How to choose golf clubs

Discover how to choose the right clubs before tackling your first golf course.

Golf is an exciting sport that offers a perfect balance between competition and relaxation. If you're new to the game, choosing your first golf club can be a daunting task. Indeed, there are numerous different models on the market, each with its own unique characteristics. In this guide, we'll provide helpful advice to assist you in selecting golf clubs that best match your needs and skill level. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, you'll find the necessary information in this guide to make the right choice.

Different types of golf club

There are several types of golf clubs, each serving a specific function for different golf shots. Woods are used for long shots, irons are used for medium and short-distance shots, and wedges are used for bunker shots and shots around the green. Putters are used for shots on the green and to get the ball into the hole.

Hybrids are a blend of woods and irons, providing an easier-to-use alternative for beginners or players struggling with long shots using woods. It's important to thoroughly understand the different functions of each club and adapt them to your playing style to enhance your performance on the golf course. More details follow.

Woods clubs

Woods are golf clubs used for long shots, such as the tee shot. Modern woods are made of titanium, stainless steel, or composite carbon, and are lighter than traditional wooden models. Woods are numbered from 1 to 5 according to their loft (the angle between the club face and the perpendicular line to the ground). Woods numbered 1 and 2 have a lower loft, which allows golfers to achieve greater distance.

Woods numbered 3, 4, and 5 have a higher loft, enabling players to gain more height and control of the ball. Modern woods have a larger shape, known as the clubhead, which eases impact with the ball and offers greater forgiveness for swing errors. Woods are a key element in achieving optimal distance on the golf course and are therefore essential for both beginner and experienced players.

Iron clubs

Irons are the most commonly used golf clubs for medium and short-distance shots. Modern irons are typically made of stainless steel or composite carbon and are numbered from 3 to 9 according to their loft. The lower the number, the lower the loft and the more the club is designed for longer distance shots. Irons have smaller and thinner clubheads than woods, allowing players to strike the ball with more precision and control.

Blade irons are designed for longer and straighter shots, while cavity back irons are more forgiving for swing errors and provide greater assistance in lifting the ball. Irons are crucial for shots on the fairway and approaches around the green, making them a key factor in a golfer's overall score.

Hybrids clubs

Hybrids are a relatively recent category of golf clubs, designed to combine the benefits of both woods and irons. Hybrids are used for long-distance shots, often from the fairway or rough, where players might encounter obstacles such as trees or bunkers. Hybrids have a clubhead that's smaller and flatter than woods but larger and more rounded than irons.

Hybrids offer greater forgiveness for swing errors, thanks to their low and deep center of gravity, enabling players to strike the ball with more ease and precision. Therefore, hybrids serve as an excellent alternative for beginner players or those who struggle with using woods for long-distance shots.

How to choose a beginner golf set

Choose your golf club according to your size

To ensure our golf clubs are as tailored as possible to your body type, we categorize our beginner clubs according to size. Regardless of your height or gender, the distance from your fist to the floor will determine the length of your clubs.

We offer two sizes:

Size 1: For players with a fist-to-floor measurement of less than 78.5 cm

Size 2: For players with a wrist-to-floor measurement of greater than 78.5 cm

If your wrist-to-floor measurement is equal to 78.5 cm, we recommend choosing size 2.

To take your fist-to-floor measurement, stand up straight against a wall in non-heeled shoes with your hands in fists by your sides. Using a pencil, draw a small line on the wall marking the height from the ground to the midpoint of one fist. This measurement will determine whether you should opt for size 1 or 2.

Which shaft to begin with

Golf shafts have undergone serious changes in recent years. They’ve become much lighter and more technologically advanced. As a beginner, you should opt for lightweight clubs; these will give you a more comfortable swing and allow you to lift the ball more easily. You’ll have more fun on the course and feel more motivated to keep practising. If you’re looking to buy older clubs, make sure they’re right for you.

Beginner clubs are available with two types of shafts: graphite and steel. Graphite makes for a lighter club that’s easier to use. It’s recommended over steel for beginners. However, steel shafts are available for size 2 clubs. Heavier and stiffer, steel-shaft clubs are best suited to golfers who are physically strong.

