Absolute Bare Minimum Club Set

[Dornenglanz]

I'm currently using a borrowed set of clubs from my friend.  I can't really keep borrowing them long term, so I need to get some of my own.  I'd rather go for quality than quantity, as as a complete beginner, I'm guessing that while I am learning the essentials/fundamentals, I have no need for a wide selection of clubs.  So - my question is this:  what is the absolute bare minimum set of clubs for me to learn the game and play?  Here's my thinking:

 

Putter: obviously

~3/4 hybrid: could be used off the tee and for most long(ish) shots

Sand wedge: bunkers and short game

 

Could I get away with as few as that?  What would you add if you absolutely had to?

[Suchmo]

Personally, I learned a basic swing with just a 7 iron. If I was in your situation, I'd spend £50-£60 on a set of decent quality (but unfashionable) irons Wilson di9 / di11s. Add a cheap putter and you're away. If you decide that golf isn't for you, you can resell them on eBay for the same price.

[WUTiger]

This would get you started:

• Some SGI irons, maybe 5 iron through pitching wedge
• Driver
• 4 hybrid
• Sand wedge (make sure the clubface is not too battered)
• putter

if you have friends that are decent golfers, maybe they could refer you to a golf shop that handles used clubs. 

As we on TST always tell beginners - try out the used clubs before you buy them. Make sure you feel comfortable hitting them.

[Piz]

Golf clubs are not expensive.  I put together a complete set, bag included, for 35 dollars.  There are millions of unloved clubs out there that can be had nearly for the asking.  That is especially true for incomplete sets.  Most thrift stores (Goodwill, etc...) charge no more than 2 or 3 dollars a club, if that.  I bought a Dynacraft 3 wood, 5 wood, and 7 wood for 1 dollar each.  The irons (5-pw) are 431 stainless, cavity-backed, and cost 1.91 each + tax.  The sand wedge and putter I got for free.  They all needed a brush-up; and I re-gripped the woods myself at a cost of just over two dollars a club.  I'm not saying that you cannot or should not play with a couple clubs; that is how many of us got started - just that you can put together a very good set of clubs for very little money.  

[Pete F]

I think there are big advantages to starting with a short set of clubs,

You used to be able to buy a short set of irons 3, 5, 7,9, add a putter, sand wedge and 3 wood and learn how to swing a club and make your way around a golf course. With modern lofts you might be better off using  4i, 6i, 8i and pitching wedge for irons with a sand wedge, putter and 4w. but an assortment like that gives you enough to move the ball and not confuse you too much. Used irons and putter from the past twenty years will be fine, a callaway big bertha warbird 3 wood, a basic sunday bag, inexpensive new or used balls and short tees. Ask your friends, relatives and neighbors what they have laying around.  Invest in some lessons, one to start and ask then what the pro would suggest.

The main thing to remember is job #1 is to have fun. Thing about what you are doing, going out in a field, whacking a ball to some hole in the distance. Then do it over again, if that isn't fun then what is............

[gregsandiego]

On 6/19/2016 at 7:33 AM, Dornenglanz said:

I'm currently using a borrowed set of clubs from my friend.  I can't really keep borrowing them long term, so I need to get some of my own.  I'd rather go for quality than quantity, as as a complete beginner, I'm guessing that while I am learning the essentials/fundamentals, I have no need for a wide selection of clubs.  So - my question is this:  what is the absolute bare minimum set of clubs for me to learn the game and play?  Here's my thinking:

 

Putter: obviously

~3/4 hybrid: could be used off the tee and for most long(ish) shots

Sand wedge: bunkers and short game

 

Could I get away with as few as that?  What would you add if you absolutely had to?

Like others have said you can do this all very cheap. The world is filled with good used equipment.

So why skip out on such basic clubs like a driver and a mid size iron? You need to learn those clubs.

[Patch]

I have a short set in a carry bag that I use every once in a while. 3W, 7W, 7i, 9i, AW, and of course a putter. I actually have a lot of fun with it, since I sometimes have to invent shots due not having the right club. 

I think every golfer should play with a short set from time to time. 

When purchasing a short set I think one needs to pay attention to the lie angle, and flex. They should match the golfer's swing specs. 

[CyboNinja]

Got set of Taylormade 200 irons (in pretty good conditon too) for $24 about a month ago off craigslist. You can find plenty of similar deals if you just take the time to search them out.

Edited June 28, 2016 by CyboNinja

[70sSanO]

Being in the UK, I would second the recommendation for Wilson Di irons.  From Di7 and newer they are pretty solid.  Getting a 3w/4w (16*/17*) and a 5w/7w or 3h at (20*/21*), would probably give you a enough distance.

John

[onthehunt526]

On 6/19/2016 at 10:33 AM, Dornenglanz said:

I'm currently using a borrowed set of clubs from my friend.  I can't really keep borrowing them long term, so I need to get some of my own.  I'd rather go for quality than quantity, as as a complete beginner, I'm guessing that while I am learning the essentials/fundamentals, I have no need for a wide selection of clubs.  So - my question is this:  what is the absolute bare minimum set of clubs for me to learn the game and play?  Here's my thinking:

 

Putter: obviously

~3/4 hybrid: could be used off the tee and for most long(ish) shots

Sand wedge: bunkers and short game

 

Could I get away with as few as that?  What would you add if you absolutely had to?

What is your budget?

[Dornenglanz]

So I've settled for a second-hand set of Macgregor M455s, 4-9,PW,SW, an Odyssey putter, I've accidentally (!) obtained a Callaway Big Bertha 3W.  Just want to add a hybrid/rescue, and a bag!