When starting golf – or even when you are a veteran – one of your topmost concerns is usually selecting the right clubs for your golf bag.
Most players weigh the pros and cons of buying individual clubs over purchasing a set, only to come up with no clear answer.
You can understand the dilemma because your clubs are crucial to the quality of your game.
So, Is It Better to Buy a Golf Club Set or Individual Clubs?
Generally, it will depend on your priorities as a golfer. Buying individual clubs allows for more flexibility and customization but is also relatively expensive and requires intensive research. Buying a set, on the other hand, is more affordable and easier to do but limits your ability to customize your clubs.
Are you undecided on which way to go? Read on to find out which option is ideal for you.
What Is Included in a Golf Set?
Before we discuss all that is included in a golf set, it is crucial for you to know what a golf set is and all its typical uses.
For example, when you play a round of golf, you will be required to carry a maximum of 14 clubs. Your set of clubs should consist of:
1. Irons
Most golf sets usually consist of 7 irons, but recently the longer irons are frequently replaced with hybrids.
2. Hybrids
These are significantly essential to making your club much easier to control. Also, they are easy to get a good loft on.
3. Putter
The putter is used both on and near the green.
4. Woods
These should include two fairway woods and a driver for use off the tee.
5. Wedges
These typically consist of a sand wedge as well as a pitching wedge.
It might be challenging for most beginners to pick a suitable golf set since they do not really know their strengths and weaknesses.
But, as you continue playing and frequently expose yourself to the game, you will understand your game better and learn to differentiate the clubs more easily.
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Four Factors to Consider When Buying Clubs
While the contents of a golf club bag will often be similar, the quality of the clubs will vary from player to player.
Choosing the right club for your bag could significantly improve your gaming and scoring experience.
Below are some of the things you should consider before purchasing a club:
1. Budget
Before you begin shopping around for a golf club, you should first consider your budget.
A complete set of clubs could cost you a few hundred to several thousand dollars, but individual clubs could be pricier.
2. Skill
For beginners, it is advisable that you start with a basic club set.
As your gaming skills improve and you become more aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your game, you can choose specific golf clubs that suit your playing style.
3. Fitting
If you have a fixed budget, you may not be able to have your clubs professionally fitted.
However, if you intend to spend more, having your clubs professionally fitted will help you find a club suited to your swing speed and gaming style.
4. Time
Golf is one of those sports that you never stop learning.
When shopping for clubs, consider the amount of time you will spend on the game and the investment it warrants.
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Pros of Buying Clubs in a Set
There are undoubtedly numerous advantages to buying clubs in a set, especially for beginners.
The most notable one is that you will spend much less to get all the essential clubs.
Additionally, you won’t have to research the clubs you need for your game because the seller packs them for you.
Other pros of going with this option include:
1. Ability to Upgrade
As you get to know and understand the different types of clubs, you can upgrade, replace, or add to your golf set.
Having a set of clubs makes it easier to do this if you do not have a huge budget.
2. Matching Clubs
Some club sets are specially packed to cater to seniors, juniors, ladies, and even left-handers.
This makes them easier to use since they all have a similar feel to them.
3. Free Bag
Normally, most club sets come along with a bag and even a few other accessories, making this option more budget-friendly than building your own set one club at a time.
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Pros of Buying Individual Clubs
Purchasing individual clubs will likely cost you more than buying a set.
As such, it is advisable that you consult with a professional before making any decision.
Nonetheless, buying individual clubs has benefits of its own, the best of which is you get to choose clubs that perfectly fit your gaming techniques.
Other pros include:
1. Customizable Combination
As you continue learning and improving your gaming techniques, you will be able to determine the right clubs for you.
For instance, you can find a club with better grip if you struggle with this.
The result is a set of clubs that helps you correct your weak gaming areas and improve your strengths.
2. Personal Preference
Some manufacturers are better at making specific types of clubs than others.
Hence, purchasing different pieces separately from your preferred manufacturer allows you to mix and match to fit your club preferences and get an optimized set.
Individual Clubs Vs. Club Set
The choice between buying an individual club or a club set is all dependent on your gaming preferences and budget.
That said, if you are a beginner, you should consider a high-quality golf set.
Getting a set will allow you to learn the clubs and game and upgrade or replace your pieces with time.
It will also be less of an investment if you decide to stop playing.
Consider the following points when making your decision:
- Opting to buy a club set will cost you much less than buying individual clubs.
- You will likely not need all the clubs in your set at the beginning. Hence it can be much easier to only purchase individual clubs and add to them with time.
- Buying individual clubs requires extensive knowledge of club types, quality, features, prices, and top brands.
- Club sets can be optimized to fit your player characteristic e.g., if you are left-handed.
What Should You Look for in a Beginner Set of Golf Clubs?
According to the USGA, your golf club set should consist of a maximum of 14 clubs for each round.
A beginner’s set should have a good combination of woods, drivers, irons, hybrids and a putter.
Most importantly, your golf clubs should cover your distance clubs.
For example, if you hit your driver 300 yards and you hit your four iron 200 yards, then this 100-yard distance gap needs to be covered by a proper combination of fairway woods and hybrids with different lofts.
To further help you understand, below is an example breakdown:
- Fairway Wood (15-17 degrees’ loft)
- Putter.
- Driver (9-13-degree loft)
- Pitching wedge.
- Hybrid (19-21 degrees’ loft)
- Iron Set (4,5,6,7,8,9 Iron)
- G, S, or A Wedge
- Lob Wedge (54, 56, 58, 60-degree loft)
Tip: Beginners should look for drivers with higher loft angles and more forgiveness to enable them to hit the golf ball higher, farther, and straighter from the forgiveness factor.
How Much Does a Beginner Set of Golf Clubs Cost?
Most beginner golf club sets come at a price tag of about $150 to $400 but you could opt for cheaper deals at the used golf club market.
Currently, paying a few hundred dollars for a beginner’s golf club set is a good deal since just the driver alone currently goes for $550 to $700.
It is also a bargain because you don’t need to spend too much on a club set at the beginning. You can start with a simple set and upgrade your clubs with time.
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How Much Does a Good Set of Golf Clubs Cost?
The common price spectrum for tour-level iron sets range from $1,499 to $1,999.
If you shop from top brands such as Cobra, TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist. and Ping, you will discover that iron sets cost about $699 to $1,999.
However, these clubs are specifically designed for more skilled golf players so, they will be challenging for a beginner to play with.
Again, you don’t have to spring for a very expensive set during your beginner period. Stick within your budget and get better clubs as your game improves.
Final Thoughts
Is it better to buy a golf club set or individual clubs?
Before buying a golf set or individual clubs, you should carry out thorough research and give your choices some thought.
Consider your skill level and how serious you are about the game.
If you are a beginner, go for a budget-friendly club set that you can upgrade and add to as you develop your gaming skills.
If you have a generous budget and want the freedom of choosing clubs that perfectly suits your skills, buy your clubs individually from your preferred manufactures.