Congratulations! You’re ready to invest in a set of clubs. With so many options available, how do you choose? This article will help point you in the right direction giving you some nuggets of information to consider as you shop around.
If I have to add one piece of advice up front, don’t be tempted to scrounge around for used clubs and a bag and attempt to cobble together your own set. New golfers take this approach for a couple of reasons… (1) They think it’s the cheapest way to accumulate a set of clubs and (2) in the back of your mind you’re thinking…. what if I decide to quit? After all, you don’t want to spend money on clubs that you might not use long-term. Don’t do this. This approach is a mistake. Why?
Attempting to force fit the club to you will actually hinder your proficiency. Consider this…. Since there are lots of men’s clubs around, you might be tempted to grab that ok looking driver that is too long for you. But what the heck, you can always have it cut down. You pick up a men’s club, not realizing that it has a steel shaft, which is definitely not right for you at this point in your game (or ever!). Steel shafts are made for fast, hard hitters and not appropriate for a beginner golfer with a slow swing speed. You may not realize that adjusting the length of the club alters the club’s characteristics which can make the club too bottom heavy, too stiff for your slow swing speed and with grips too wide for smaller female hands.
Let’s use this example. You decide to start walking 2 miles a day. So, you pick up a pair of used shoes 2 sizes too big. Yes, you can still walk, but how effective will this be for you? That same principle applies to golf clubs. At this stage, you don’t need to invest in an expensive set of clubs. But you do need a set of clubs that fits your height (petite, standard or tall size); with grips designed for smaller hands and shafts that are flexible.
Another mistake new golfers make is to overspend on their first set of clubs so they don’t have to re-purchase golf clubs in the future. Buy what you can afford today and don’t over-buy. As a beginner, your clubs will take a beating as you learn how to hit the ball consistently under different golf course conditions. Another mistake is buying too many clubs. The USGA allows 14 clubs in a bag. As a beginner, that is overkill. More clubs are not better at this stage. Becoming proficient is your goal as a beginner… learning to use the driver off the tee; hitting with the fairway wood, and irons in the rough, and then a putter on the green will take some learning. It will take a while for you to become proficient with these 4 clubs. That’s why more is not better. Your goal is to learn how to use the basics.
In the future, you will know when you’re ready to upgrade. Your swing speed will change, your proficiency will improve, you will understand which clubs work best for you and why, not to mention your beginner set of clubs will really take a beating while you were learning the game. There will be a time when you are ready to buy new clubs to match your ability. For now, stick with a nice starter set.
Why You Should Buy a Boxed Set
Golf club manufacturers have spent a lot of time studying the needs of new golfers and lady golfers; i.e., what it takes to get into the game within your budget; what clubs you need to get out onto the driving range and the golf course. Most lady golfers don’t have a lot of upper body strength to hit the ball. Clubs are designed with very forgiving flexible graphite shafts and a higher loft head on the clubs to help you hit the ball further and higher. Additionally, the grips on a women’s clubs are made for smaller hands. Using hand-me-down men’s club with larger grips is not going to help you learn the game.
Should you buy expensive, famous brand names for your first purchase? That is not necessary. The bigger companies with the big advertising budgets are able to achieve brand recognition everywhere. For instance, Walmart sells a set of women’s golf clubs manufactured by a company called Nitro Golf. You might think this is a really no-name cheap set. But Nitro has been in the golf business since 1973 selling great golf balls and endeavors to build a sweet entry level set of golf clubs for women.
As a matter of fact, many club manufacturers use the same foundries that the more expensive companies use. The major difference is the lesser-known brands are not mass advertised.
It’s important to know the company behind the golf club sets! That’s why I spent the time researching the manufacturers behind the golf clubs. Many of these companies have been in business for decades to deliver very nice box club sets specifically for women. Some with recognizable brands and others that are nice starter sets from manufacturers you might not be familiar with but, nonetheless, have a proven track record as a club manufacturer.
