Buying a starter kit is tricky because the cheapest option isn’t always the smartest option. You can buy a box set and get everything at once, but it’s not always a perfect fit for the average gamer.
If I were to build a group for a beginner, I would consider looking at clubs from recent years that have already proven themselves in testing.
Here is the set I would build.
Driver: PING G425 Max
For the driver, I would start with a used one PING G425 Max.
The G425 Max won MyGolfSpy’s Most Wanted Driver Test 2022. It scored in the top five in nearly every major category.
Most beginners don’t need the lowest spin head on the market. They need something that gives them a little help when they’re missing the center of their face. of G425 Max it’s fake, easy to find used, and still modern enough that you don’t feel like you’re buying outdated gear.
I would look for a 10.5 degree head.
If the budget allows, PING G430 Max OR G430 Max 10K would be the improvement.
For the fairway wood, I’d go with one TaylorMade Stealth 2 5-wood OR Stealth 2 HD.
This is one place where I won’t automatically put a starter on a 3-wood. A 15-degree 3-wood can be difficult to hit from the fairway. A 5-wood gives a beginner more loft, more height and a better chance to use the club from the fairway, fairway or tee.
of Theft 2 line is still there more than a dozen tournament players using it.
This does not mean that a beginner should copy the exact setup of a Tour player. That means Stealth 2 fairway wood The line has held up well enough that even the best players in the world haven’t all rushed to replace it.
The hybrid is one of the easiest choices in this bag.
I would go with one PING G430 hybridmaybe in a 4H or 5H depending on the rest of the group.
of G430 hybrid was the best overall hybrid in MyGolfSpy’s 2023 test and was also the best hybrid for accuracy. It finished near the top for both distance and forgiveness.
A beginner hybrid should be a rescue club. It should help out of the rough, give them a chance for longer shots and be easier to hit than a long iron. That’s why I’d rather see most beginners on a 22- or 26-degree hybrid than a 19-degree hybrid that plays more like a loose wood.
IN MyGolfSpy 2024 Super Game Improvement Iron Testing, Tommy Armor 845+ finished as the best overall iron in the category. They were first in forgiveness, second in accuracy and earned best value honors at $399.99.
They are still $399.99 so if you don’t want to buy used here, you can.
with Tommy Armor 845+the value story is simple. They are well-tested fake and accurate and priced as a beginner-friendly option.
Wedge: Be careful buying used
This is where I won’t automatically follow the used shelf.
Used drivers, woods and hybrids can be good if the faces are in good shape. The wedges used are different. Grooves get tired. A wedge that looks like a bargain may not be of much help to a beginner once they get past the green.
For this set, I’d rather look at the sale rack and choose brands like Cleveland for them Smart Sole wedge or even just landed CBX 4 ZipCore. of Title Vokey SM9 wedges have recently come down in price if you can find them to your specifications.
While we’re on the subject of wedges, most beginners don’t need four wedges. You can start with a scale of 54 or 56 and then fill in as needed.
The shot doesn’t need to be expensive, but I’d still avoid the cheaper no-name option.
For a beginner, I like a steady hammer, something that helps with alignment and makes off-center contact a little less punishing. of Wilson Infinite Buckingham is an affordable option similar to Tommy Armor irons that may be worth buying new.
My three choices would be:
How much would this starter set cost?
Here’s a rough idea of ​​what this build might look like.
Final thoughts
I’m working on playing a few rounds of golf with the new starter sets to compare their performance with clubs like this one. Complete sets work for some new golfers, but putting together a used golf set is another strong option to consider. If you’re thinking of taking up the game of golf, keep an eye out for any of these clubs and start putting together something that can help you play great golf for years to come.
