In another thread discussing golf clubs, someone alerted me to the fact that I don't need to buy a complete set at first but that I can build up over time. Now my question is what clubs do I absolutely have to have to start with? And then in what order would you add to that?

I'd recommend you buy a decent set of irons and a putter to start. Then you can add a Sand wedge and maybe a 5 wood. Then a driver. You might want o buy just the 5 iron to pitching wedge for the set of irons, and not get the harder to hit 3 and 4 irons. I'd also recommend you learn how to hit your irons reasonable well at the driving range to start. Then find a nice 9 hole par 3 course, to get your feet wet playing golf on a course. Once you are playing fairly well on the par 3 course, then you can think about muving up to the stadnard size courses. Doing it this way also means you don't need any wooeds or driver for you first round, as you don't need them on the par 3 courses.

Lessons is #1. Take a few to get the basics down and then hit the range.

(Chris, do we have a thread or article somewhere for Beginning Golf 101, that would describe some of the very basic etiquette and rules and things for a novice? Might be useful.)


From a club perspective, I agree, Putter, 5I - PW for irons, then a 3W or 5W and maybe a 3 or 4 hybrid to fill in between the 5I and Wood. DOn't get a driver for a long time.

if you have an executive course or a good Par 3 course, great. if not, look around all the courses and see what the forward tee length is. Find the shortest one and just play there for a while during the non-peak times.

Thanks, you two, for the advice. I have to say that the more I read and try to absorb, the more complicated the game of golf becomes. I'm going to have to see if I can find something that explains the ins and outs of the game in more detail as I'm learning that it's far more complex than just hitting a ball.

Well, it is and it isnt. I know it seems overwhelming but don't get discouraged. Find a friend who you know that golfs and join them at the driving range or something for a few times. Then go out to the course with them once, maybe just riding the cart and observing things before you jump in. And, feel free to ask any questions here, we're glad to respond.

chase, didn't your Dad get you into the game? Surely he would love telling you all about it. I must have my story confused. Don't worry, golfers love to give free golf advice/lessons to women.

I don't think I hit much but a 9i for the first year. I can remember teeing off with a 6i a time or two, because I could hit that further than anything else. I think I would want a putter, a sand wedge, 9-7i, and eventually a driver at the beginning. I found driver easier to hit than the 3 and 5w. Just me. Oh, and a hybrid could be your first longer iron type of club. I forgot about that because I still don't have one.

Yes, laney, it's my dad who introduced me to the game. However, in this case I don't want to discuss it with him because he would go out and just buy me a new set. I don't need Dad to buy me stuff but he still insists and it just makes me feel like a 9 year old...lol. I never talk to him about anything that involves spending money.

Chaser, just give him my name and number for the next time he's in a buying mood.

Oh, well, chase, we love to talk about golf around here, so your questions will be resolved...

What are you you playing with now? Didn't you say you were about to take a lesson? How did that go?