How Much Should you Spend
How much you spend on your starter set will depend upon you and your budget. I have put together a list of very respectable golf club sets designed for women with price point s as low as $125 up to $500. Price point is important, but also look at the company that builds the set of clubs — (1) so you know the story behind the company; and (2) you might be able to find good deals by shopping at their individual web sites as well as shopping around online or at your local golf store.
12 Starter Golf Club Sets for Women under $500 in this article
$128 Nitro Blaster or Nitro Eclipse 13 Pieces – 8 Clubs
$249 Top-Flite XL 12 Pieces – 9 Clubs
$279 Ram Golf EZ3 Ladies Golf Set 14 Pieces – 9 Clubs
$300 Strata Plus 11 Pieces – 8 Clubs
$349 Wilson Profile SGI 14 Pieces – 10 Clubs
$320 Palm Springs Lady Visa V2 17 Pieces – 11 Clubs
$329 Precise M3 Ladies Complete 14 Pieces – 10 Clubs
$369 Wilsons Women’s Complete Set 13 Pieces – 9 Clubs
$369 MacGregor Golf CG3000 12 Pieces – 8 Clubs
$399 Precise Aspire 14 Pieces – 9 Clubs
$399 Founders Club Ladies Believe 16 Pieces – 10 Clubs
$439 Tour Edge Women’s Full Set 16 Pieces – 10 Clubs
Notice the Clubs vs Pieces Included with the Set
Each boxed set advertises the total number of pieces included with the set. Don’t confuse the number of “pieces” included within the boxed set with the actual number of clubs included with the set. Pieces include the bag, the head covers, some sets have a rain hood and some don’t, and then count the number of clubs included. Manufacturers are not consistent with the clubs and wedges included in the boxed set. For instance, some sets may offer only a sand wedge and some make include both a pitching wedge and/or a sand wedge. As a beginner, not having both a pitching wedge and a sand wedge in the set should not be a deal breaker. And don’t make the mistake of thinking more is better. Most beginner golfers will use only 3 – 4 clubs in their bag… the driver, a fairway wood, their favorite iron and the putter. As your expertise improves, you will learn to use the full complement of clubs in your bag. That comes with time. At this point your focus should be on learning the game and mastering your clubs.
Make Sure you Purchase the Right “size” Set to Fit your Height
It is absolutely imperative that you purchase a set of clubs that fits your height right from the start. This is the single biggest issue for beginner golfers and most golfers have clubs too long for them. It absolutely does make a difference in your ability to master the game with clubs that fit right. Having the wrong club will affect the way you swing and whether or not you can hit the ball square.
Not all club sets are available in different sizes. If you are a Petite size at 5’ and you find a good bargain in a color you like for a standard size player who is 5’5”, the set just won’t work out for you. This is one thing that you need to get right, just like the shoe analogy I made in the beginning of this article. You can still play, but having the wrong size clubs will affect your ability to hit the ball. And make sure you understand each manufacturers definition of petite, standard and tall because they do vary. Here is a rule of thumb when it comes to selecting the right size golf clubs for you…
Petite 4’0” – 5’5”
Standard 5’5” – 5’9”
Tall 5’9” – 6’3”
Right or left- handed – the choice may not always be obvious
When shopping for clubs, make sure you designate whether you want a right- or left-handed set. It’s an easy thing to miss when purchasing your set. And, more importantly, not all golf club sets offer a left-handed option. So, if you need left-handed clubs and in a petite or tall size, it might take a little more research to find a set you like.
Stand Bag or Cart Bag
You will notice that sets offer either a “stand” bag or a “cart” bag. The stand bag actually has two pop-out legs that “stands” the bag up at angle. When buying a complete golf set, you don’t always have a choice of the bag type included with the set. Typically a “stand” bag is a lighter, smaller bag made for those golfers who might like to walk the course. Most stand bags also feature a backpack style strap. The “cart” bag, on the other hand has a wider base and the bag will stand upright on a flat surface. What you choose comes down to personal preference and what is offered with the golf set you ultimately choose. Ladies use either bag style and both the “stand” bag and “cart bag” fit nicely on the cart. As you play more golf, you will develop a preference and this will be something you can choose when you upgrade your golf clubs in the future.
