Whether you’re new to golf or have a few years of experience, it’s important to understand all of the equipment you need to play the game. This means much more than just a set of clubs—you’ll also need a golf ball, clothing, and perhaps even a golf cart to get around the course.
Read on to find out what kind of golf equipment you need to get started.
Golf Clubs
Golf clubs are arguably the most essential piece of equipment required to play golf. Most golfers carry between three and six pairs of clubs in their bag during a game. The three major types of clubs are woods, irons, and putters. Each has a different purpose. Woods are optimal for longer shots taken on the tee or the fairway; often, a golfer’s first stroke is taken with a wood. Irons are better suited to shots that require precision and accuracy. Wedges are a subtype of irons that are used for short, precise shots. In addition, hybrid clubs are becoming more and more popular with today’s golfers. Hybrids may be used for long shots on difficult or rough terrain. Finally, putters are used for play on the green. They don’t allow lift, and generally, when hit with a putter, the ball will stay on the ground. The most popular golf club brands today include Titleist, Ping, Cobra, Adams, Callaway, TaylorMade, and Nike. Clubs range in price from $100-500.
Balls
Golf balls must be less than 1.67 inches in diameter and weigh less than 1.62 ounces. They’re usually white in color, with a dimpled outer layer. The brand is usually painted in black. The inside of a golf ball is composed of various layers of man-made material, most of which are designed to positively influence the ball’s distance, trajectory, spin, and feeling. The harder the material, the more likely the ball is to travel a longer distance. When it comes to balls, the top brands include Callaway, Nike, Pinnacle, Precept, Srixon, TaylorMade, Titleist, and Wilson. On average, golf balls come in packs of twelve, which cost anywhere from $15-75.
Tees
In golf, tees allow the golfer to easily swing and hit the ball during the first stroke. They feature a small, rounded platform for the ball to sit on, and a narrow peg. The peg is pushed into the ground, allowing the ball to rest on top. After the first stroke, the golfer must hit the ball where it sits on the ground. Golf tees are traditionally made of lightweight materials, usually wood or plastic. In general, wooden tees are less expensive. They also break easily, and may no longer be usable after a single round. Plastic tees, on the other hand, are more likely to be used. The length of the tee varies and is a matter of personal preference among golfers. Larger tees, which may be as tall as three inches, allow the player to position the ball higher from the ground. Shorter tees, which may be as short as one and a half inches, are sturdier and less likely to break. They are often used with irons. Golf tees are generally inexpensive, ranging from $5-25 for a pack of between 100 and 1,000. Brands include Premium, Pride Sports, Champ Golf, and Martini.
Golf Bags
Golf bags are used to transport golf clubs around the green. Golf bags are made of material such as nylon, canvas, and leather, with reinforcements that give them an upright, sturdy structure. In addition to providing space for golf clubs, bags often have pockets which allow the player to carry other items necessary for the game, such as tees and balls. Certain bag model include a strap, allowing the player to carry the bag over his or her arm. Others are a cart style, and include two wheels to allow the player to use a handle to roll the bag along the green. Some golf bags have extendable legs to give them additional support when they are not being carried or rolled by the player. Popular manufacturers of golf bags include Callaway, Datrek, TaylorMade, Ogio, Top Flite, Wilson, Nike, Ping, and Sun Mountain. They range in price from $100-300 according to the material and features of the bag.
Gloves
Golfers are recommended to wear gloves that allow them to get a grip on their club and eliminate the likelihood of blisters and chafing. fUnlike many other sports, golf gloves are sold individually, as golfers typically only wear one at a time, on their non-dominant hand. Some golfers wear two. Major sportswear brands such as Adidas, Nike, and Puma manufacture golf gloves, in addition to specialty golf brands. They range in price from $10-50.
Shoes
Golfers are required to wear a special type of cleat with spikes on the sole. Spikes may be made out of metal or plastic, and are designed to increase the amount of traction the player has when he or she is swinging or walking about the green in wet conditions. On most golf shoe models, spikes are replaceable, which means that when the tread wears out, you don’t have to replace the whole shoe. Popular golf shoe brands include Adidas, Ashworth, Callaway, Ecco, FootHoy, New Balance, and Nike. They range in price from $75-200.
Clothing
Required attire for golf includes gloves, shoes, shirts, and pants or shorts. Most golf clothing is designed to give players more range of motion, keep them warm or cool or dry depending on the conditions. Golf clothing is also known for being tasteful and refined, as many courses and clubs have a dress code. Popular brands that manufacture golf clothing for both women and men include Nike, Callaway, Adidas, Puma, Under Armor, PGA Tour, PING, and FootJoy. Golf attire ranges in price from $25-150, depending on the article of clothing and the quality.
Club Head Covers
If you want to protect your golf clubs, club head covers are another important addition. They fit snugly over the head of the club, preventing clubs from banging against each other when the golf bag is in motion. Club head covers are made by brands such as Callaway and Titleist. They range in price from $15-75.
