How to Select Basic Golf Equipment

To begin playing golf, there are six items of golf equipment that all golfers must have. They are a set of golf clubs, a putter, a golf bag, golf balls, golf tees and golf shoes.

While there are certainly more golf accessories that most golfers will want over time than just these six must-have items, these are the basic ones to start with. Here are some tips to help decide which ones are right.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Purchase clubs that are for the proper gender to get a better fit. Foremost, is the new golfer a man or a woman? Golf clubs are different, especially in weight and length, depending on whether a female or male golfer will be using them.
   
   Even though your most important golf equipment is a set of golf clubs, beginning golfers probably won't want to purchase a set of custom-fitted clubs at first. This is not to say that the new golfer buy the most inexpensive set of clubs on the shelf, however, as there are certain things to be considered.

2. Determine which golf bag to purchase by asking these questions. Are there enough pockets for all the accessories needed during a round of golf? Is a cooler area really necessary? Are there rings for attaching towels? Does it have slots for the clubs to set in so they don't hit each other? Is the bag so heavy by itself that it will be almost impossible to lift when filled with golf clubs and other items?

3. Handle the putter and hit a few balls before purchasing, since a putter is a very personal matter. Putter heads come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and weights, and putters come in many lengths. A putter can be a golfer's best friend or worst enemy on the golf course, so choose wisely.

4. 
   Golf Ball

   Select golf balls by your gender since they are designed for male or female golfers. Softer balls are usually used by female golfers since they may not hit the ball very hard, while harder golf balls are for those who strike the ball with more force.
   
   And ladies, don't buy golf balls just because they're cute, although in today's golf world, sometimes the cute balls are the perfect selection, since golf ball makers understand that many lady golfers like to have a colorful golf ball but also insist on the proper ball for their swing.

5. Buy a few simple wooden tees in the regular length and a few longer ones, and decide if these are right before investing in the more high-tech versions. Tees may seem like an insignificant golf equipment purchase but there are many different styles to choose from. It may be a bit difficult to determine which tees are preferable until a few rounds of golf have actually been played.
   
   Golf tees come in long and short versions, ones with brushes to hold the ball, bent ones, plastic or wooden tees, and ones with tiny bent tips that support the ball. To start, basic is probably best.

6. Try on shoes with the socks you will actually wear on the course. Today's golf shoes almost all either have ridges on the bottom or soft spikes. These allow for better traction in grass, especially when wet, and up and down slopes, without harming the green. They are available in many styles, including oxfords, sandals, and sport shoes. Most golf shoes either have shoe strings that tie or velcro straps.

Tips & Warnings

• When buying golf shoes, consider purchasing a waterproof pair.
• Most golf stores have a small putting green in the store so you can try out putters before buying one.

[trishamay]

on 7/12/2009 My friend is starting to learn to gold. I'll definitly have to show him this article. Five stars.

[WordWrangler]

on 6/30/2009 Check out my other article "How to Select Golf Accessories for any Golfer". The stroke counter's in that one.

[Trish62]

on 6/30/2009 Good information for the beginner. Another really good item for beginner's to have is a stroke counter. I have found it so helpful with learning the game. 5*