Make Note of the Accessories Included
The golf set will come with some accessories such as head covers for your driver and your hybrids – those clubs that are larger and, oftentimes, painted which you want to protect as much as possible. Golf club sets do not include headcovers for your irons. The reason iron headcovers are not included is that unless you are extremely diligent in cleaning off and drying your irons prior to putting headcovers on, the chances are very good they will rust. Most golfers don’t use “iron” headcovers. The other accessory that may/may not be included is a rain hood that snaps onto your bag and protects your clubs when it rains or when you travel. You can buy the rain hood separately if your set does not come with one.
Choose Colors to Match your Style
Golf can be a game with lots of style — from the outfits, to the shoes, all the way to your clubs. Should you choose a set of clubs based on your particular style and your favorite color? Why not! Have fun, feel great and look great on the golf course. I picked a pretty blue/black motif for my starter set which I had for almost 7 years. By the time I upgraded, my style and color preference had changed so I was happy to upgrade to the new look when it was time.
Top Picks! 12 Best Women’s Golf Club Starter Sets
Nitro Blaster or Eclipse Ladies 13 Piece (8 Clubs) Golf Set -$128
Items Included with this set
8 Clubs Included Bag Style-Cart Accessories
Driver Carry Bag Handle 3 Head Covers
Fairway Wood light weight Rain Hood
#4 Hybrid
7-8-9 Irons
Pitching Wedge
Putter-Mallet Style
Options: They offer two ladies sets, one called the Blaster (purple/black motif) and the other is the Eclipse (pink/black motif). Both these sets feature an incredible entry level price for a nice set of clubs. This set is available only in standard size and for right-handed players.
Nitro Golf (www.nitrogolf.com) has been in business since 1973 with headquarters in Stuart, Florida. The company is well-known for their colorful and popular golf balls on the course. Their mission statement states they “Provide the highest performance golf equipment at an affordable price”. The company has an online catalog you can peruse to check out all their products. Order products directly from Nitro Blaster and I have seen selective sets available at Walmart, Target and Amazon. Do some price comparison shopping – there are substantial price differences with different retailers.
Top-Flite XL 12 PC (9 Clubs) Golf Club Set $249
9 Clubs Included Bag Style-Stand Accessories
Driver folding legs 2 Head Covers
3 Wood Shoulder Harness
5 Hybrid 6 Way Divider
6-7-8-9 Irons
Pitching Wedge
Putter – Mallet Style
Options: The set is available in an aqua/grey or blue/grey color scheme; right or left-handed options; and sold as standard or petite length.
Top-Flite was previously owned and operated by Spaulding Sports Worldwide, a leader as a golf ball manufacturer for 120 years. Around 1995 Top-Flite aggressively showcased its golf club business promoting its products at PGA Tours Championships, etc. The Callaway Golf Company purchased Top-Flite in 2002. Callaway then sold the product line to Dick’s Sporting Goods in 2012. Dick’s Sporting Goods and its companion store, Golf Galaxy, are exclusive distributors of Top Flite Golf sets. Top-Flite is a reputable brand and delivers a quality product.
Ram Golf EZ3 Ladies Golf Club Set 14 PC (9 Clubs) $319
9 Clubs Included Bag Style – Stand Accessories
Driver Folding Legs 3 Head Covers
3 Wood Backpack Strap Rain Hood
21 Hybrid
6,7,8,9 Irons
Pitching Wedge
Putter – Mallet Style
Options: Available in a blue/black motif; standard size; right-handed only
Ram is one of the oldest golf equipment manufacturers in the US and is based in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. The company started production of golf equipment in the 1940’s. Although it was once the preferred club of many players, most notably Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, Ram stopped player endorsements years ago. Despite being a small company, Ram manufactures excellent quality products and today focuses on developing clubs for the beginner/high handicapped golfer. Unfortunately, there is no web site specifically for the Ram Corporation, but there is an excellent writeup about the history of the company at https://www.golfguy.net/who-makes-ram-golf-clubs/
Strata Plus 11 PC (8 clubs) Set $349
8 Clubs Included Bag Style – Stand Accessories
Driver Folding Legs 3 Head Covers
5 Wood Backpack Strap Rain Hood
5 Hybrid
6,7,8, 9 Irons
Sand Wedge
Pitching Wedge
Putter – Mallet Style
Options: This 11-piece starter set featured above is available in pink/black motif; right or left-handed, standard or petite sizes. The Strata is also available (with higher price points) as a 14-Piece set and 16-Piece set in different colors and sizes. The Strata line is the most comprehensive offering for players of all abilities.
