1. Keep Your Club Set Simple
- Begin with 5–9 clubs instead of a full 14-club lineup. A typical starter set might include a driver, fairway wood or hybrid, 6-iron through pitching wedge, sand wedge, and putter. golfplexx.comGolf DigestGolferHive
- Focus on forgiveness: cavity-back irons, lighter graphite shafts, and larger club heads help offset imperfect swings. golfplexx.comGolf Digest
- Starter packs often bundle clubs with a bag—great for convenience and value. golfplexx.comGolf Monthly
2. Choose the Right Golf Bag
- Stand bags are lightweight and ideal for walking the course.
- Cart bags offer more storage but are heavier and best suited for riding.
- Pencil bags are compact, affordable, and perfect for minimalists with just a few clubs. Golf Monthly
3. Stock Up on Balls, Tees, and Other Small Gear
- Carry at least 9–12 affordable balls—losing them is common early on. GolferHiveShip Sticks
- Have 10–20 tees (wood or plastic) on hand; they’re more important than you think. GolferHiveHal Penny GolfGolf Drawer
- Include a ball marker and divot repair tool for smooth play and etiquette. golfplexx.comShip Sticks
4. Invest in Grip & Protection: Glove, Towel, and More
- A golf glove (worn on the lead hand) improves grip and comfort, and helps prevent blisters—widely considered essential. Golf SuperstoreGolf Drawer
- A towel is handy for keeping clubs and balls clean and dry. Ship Sticksgolfplexx.com
5. Stay Comfortable: Hydration, Snacks, Weather Gear
- Bring water and snacks (like energy bars)—a round can last several hours. Ship SticksStitch Golf
- Include sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat or sunglasses to stay protected in the elements. Ship SticksStitch Golf
- Be prepared with a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella, and even spare socks for comfort in changing weather. Stitch Golf
6. Dress Appropriately & Respect Course Etiquette
- Aim for a collared shirt, smart shorts or pants, and soft-spiked or spikeless shoes—sneakers may be acceptable on some courses. Golf18Birdiesgolfplexx.com
- Set your phone to silent, keep chatter quiet during others’ play, and always repair divots and pitch marks. golfplexx.comGolf DigestGOLFPASS US
7. Use the Warm-Ups and Embrace Learning
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early to warm up and check in, especially before your tee time. GOLFPASS US
- Begin practice at the driving range or putting green, focusing on grip, stance, and basic swing fundamentals. golfplexx.com18BirdiesGolf Monthly
- Consider starting on par-3 or executive courses or playing just nine holes to build confidence. 18Birdies
Summary Table: Beginner’s Prep Checklist
| Category | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Clubs & Bag | 5–9 forgiving clubs, stand or pencil bag |
| Small Gear | Balls, tees, ball marker, divot tool |
| Grip & Cleaning | Golf glove, towel |
| Comfort & Protection | Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, rain gear, spare socks |
| Clothing & Etiquette | Collared shirt, golf shoes, quiet phone, respect etiquette |
| Preparation | Arrive early, warm up, start small (range or short course) |
Master these essentials, and you’re well on your way to a confident, enjoyable beginner golf experience. If you’d like, I can also suggest budget-friendly product recommendations or help structure a blog post around this outline—just let me know!
Also, check out this video for a friendly, visual breakdown of beginner gear: