Golf can get expensive quickly, especially when you’re new to the game. Between the clubs, equipment, technology and advice coming from every direction…it’s easy to spend money in ways that don’t actually help you improve or learn the game.
The problem, sometimes, is not spending money, but spending it in the wrong way.
Some purchases help you learn the game faster. Others matter only after you have some experience. This list focuses on what makes sense early and what can wait.
1. learning
If you’re starting from scratch, lessons are the best place to spend money. This does not mean committing to a weekly lesson or long-term program. It means learning the basics before bad habits form.
Some lessons can teach you how to hold the club, where to stay and how solid contact should be. These basics affect every swing you’ll ever make. It is much more difficult to break a bad habit later than to learn something right from the beginning.
2. Putter
For a beginner, a good hole is two shots. The reality for many new players is to mostly putt the greens until they become more comfortable. That’s a lot of shots coming from one club.
There are accessories that make setup easier and fit right into your setup. Stretch, balance and length matter more than most beginners realize. If you plan to play golf for a long time, the golf club you buy now can stay in your bag for many years.
Try: PING Scottsdale Prime Tyne 4 or to Tommy Armor Impact No. 2
3. Golf shoes
Many people say you can play golf in sneakers and be fine. You can, but that doesn’t mean it’s ideal when you’re learning.
When you’re trying to roll, load the ground, and use your lower body effectively, traction and stability matter. Slipping, awkward posture or loss of balance changes the way you move. These changes are reflected in your movement.
A good pair of golf shoes provides a stable base. This stability makes it easier to turn, push off the ground and repeat the movement. Sneakers can’t provide the same support or traction, especially on uneven or wet terrain.
Try: Skechers Go Golf Elite 6 (men) and FootJoy Flex for women (women)
4. wedges
Many starting lineups include only one pitching wedge. This is rarely enough. To get out of bunkers and handle shots around the green, you need more loft.
Attic matters. Without enough, getting the ball in the air from sand or rough becomes much more difficult. Make sure you have at least one higher height wedge.
Do not buy used wedges. Groove wear is difficult to see and worn grooves make starting and spinning control more difficult. This works against you when you are trying to develop distance feel and control. You don’t need the most expensive wedges, but you do need grooves that work.
5. Golf balls
You may not need premium golf balls as a new golfer, but cheaper options are not the answer.
Playing the same ball round after round helps you learn distances and predict scores. Paying a bit more for durability is worth it if you’re serious about upgrading.
Try: Deputy Pro, Tour in MaxfliOR Kirkland’s signature
6. Driver
Getting the ball in play off the tee and as much as possible is one of the pointers that helps players move towards breaking 100 and eventually 90.
There is a significant difference between drivers when it comes to forgiveness and distance. Look for adjustable drivers known for producing consistent shots rather than chasing maximum distance.
Buying one used carR that is two or three years old is fine. Test results from a reputable source like MyGolfSpy can help identify patterns that performed well for golfers in your swing speed range.
7. Range finder OR GPS
or mileage OR GPS it’s a nice accessory, but not essential early on. Free GPS apps can take the trouble while you’re still learning.
Once you develop more endurance, distances become more important. This is when dedicated devices start to add value, especially if they also offer performance tracking.
Try: GPS shot scope, mileage AND product tracking
8. Golf bag
Yours golf bag it’s your home base. It holds your gear, keeps you organized, and makes cycling more enjoyable. That said, a premium bag isn’t essential at first.
Focus on building the group you will play with first. Once that’s sorted, upgrading to a bag that suits your needs (and if you prefer to walk/drive) makes more sense.
Try: Maxfli Honors Lite
9. Training aid
I have tested almost every training tool on the market. Many of them work, but new players can quickly end up with a garage full of useless tools.
Before you invest in training aids, you need a clear problem to fix. In the beginning, there are usually many issues and no clear way to identify which one is causing which result.
Stick with the lessons until you have more clarity. When you’re ready, just get started.
Try: Divot board OR The smart ball of the striker of the tournament
10. Assembling the club
An initial fit can help identify forgiving club categories, but meaningful fits require patterns. First you need time to develop those models.
Some parts of a golfer’s game progress faster than others. A player can get comfortable with a driver quickly, but his irons can last for years. Go for a fit when you feel ready and look for more consistency in a specific club.
If you’re taking lessons, don’t be afraid to ask the pro if your game is ready to be adjusted. They have enough knowledge to know if it will work.
Final thought
Golf costs money when you buy the wrong things in the wrong order. New players don’t need more equipment. They need direction, stability and consistency.
Spend money where it helps you learn and save where it doesn’t.
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