The Strata product line is distributed by Callaway Golf (www.callawaygolf). The Strata 11-piece set features the lowest price available from Callaway for a women’s set which includes just 8 clubs to start your golfing journey. The Callaway web site lists this particular configuration at $349 but it’s always helpful to shop around for the best price. You can’t do anything “golf” related without seeing the Callaway name. The company was started by Ely Callaway in 1983 with headquarters in Carlsbad, California.
This is a very popular starter set perfect for the beginner with just the right selection of clubs to start building proficiency without being overwhelmed with too many club choices. Great entry level price for a quality set of clubs.
Wilson Profile SGI 14 PC (10 Clubs) $287
10 Clubs Included Bag Style – Cart or Stand Accessories
Driver 7 Way Divider 3 Head Covers
#5 Fairway Wood Backpack Harness
#5 Hybrid Lifting/Carrying Handle
6-7-8-9 Irons
Pitching Wedge
Sand Wedge
Putter Style – Blade
Options: Available for petite, medium and tall players, right- or left-handed set when you order. Available in mint green/white color motif only at the lower price point for this particular model.
The Wilson brand https://wilson.com is one of the most recognizable in sports equipment and was founded in 1913 proving it to be a company that can stand the test of time. Wilson products touch just about every sport there is. Wilson has been producing golf clubs since 1914 in response to Walter Hagen winning the US Open. Did you know that Wilson was credited with developing the first sand wedge? The Wilson company is definitely a golf company of firsts…. You can feel comfortable in making the Wilson Ultra Golf Set your first set of clubs! Just like the Strata line, Wilson offers a variety of golf club sets with different price points, sizing requirements, right-or left-handed, with different color motifs. Check out their web site for a complete product description.
Palm Springs Lady Visa V2 17 Pc (11 Clubs) Golf Club Set $320
10 Clubs Included Bag Style – Stand Accessories
Driver Foldable Legs 4 Head Covers
3 Wood 7 Way Dividers Rain Hood
3 Hybrid Dual Carrying Strap
4 Hybrid
5-6-7-8-9 Irons
Pitching Wedge
Putter – Blade Style
Options: The clubs are available only in standard length (suitable for petite players), right-handed and one-color option, blue/black motif. One of the few sets that includes both a pitching and sand wedge.
Palm Springs Golf, Inc. located in Palm Springs, California designs, manufactures and markets high quality products related to the golf industry as stated on Bloomberg.com. However, there is no direct web site to review the product line. But we can point you to some great review by Palm Springs Petite Lady Hybrid Golf Club Set Review – (MUST READ Before You Buy) (southamptongolfclub.com)
Precise M3 Ladies Complete – 14 Pc (10 Clubs) Golf Set $329
10 Clubs Included Bag Style – Stand Accessories
Driver Folding Legs 3 Head Covers
3 Wood 7 Way Divider Rain Hood
21 Hybrid Backpack Strap
4 Hybrid
7-8-9 Irons
Pitching Wedge
Putter – Mallet Style
Options: 2 color motifs (blue/white or purple/white), right or left handed, petite, standard and tall sizes. Recommended sizing (petite 5’0”-5’5”) Standard (5’5”-5’9”), Tall (5’9”-6’3”)
Precise Golf (fka Tartan Sports) started out in 1987 as a small golf cart distributer. The company has been serving golfers for over 30 years and now carries a full line of golf clubs, carts, bags, and accessories. This company’s products are high-quality, affordable and popular both in the US and internationally. Precise Golf manufactures men’s, ladies and junior clubs as well as high quality golf carts. Visit their web site at www.PreciseGolf.com
Wilson Ultra Women’s 13 PC (9 Clubs) Complete Set – $369
9 Clubs Included Bag Style – Cart Accessories
Driver 6 Way Divider 2 Head Covers
3 Wood Carrying Strap
5 Hybrid
6-7-8-9 Irons
Pitching Wedge
Putter – Blade
The Wilson brand is one of the most recognizable in sports equipment and was founded in 1913 proving it to be a company that can stand the test of time. Wilson products touch just about every sport there is. Wilson has been producing golf clubs since 1914 in response to Walter Hagen winning the US Open. Did you know that Wilson was credited with developing the first sand wedge? The Wilson company is definitely a golf company of firsts…. You can feel comfortable in making the Wilson Ultra Golf Set your first set of clubs!