Best control your direction with putters

Directional control is a key element in golf, and it's especially important for shots with straight irons. Straight irons are often used for medium-distance shots, such as approach shots or shots from the fairway. To control the direction of your shots with straight irons, it's crucial to focus on your alignment. Ensure that your body, feet, and club are all aligned towards your target. Then, depending on your skill level, choose a ball position that suits your swing and ball trajectory.

Keep your arms straight and relaxed during your swing, keeping your head and eyes on the ball throughout the motion. Finally, ensure you have a good follow-through after the shot, maintaining your finishing position and observing your ball's trajectory. With regular practice and particular attention to your alignment and swing, you can significantly improve your directional control with straight irons and increase your overall precision on the golf course.

Select your wedge with care

Selecting your wedge with care is an essential part of playing golf successfully. Wedges are specialty clubs used for shorter, high-lofted shots, typically those within 130 yards of the green. These clubs are invaluable for getting out of difficult situations like sand traps, and they're also used for precision shots such as chips and pitches near the green.

There are four main types of wedges: pitching wedges, gap wedges, sand wedges, and lob wedges. Each type has a different loft and purpose.

Pitching wedges typically have a loft between 44 and 48 degrees and are used for longer chips or pitches onto the green, usually from 100 to 130 yards out.

Gap wedges, also known as approach or utility wedges, fill the "gap" between the pitching and sand wedges. They have a loft between 50 and 54 degrees and are used for shots ranging from 70 to 100 yards.

Sand wedges, with lofts between 54 and 58 degrees, are designed specifically for getting out of bunkers, hence the name. However, they are also effective for close shots to the green, usually within 70 yards.

Lastly, lob wedges have the highest loft, usually between 58 and 64 degrees. These are used for high, short shots over obstacles and for chips and pitches very close to the green.

When selecting your wedge, consider the course conditions. For soft turf or sand, a wedge with a wider sole and more bounce is preferable, as it prevents the club from digging too deeply into the ground. For hard turf, a wedge with less bounce will provide more control.

Also, consider your skill level and playing style. If you're a beginner, you may not need all four types of wedges. A pitching wedge and a sand wedge might be enough. As you become more advanced and your short game improves, you may want to add a gap wedge and a lob wedge to your bag.

Remember, the right wedge can mean the difference between a good shot and a great shot. Therefore, take your time to understand what each type of wedge offers and choose one that complements your golfing style and the courses you play on most frequently.

What accessories to choose to go with my golf club

In addition to golf clubs, there are numerous useful accessories for golfers of all skill levels. Some of the most commonly used accessories include golf bags for carrying your clubs, golf carts for easy transportation, golf gloves to enhance your grip and comfort, and golf shoes to ensure good traction on the course. Other helpful accessories encompass golf rangefinders for measuring distances, ball markers for identifying your ball on the green, and golf umbrellas for protection against the elements.

Golf towels for cleaning your clubs, golf tees to facilitate teeing off, and spare golf balls are also popular accessories among golfers. Ultimately, the accessories you choose will depend on your personal needs and your style of play, but by having the right accessories, you can enhance your golfing experience and your performance on the course.

Decathlon offers you a kit of 7 clubs, ideal to start golfing !

These seven clubs are ideal for beginners and were selected to ensure an average of 15 metres between each club distance. This was the recommendation of the golf instructors we consulted. As a result, you can cover any distance, from tee to green. You can also purchase clubs individually.

We no longer offer traditional 6-club half kits consisting of a putter, 5-, 7-, and 9-irons, the SW, and a 3-wood for two reasons. First, golf experts have informed us of the difficulty of using a 5-iron and a 3-wood. Second, we’ve noticed there’s too much distance between the SW and the 9-iron.

In conclusion, choosing your first golf club is a significant step for anyone new to this exciting sport. It's important to take into account various factors such as the club's length, flexibility, and loft to find one that best suits your skill level and style of play. Keep in mind that not all golf clubs are created equal, and brands and models can vary in terms of quality and performance.

Take the time to do research, read reviews, and try out different clubs before making a decision. Ultimately, your choice of golf clubs will depend on your budget, personal preferences, and specific game needs. With the right golf clubs and a bit of practice, you can enjoy your time on the golf course and improve your game over time.

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