If you've ever thought about getting into golf but weren't sure where to start, we've got your back! Whether you're looking to impress at the driving range or just want to enjoy a relaxing weekend game, understanding your gear is the first big step.
Let's walk through the essential golf club types, famous brands, and how we can choose what suits us best as beginners.
Understanding the two club systems
When we shop for golf clubs, we'll quickly notice two main categories: American spec and Japanese spec clubs. The difference usually comes down to weight, flexibility, and feel. Japanese clubs are often lighter and more forgiving—perfect for new players. American clubs tend to be heavier and designed for stronger swings.
Popular global golf brands
Some of the biggest American golf brands we'll see include TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Ping, Nike, and Adidas. These are known for their performance-driven designs and are often used in pro tournaments. On the Japanese side, popular names are Honma, Mizuno, Srixon, Maruman, Dunlop, Kasco, S-Yard, XXIO, Cleveland, and more. Japanese clubs, especially Honma and XXIO, are favorites among players who want comfort and control.
Let's break down the famous clubs
There's a lot of brand noise out there, but here are some names worth knowing:
• Dunlop: Since 1910, it's been trusted by golf legends. It's ideal for beginner to mid-level players.
• TaylorMade: A leader in golf tech since 1979. It's also owned by Adidas.
• Adidas: Known for athletic performance and stylish design.
• Nike (Beaverton): Though they've stepped back from club-making, their name still holds weight in apparel and accessories.
• Ben Hogan: Known for premium golf products since 1953.
• Etonic: Famous for golf shoes in the 1980s.
• Wilson: A classic American brand with history dating back to 1914.
• MacGregor: Over 100 years of golf innovation.
• Callaway: A favorite for players who often slice the ball—its design helps straighten shots.
• Ping: Famous for its innovative heel-toe balanced putters and user-friendly clubs.
How much do clubs cost?
For beginners, it's fine to start with individual clubs rather than a full set. Here's a quick price guide:
• Drivers (wood clubs): Usually start at ¥1200+
• Putters: About ¥800+
• Wedges (special iron clubs): Also around ¥800+
A genuine full set of clubs will cost at least ¥10,000, while counterfeit or low-quality sets can be around ¥1,000. It's worth investing in quality, especially if we're serious about learning.
Types of golf clubs we'll use
Let's go over the four main categories of clubs we'll need:
1. Wood Clubs
These are for long-distance shots. The shaft is long, and the clubhead is light. Even though they're called "wood," most are now made of metal. We'll see numbers like:
• 1-wood (Driver): For tee shots
• 3, 4, 5, 7, 9-woods: For fairway shots The lower the number, the longer the shaft and the lighter the weight.
2. Iron Clubs
Used for medium and short-distance shots, these are made from stainless or soft iron. They provide more control.
• Men's 7-iron hits about 150 yards; women's around 100 yards.
• Typical set includes: 2 to 9 irons, plus P (Pitching Wedge) and S (Sand Wedge).
• 2–5 irons are long-range, 6–8 are mid-range, and 9, P, S are for short-range shots.
3. Wedges (Special Irons)
These include PW, GW, SW, LW—used for special situations like sand traps or tricky greenside shots.
• PW (Pitching Wedge): Regular chip shots
• GW (Gap Wedge): Covers the distance between PW and SW
• SW (Sand Wedge): Helps get out of bunkers
• LW (Lob Wedge): For high, soft landings
4. Putters
Used for rolling the ball into the hole once we're on the green. Short shaft, very little loft. The two shapes are:
• Blade (knife-style)
• Mallet (hammer-style)
Putters are all about personal feel, so trying a few at the shop is always a smart idea.
One last swing of advice
Lykkers, as we step into the world of golf, let's not rush to buy everything at once. Start with a few good clubs, practice your swing, and understand what feels right for you. The best way to improve is to enjoy the process. Golf is not just a sport—it's a journey.
So tell us, which club are you excited to try first? Or maybe you've already swung a few—what's your favorite brand so far? Let's chat below!