MacGregor CG3000 Ladies Club Set – 12 PC (8 Clubs) $369
8 Clubs Included Bag Style – Cart Accessories
Driver Carry Handles 3 Head Covers
18 Degree Wood Rain Hood
24 Hybrid Wood
7-8-9 Irons
Pitching Wedge
Putter – Mallet Style
Options: Clubs are available in a pretty gray/green motif in standard size, right-handed only.
MacGregor Golf is a sports equipment manufacturing company based in Albany, Georgia. The company’s roots go back to 1829 and has experienced a number of business-related ups and downs over the years but is still a viable brand. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Parkside Group. They do have a UK website (www.macgregor.golf.co.uk). However, their products are sold in the US only through retail outlets such as Amazon, Walmart, and Ebay.
Precise Aspire XD1 – 14 PC (9 Clubs) Set $399
9 Clubs Included Bag Style – Stand Accessories
Driver Foldable Legs 3 Head Covers
3 Fairway Wood Dividers Rain Hood
4/5 Hybrid Backpack Harness
6-7-8-9 Irons Lifting/Carrying Handle
Pitching Wedge
Putter – Mallet
Options: colors available in cherry, pink or purple motif; petite and standard height options; right-handed only.
Precise Golf (formerly Tartan Sports) started out in 1987 as a small golf cart distributer. The company has been serving golfers for over 30 years and now carries a full line of golf clubs, carts, bags, and accessories. This company’s products are high-quality, affordable and popular both in the US and internationally. Precise Golf manufactures men’s, ladies and junior clubs as well as high quality golf carts. Visit their web site at https://PreciseGolf.com
Ladies Founders Club Believe Set -16 Pc (10 Clubs) $399
10 Clubs Included Bag Style – Cart Accessories
Driver Lifting/Carrying Handle 3 Head Covers
3 Fairway Wood 14 Dividers Rain Hood
4-5 Hybrids
6-7-8-9 Irons
Pitching Wedge
Sand Wedge
Putter – Mallet Style
Options: purple, rose or blue motifs and are available in petite, standard and tall sets; available for right- or left-handed golfers. The set can be purchased directly from the Founders Club website or through Amazon.
Prior to researching golf club sets for ladies, I had never come across The Founders Club. While reviewing their website www.foundersclub.com I am very impressed with their product offering and this particular set of clubs. Definitely worth a second look before you make your final decision.
Tour Edge Women’s Lady Edge 16 Pc (10 Clubs) Full Set $450
10 Clubs Included Bag Style-Cart Accessories
Driver Dividers 5 Head Covers
3 Fairway Wood Backpack Harness Rain Hood
5 Fairway Wood Lifting/Carrying Handle
6 Hybrid
7 Hybrid
8-7-9 Irons
Sand Wedge
Putter- Mallet Style
Options: Available in 3 color motifs – turquoise/white; violet/white; black/white; All colors available for right-handed golfers; Club lengths available in petite, standard and tall. For left-handed and/or taller people, color option is turquoise only!
The Tour Edge Company (www.TourEdge.com) was founded in 1986 by David Glod whose goal was to deliver cutting edge and affordable golf clubs. He designed his first club in 1987 and is now considered one of the preeminent master club designers and has led Tour Edge to become a Top 10 manufacturer and is currently headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
