Golf Equipment — Complete Guide

The right golf equipment supports your game; the wrong equipment fights it. This guide covers the essentials — what every golfer needs, what’s optional, and how to choose — for beginners through to improving players.

For specific guidance on choosing each category, follow the links to our individual guides.

What You Actually Need to Start

A complete beginner’s golf kit is more modest than the equipment industry suggests:

  • A set of golf clubs (driver, irons, putter — or a starter set)
  • A golf bag (stand bag if you’ll carry; cart bag if you’ll use trolley/buggy)
  • A dozen golf balls (you’ll lose some)
  • A glove (most golfers wear one on the lead hand)
  • Soft-spiked golf shoes (metal spikes increasingly banned)
  • Tees (the little pegs)
  • A pitchmark repairer and a ball marker

Total starter cost: £250-450 new, much less second-hand.

The Main Equipment Categories

Golf Clubs

The heart of your equipment. Modern sets typically have 12-14 clubs: driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons (7 or so), wedges and putter. Each handles different distances and situations.

➡️ Detail: Golf Clubs Guide · Types Explained

Golf Balls

Far more variation than beginners realise. Tour-level balls (Pro V1, etc.), distance balls, soft-feel balls — each suits different swings and budgets.

➡️ Detail: Golf Balls Guide

Golf Bags

Different bag types for different ways of getting round the course. Stand bag for carrying, cart bag for trolley/buggy, travel bag for flights.

➡️ Detail: Golf Bags Guide

Complete Golf Sets

Pre-packaged sets for beginners — usually a great way to start. One purchase covers most of what you need.

➡️ Detail: Complete Sets Guide

Accessories and Smaller Components

  • Grips — the rubber/synthetic handle of each club; should be replaced every 2-3 years
  • Shafts — the long part of each club; flex and material affect feel and distance
  • Golf shoes — soft spikes for grip and stability
  • GPS or rangefinder — useful but not essential to start
  • Golf clothing — collared polo, tailored shorts/trousers, weather layers

The Beginner Decision: Buy New or Used?

For beginners, second-hand is excellent value:

  • Clubs don’t wear out for many years
  • A £100-150 second-hand set is often better than a £200 new beginner set
  • You can upgrade in 2-3 years once your swing has developed

Buy new when: you want a current model, you’re investing in something specific (e.g., a fitted driver), or the second-hand market for a particular club is unhelpful.

How Much to Spend by Level

  • Total beginner (first season): £250-400 for everything (cheap set, simple bag, shoes, basic balls)
  • Improving (1-3 years): £600-1,200 (better clubs, premium balls, dedicated bag)
  • Committed (3+ years): £1,500-3,000+ (fitted clubs, premium everything)

You don’t need to spend like a tour pro to enjoy the game. Many regular golfers play with £400 of equipment for years.

Equipment for Portuguese Golf Holidays

If you’re travelling to Portugal for golf, consider:

  • Bring your own clubs (rental clubs at Portuguese courses are typically mid-range; serious golfers bring their own)
  • Travel bag for flights — essential for protecting clubs on planes. See our golf bags guide for travel bag options
  • Sun cream, gloves, hat — even in winter the Atlantic sun is stronger than UK midlands
  • Cap or visor — for sun protection

For more on the practicalities of playing in Portugal, see our etiquette guide.

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