’re hooked but mindful of your budget while you’re still learning is to upgrade just a few clubs. Your driver and putter would be the first suspects here. But note there’s little benefit to mixing and matching brands when it comes to irons, fairway woods and hybrids – a mixed bag could lead to mixed results.
Undeniably the best part about investing in a set and getting fitted for your game is exactly that – an investment in you and your game, whatever your goals are.
“You are going to keep them forever. That set will last you for the rest of your golfing years,” Barney assures.
There will always be new technology and a new range of clubs on the market. The promise of fewer errors, a bigger sweet spot and more distance is alluring, but the latest tech doesn’t guarantee low scores. Start simple and go from there to grow your skills.
Your game is at your pace, don’t rush the process.