Beginner’s Guide to Golf Clubs: What You Really Need to Start Playing
Getting Started in Golf: Clubs + Confidence
Golf can feel overwhelming for new players. There are rules to learn, swings to practice, and of course, the question every beginner asks: What golf clubs do I actually need?
The truth is, you don’t need all 14 clubs in your bag to start enjoying the game. You just need the essentials. And while you’re learning the game, it’s also important to step onto the course with confidence. That’s why The 19th Label not only helps you understand the basics of golf equipment but also outfits you in classic gear — from breathable polos to rope hats — so you look the part on day one.
1. The Driver: Power off the Tee
The driver is the longest club in your bag, built for distance.
Why beginners need it: It helps you cover the most ground on longer holes.
What to look for: A driver with a larger face and 10.5–12 degrees of loft makes it easier to get the ball in the air.
Tip: Don’t stress if your drives slice at the start. Every beginner golfer struggles here. Focus on consistent contact.
2. Fairway Woods: Reliable Distance
Fairway woods, like the 3-wood or 5-wood, give you distance when the driver feels intimidating.
Why they matter: Great for controlled tee shots or long fairway shots.
Beginner setup: You only need one (a 3 or 5 wood).
As you get comfortable, you’ll figure out which feels best for your swing.
3. Hybrids: The Beginner’s Best Friend
Hybrids are a blend between irons and woods — and they’re lifesavers for new golfers.
Why you need one: Easier to hit than long irons, forgiving, and versatile.
Best pick for starters: Carry a 4-hybrid or 5-hybrid.
Think of hybrids as confidence boosters — much like pulling on your first The 19th Label T-shirt before a round.
4. Irons: The Foundation of Your Bag
Irons are used for approach shots, usually when you’re within 100–200 yards of the green.
What beginners need: Start with the 6, 7, 8, and 9 irons, plus a pitching wedge.
Pro tip: Choose game-improvement irons with larger faces — they’re more forgiving.
As a beginner golfer, these clubs will help you control your distance and accuracy.
5. Wedges: Mastering the Short Game
The short game is where you’ll save strokes, and wedges are your key players.
Types of wedges: Pitching wedge (PW), sand wedge (SW), gap wedge (GW), lob wedge (LW).
Beginner must-haves: A pitching wedge and a sand wedge.
Just like the right apparel matters on the course — a The 19th Label rope hat in the sun, for example — the right wedges matter when you’re saving shots around the green.
6. The Putter: Your Scoring Club
No round of golf is complete without a putter. It’s the club you’ll use the most.
Why it’s essential: Every hole ends with the putter, no matter how long or short.
Beginner advice: Choose a style that feels natural to you — blade or mallet.
Confidence on the green is just as much about routine as it is about equipment. And walking up in a The 19th Label polo doesn’t hurt either.
How Many Clubs Do Beginners Really Need?
A full golf set can have up to 14 clubs, but beginners only need about 7–9 clubs:
Driver
1 fairway wood (3 or 5)
1 hybrid (4 or 5)
Irons: 6, 7, 8, 9 + pitching wedge
Sand wedge
Putter
This setup covers all situations without overwhelming you with options.
Buying Tips for Beginner Golf Clubs
Start simple: Look for a golf starter set — they include everything you need at an affordable price.
Focus on forgiveness: You’ll appreciate clubs that help you even when your swing isn’t perfect.
Fit matters: Make sure clubs match your height and grip.
Look the Part: Gear + Apparel
Golf is as much about confidence as it is about equipment. When you’re stepping onto the course for the first time, showing up with the right look matters. That’s why pairing your starter clubs with The 19th Label apparel is a game-changer.
Picture this: you’re teeing off with your new driver, rocking a 19th Label hoodie sweatshirt, t-shirt, or polo, topped with one of our classic rope hats. Not only do you feel like you belong on the course, but you’re also setting the tone for the kind of golfer you want to become — stylish, confident, and authentic.
Golf doesn’t need to be complicated. With a driver, one fairway wood, a hybrid, a handful of irons, two wedges, and a putter, you’ll be more than ready to start your journey.
And while you’re learning the game, remember: it’s not just about your swing. It’s about how you show up. From your clubs to your clothing, confidence is everything. The 19th Label is here to make sure your apparel matches your ambition, so whether you’re lining up your first tee shot or celebrating your first par, you’ll feel like you belong.
