What golf clubs do you need? The Rules of Golf allow a maximum of 14 clubs, but a typical full set has a driver, a fairway wood or hybrid, irons, wedges and a putter, and a beginner can start with fewer. This guide explains a full set of golf clubs, what each club does and whether you need all 14.
A full set of golf clubs at a glance
| Club | Typical number | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 1 | Longest club, for tee shots on long holes |
| Fairway wood or hybrid | 1 to 3 | Long shots from the fairway or rough |
| Irons | 5 to 8 | Approach shots; lower numbers go further, higher numbers go higher |
| Wedges | 2 to 4 | Short approach shots, chips and bunker shots |
| Putter | 1 | On the green |
The 14-club limit
You can carry up to 14 clubs in a round. Most full sets use some or all of that allowance. Beginners do not need 14: fewer clubs means less to learn, and a set of 10 to 12 is plenty to start.
Driver and woods
The driver is for distance off the tee. A fairway wood is smaller with more loft, so it is easier to hit from the grass. A hybrid blends an iron and a wood and is often easier to hit than a long iron. Many beginners carry a driver and one fairway wood or hybrid. See how to choose a driver.
Irons: what each one does
Irons are numbered. A lower number, such as a 5 iron, has less loft and goes further. A higher number, such as a 9 iron, has more loft and goes higher and shorter. Most players use irons from about 5 to 9 plus a pitching wedge. See how to choose an iron set.
Wedges and putter
Wedges handle short shots around the green: pitching, gap, sand and lob. The putter is the club you will use most. Our guides cover wedge degrees and the best putters.
A sample 14-club bag
| Club | Count |
|---|---|
| Driver | 1 |
| Fairway wood (3 wood) | 1 |
| Hybrid | 1 |
| Irons (6 to 9) | 4 |
| Wedges (pitching, gap, sand, lob) | 4 |
| Putter | 1 |
| Total | 12 |
That is 12 clubs, so there is room for two more: perhaps a 5 iron and a second hybrid. Add the clubs you actually use, rather than filling the bag for the sake of it.
What to leave out as a beginner
Long irons are hard to hit, so most beginners skip a 3 and 4 iron and use hybrids instead. A lob wedge is optional until you have a reliable short game. A smaller set also keeps the bag light, which is helpful if you walk the course or carry your own bag. As you improve, add clubs to fill the gaps in your distances.
Which set-up suits how you play?
| If you... | Carry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Walk and carry your bag | 10 to 12 clubs | A lighter bag is easier on your back |
| Use a buggy or cart | Up to 14 clubs | The buggy carries the weight |
| Are a beginner | A starter set of 10 to 12 | Fewer decisions on the course |
| Play competitions | Up to 14, chosen for your gaps | Fill the distance gaps in your game |
Glossary: club terms
- Wood: a larger-headed club for distance. Modern woods are made of metal.
- Hybrid: a cross between an iron and a wood.
- Iron: a numbered club used for approach shots.
- Wedge: a high-lofted iron for short shots.
- Putter: the club used on the green.
- Loft: the angle of the clubface that sets launch height.
Common mistakes when building a bag
- Carrying three wedges and no hybrid, then struggling with long shots.
- Keeping a long iron you cannot hit just because it came in the set.
- Buying a driver before you can hit your fairway wood.
- Ignoring distance gaps: if two clubs go the same distance, one of them is wasted.
- Filling all 14 slots on day one.
Building up over time
Start with a complete starter set and play with it. After a few months, note which clubs you reach for and which you avoid, then replace the ones that hold you back. Many golfers upgrade the putter and driver first. A fitting session can help you decide where to spend.
Do beginners need a full set?
No. A complete starter set covers the essentials. Our range includes:
| Set | Price |
|---|---|
| Junior Golf Club Set | $249 |
| Beginner Complete Golf Club Set (12-Piece) | $699 |
| Ladies' Complete Golf Club Set | $799 |
Browse every golf club set, read our guide to the best golf club sets for beginners, or see all golf clubs for sale. Call 0480 811 308 to talk it through.