A Set of Clubs
To play the game, you need a few clubs (a wood, 2 - 3 irons and a putter), some golf balls, some tee pegs and perhaps a small bag to carry everything. Although, there are lots of other items you can buy, these are the basics. Golf clubs fall into three groups - woods, irons and wedges, and putters. All clubs are numbered and they can be bought singly or in sets. New equipment can be expensive. At around £20 per club, you are looking at more than £100 for a half set - second hand clubs are much cheaper. Most golf courses have a shop where they sell new and used clubs. Ask their advice.
You can buy junior golfing equipment. Junior clubs have special grips to help you while you are learning and the clubs themselves are shorter in length. Older juniors often use a ladies size club but most boys move onto men's clubs around the age of 14.
Woods
Woods, also known as drivers, are used for long range shots. There are 'wood' woods and 'metal' woods. Metal woods send the ball further and are less likely to get damaged. A beginner would use a No 3 or a No 5 wood.
Irons
Irons are metal clubs that are used for a variety of shots. The angle of the head is slightly different on each iron, for example a No 3 iron has a steep face while the face of a No 9 iron is more sloping. If you hit a ball with a No 3 iron, it travels low and long. If you hit a ball, using the same effort, with the No 9 iron, the ball lifts into the air but does not travel as far.
A professional coach will advise you which iron to use in different situations. As a beginner, you will need 2 - 3 irons, probably a No 4, a No 6 and a No 8.
Wedges are a type of iron. They are especially useful if your ball lands off the fairway in the rough. The face of the wedge is angled so that when you hit the ball, it lifts into the air and over any obstacles. A pitching wedge is the most popular for beginners.
Putters
You use a putter on the green, for those final, controlled shots to get the ball into the hole. Putters come in various designs and all of them have a 'sweet spot'. This is a line or mark on the putter that shows you where you should make contact with the ball.
Clothes
The clothing you choose to wear doesn't have to be expensive - some casual trousers, a jumper and a shirt are fine. Generally, golfing clothes are smart but comfortable. Look around a golfing shop for ideas.Some clubs will have rules about what you can and can't wear on their course. Tracksuits and denim may be unacceptable. Contact individual golf clubs and ask their advice before you play - it's better than being turned away because you haven't checked it out!
Shoes must be comfortable. Ribbed soles give you a better grip, but if you are serious about the sport, you may consider buying some golfing spikes.
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