When it comes to learning how to play golf, putting together a set of clubs is a vital step. The best way to do so will always be to see a fitter and go through the process of getting everything dialed in.

The problem for many golfers is this process can be both cost and time prohibitive. So to help you simplify your bag, we have put together an easy to follow guide, as well as a link to some of our most recent pieces about selecting clubs to put in your bag.

How to play golf: Building the right bag for you

Beginner/Casual golfer/Lower swing speed

This is where most new golfers fit in, and the biggest goal when putting together a set for a player in this category is to make the club selection process on the course easier and use clubs that provide the most confidence.

A typical set for someone just learning how to play golf will include but not be limited to

• A driver with a fixed hosel and loft between 10.5 and 12°.
• Fairway wood, generally a single (18°) 5-wood to be used all over the course. One of the hardest clubs to hit even for skilled players is a 3-wood, so even if one comes with your set, maybe set it aside for a while.
• Hybrid clubs to replace hard to hit long irons, which can also be helpful with chipping around the greens.
• Cavity back irons offer the greatest amount of forgiveness, and for beginners and slower speed players their perimeter weighting and a lower center of gravity help get the ball in the air.
• Sand wedge. Having a single wedge (after the pitching wedge) for around the green will help simplify the decision-making process and for new players. Getting comfortable with a single club around the green for different shots can help quickly lower scores.
• A putter that is the right length and has a comfortable grip should be all you’re really focusing on at this point. Try not to get too caught up with a certain design, but keep in mind larger mallet putters can be easier to line up and can really help nail down the basics.
• Value two-piece golf balls to help reduce spin, keep shots more on line, and save a few dollars—because over the course of a round of golf this player is likely to lose a few.

Intermediate/Occasional golfer/Average swing speed

This is the largest part of the golf population and simply having the right clubs can vastly improve scoring and consistency. It is at this level when most golfers start to build preferences towards certain styles of clubs, particularly putters, and it becomes a lot more important to have a number of properly gapped wedges.

• An adjustable driver can help correct for misses and a changing golf swing.
• Multiple fairway woods including higher lofted options like a 7 or 9-wood can help with longer approach shots and getting out of the rough.
• Hybrids are another option for long shots because of their increased forgiveness and ease to launch – for golfers in this category looking for irons sets, hybrids are often included.
• Cavity back irons are still going to be the best option but as mentioned above. Finding a combo set with hybrids included can help with gapping and keep costs down too.
• Multiple wedges after the pitching wedge, most importantly a gap wedge before a sand wedge can tighten up distance gaps with shorter clubs and help prevent the dreaded “in-between clubs” situation.
• Using a multi-piece ball that offers more spin and a softer feel around the green or a urethane “tour” ball will help tighten dispersion and control around the green and can assist in turning bogeys into pars.

Low Handicap/Regular golfer/Higher swing speed

It is at this level where getting fit becomes vital in being able to maximize potential and scoring. One thing to keep in mind—not all low handicap golfers have high swing speeds, so make sure you select clubs with the right shaft flex and weight. The general setup for this golfer is as follows

• An adjustable driver can optimizing trajectory and flight and will maximize potential distance while reducing dispersion.
• Multiple fairway woods that offer proper gapping to approach longer holes or lay back off the tee.
• Hybrid or driving iron—because everyone can need help hitting longer approach shots.
• Irons with a smaller profile are a favorite of lower handicap players, and one of the most common setups involves a combo set to increase control.
• Multiple (specialty) wedges assist in saving shots and this means selecting the right ones for different situations based on playing style and course conditions.
• A putter that matches stroke style, as well as a golfer’s eye, will provide the most confidence and consistency.
• Using a multi-piece urethane “tour” ball will offer the most control and help with short game scoring.

The half set 

Using a half set is the great equalizer. Regardless of swing speed or skill level, it is still one of the best ways to enjoy the game. It makes clubs selection simple, it promotes creativity and can speed up play. Add on the fact that you are potentially carrying half the weight you would normally carry during a round of golf, and it’s a recipe for fun.

Don’t just take my word for it either, a few months ago Rory McIlroy said this on the McKellar Podcast

“I think it’s one of the best ways to practice, I do it quite a bit… because when you have only half your clubs you are always in between clubs and you have to do something…I tell junior golfers to learn to hit a 7 iron 140 yards (implying hitting it much shorter than a stock shot) because it teaches artistry, which is something they don’t do enough of in the modern game.”

Other GolfWRX resources for selecting clubs

• The real difference between blades and cavity back irons
• Why your traditional 3- wood might be extinct
• Buying new irons? This is the most important parameter