As the weather improves and the new season is almost upon us, many of you will be looking to get back into golf or even take up the sport for the first time. Golf can seem like an expensive sport to get into, so we have broken down all the essentials you need to get started playing in a budget-friendly manner.
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There are plenty of ways to get into the sport of golf on a budget – from budget golf equipment to reasonably priced golfing attire – this guide will have you sorted heading into the new season.
It certainly won’t be a case of all the gear and no idea as we will help you to be golf course ready without having to break the bank.
Cost-effective Golf for Beginners: Golf Clubs
The most obvious, crucial and expensive necessity. There’s certainly plenty of options which can make things overwhelming. More accomplished golfers will have up to 14 clubs in their bag, the most you can have for a competitive round, but when you’re first starting out there’s no need to have that many.
Forgiveness is something all beginners should look for, whether that’s for a driver, fairway woods, wedges or irons. The idea of forgiving clubs are to lessen the effects of poor strikes. This is to help let you build the fundamentals of your golf game, whilst seeing some positive results.
Just to stress you won’t need to buy all these clubs named straight away. A putter, driver and a set or half set of irons are the basics that will serve you well to get started. One great way to get the best deal is to check out what package set deals are available, where you can get all of the above included in one.
Sets, such as Wilson’s Men’s Deep Red Tour Golf Package, are a good example of how you can learn the game of golf with the necessary clubs at a steady price. These types of sets are designed to be used by beginners, with their easy to launch technological features and lighter feel for a quicker swing. Not to mention the clubs come with a golf bag, which can cost a pretty penny on its own.
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Here are a few package sets, both full and half, that we picked out:
Used clubs are also a great option. Most local golf centres, and some pro shops at golf courses, will sell second or third hand clubs at a reasonable price.
Online golf websites, such as Golfbidder have plenty of high end gear at a reduced price. Lesser premium products will also be available should you want to ease into the sport.
When you’re looking for clubs, you can’t go wrong with those that are game-improvement. This will make golf that little bit easier, and most importantly more fun.
Another option would be to mix and match previous year game improvement models from most major brands. The reason being that they will be vastly reduced in price yet will do more than a satisfactory job for a beginner. Take a look at the suggestions below at some of the current bargains that would be suitable for a beginner…
Cost-effective Golf for Beginners: Golf Bags
If don’t opt to buy a package set of clubs, you’ll need something to help you carry your new clubs. There are a few types of golf bags that are available to you, such as a stand bag, cart bag, tour bags and carry bags.
We would recommend going for a stand bag or pencil bag. The stand bag is the most standard style of golf bag and it’ll have more than enough room. Stand bags are easy to carry as most come with two shoulder straps as standard. Like the name suggests they have legs that close when carrying and open to prop the bag up when taking your next shot.
There are waterproof options as well. These will come with a heavier price and may not be necessary if your a fair weather golfer only. However, the majority will come with a rain hood, that is detachable, to keep your new clubs dry. Take a look at our Best carry bags 2025 for some more suggestions.
You may have seen, during Golf coverage on TV, that the pros use much larger bags. Well these are what’s called tour bags. If you were to invest in one down the line then you’d also need a trolley because those things are be heavy and more difficult to carry. But, have everything you’d ever need from a golf bag.
Cost-effective Golf for Beginners: Golf Balls
You can’t play golf without a ball. Like most markets in the sport, the golf ball market is quite extensive and can be pricey.
With all that’s available you may struggle to know which ball is best for you. If you’re just starting out going for a cheap option is most definitely best. You’re likely to lose quite a few out on the course on your first few rounds, I still lose some after playing for nearly a decade.
There are numerous different types of golf balls for beginners. Some focus on helping to gain distance, whilst others may help with forgiveness and control. Essentially you’ll need to decide on what you want to focus more on.
More accomplished golfers will generally have to consider, such as getting the right compression relative to their swing speed. There’s no need to worry about that now. When starting out, your swing speed is most likely not going to be that high as your swing isn’t going to be refined. A wise choice would be to select a ball that helps optimise distance.
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For a beginner, it is definitely worth checking out the Kirkland, Vice and Wilson balls – click on the links for a more in depth review that will help you when considering which ball might suit you best.
Also, see below a choice of golf balls we’ve picked out which are also great options for beginners.
Cost-effective Golf for Beginners: Golf Apparel
‘What should I wear?’ A question that is often asked before stepping onto a golf course for the first time. There are a fair few misconceptions about how people need to dress in order to be allowed on a course. Different courses will have different attitudes about the appropriate attire.
Playing at your local course may be more relaxed than going to a private course or resort. You may get away with wearing casual wear, shirt and chinos, if you’re just starting out. But, moving forward investing in some proper golf wear will not only satisfy the dress code of courses but help with performance.
There are plenty of apparel options out there an no shortage of golfing clothing brands. From polo shirts to gilets, there’s virtually a golf version of most clothing items.
A collared shirt and some golf trousers will do the job to begin with. Then when you’re well and truly into the swing of things you’ll no doubt find yourself buying golf clothes you probably don’t even need.
A few affordable options that will have you looking the business:
Cost-effective Golf for Beginners: Golf Shoes
Gone are the days where golf shoes are to be only seen on the golf course. Golf shoes, like apparel, have become increasingly more casual over the years and for some modern golf shoes you would be forgiven for thinking they were actually trainers. Yes, you can purchase more traditional spiked golf shoes but the spikeless options that are available these days are perfectly fine if you are starting out in the game.
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See our selection below that offer up great discounts but still deliver quality and value..
Cost-effective Golf for Beginners: Golf Gloves
The importance of a golf glove is varied depending on who you speak to. Some don’t bother with one, whilst others can’t play without one. For me, I do some to play a lot better with a glove than without one. I feel as though I have more control.
Something to point out is that you should wear a glove on your opposite hand only – if you are right handed then have one on you left, and so forth. Also, don’t wear a glove whilst putting. It’ll restrict your feel for the ball and putting is mostly about feel to get the right distance. Tee shots and approaches into the green, is the only time you need to wear one.
It terms of pricing it differs. But a synthetic type golf glove would be completely fine to start off with. These are slightly cheaper options and in some cases do last longer than other Cabretta leather golf gloves.
A golf glove isn’t a massive necessity when first starting, but getting into the routine of wearing a glove and playing in one can help you going forward so you don’t need to make that adjustment further down the line. They of course have performance benefits, like added grip, that will help.
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We have picked out some golf gloves that are of great valuable:
It is also worth checkout out our Best budget golf gloves buyer’s guide.
Cost-effective Golf for Beginners: In Summary
Starting out in golf doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. In our cost-effective guide, we break down everything you need to get going—essential clubs, bags, balls, apparel, shoes, and gloves that fit your budget. Whether you’re hitting the driving range or playing your first round, remember that learning takes time and this game is very frustrating!
See the book suggestion below – might help you as you embark on this very difficult game!
So, stick with it and try to enjoy it!
Are you looking to get into golf this summer? Let us know on X!
