The Best Golf Clubs for Beginners on a Budget

Getting into the game of golf can feel…so overwhelming, especially as a beginner. Heck, it can feel like that even when you’ve been playing for a while, but when you’re just starting out there’s so much to think about. One of the biggest differences between golf and other sports is the sheer number of equipment needed to play.

While others just have a ball or paddle, we have a bag of specified clubs built for a variety of different shots. So when you’re coming into this as someone that just wants to get out there and start, you’re going to quickly see how many options there are for you, and how expensive it all is.

It’s no secret that when you’re investing in playing golf, you’re also investing a portion of your bank account. Golf clubs, equipment, and course rentals all add up, so finding options that save you money in the long run? More than worth the look, especially as a newbie. That’s why we thought it pertinent to create a list of the best golf clubs for beginners on a budget, so you can go out with equipment you feel confident in that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. 

Let’s look at:

• Used vs New Golf Clubs: Which is better?
• The Clubs You Need as a Beginner
• The Best Golf Clubs for Beginners on a Budget

But why are we the ones qualified to answer your club questions? Well if you haven’t heard of us yet then let us have the pleasure of introducing you to what we do best:

Our story is a simple one, what started out as a side-venture in the highs and lows of selling shoes on eBay, has now turned around to be a business with 20 full-time employees, a 15,000 square foot warehouse, and relationships with private golf courses all over the U.S. At StickHawk you can make your putting dreams come true as we sell quality drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, iron sets, single irons, wedges, putters, complete club sets for those who need the basics to play today, and accessories. We want to match you with the golf club(s) of your dreams. You can take our “Club Decider Quiz” and it will help you decide the exact right make and models you need to feel good while you’re on the course.

We really care that you’re getting the right golf clubs, we don’t just sell to sell. We mentioned our “Find the right clubs” quiz- (which will either be as a “pop up” as you go onto our homepage or you will see it once you scroll down to the bottom of the screen and you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see our Hawk mascot holding gold clubs like a real player). The team has spent hours coming up with and designing the right questions to find you the golf clubs that’ll fit you at your skill level, and that especially includes finding the best golf clubs for beginners on a budget. 

Used vs New Golf Clubs: Which is better?

Many will have arguments on which is better for golfers, used versus new clubs, but we can confidently say the general consensus when it comes to new golfers is to always shop used first. If you find a great deal on a new club? Great, go for it! But most often we’re going to want to be looking at used club offerings as beginners.

Why? 

Well for one, they’re exponentially less expensive. You’ll be saving hundreds and hundreds of dollars once you get your first full bag completed. Your swing is going to be changing as well, the more you play, the more it’ll refine itself which means investing in a set of new clubs right off the bat when you could need another set to better fit your skillset isn’t the greatest idea in the world. Used clubs are also always almost as good, (and sometimes even better) as new clubs. Golf clubs are built to last and having ones that have stood the test of time like some used models is a worthy endeavor.

The Clubs You Need as a Beginner

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need the full 14 club set as a beginner. Yes it’s technically considered a “full set” at fourteen clubs, but having that many as someone that has hardly played can feel like a lot. In the past we’ve talked about what golf clubs you actually need, and we’re sticking with that opinion for beginners as well.

Instead of the full fourteen, start yourself with these:

• A driver*
• A 7-iron**
• A 5 or 7 wood***
• A 5H hybrid
• A pitching wedge
• A putter

*There are some in the golf community that will say to hold off on getting a driver right away but we think it’s best to get one and practice hitting with it, it may feel like a lot in your hands but it’s going to help you build the necessary skills you need to get better.

**Irons come in a set of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and PW (pitching wedge), but as a beginner we think a 7-iron is the most “well-rounded” out of the bunch which is a perfect chance to try it out and see what irons feel like.

***Ultimately when deciding on getting a wood, you’re going to want to try testing them out for yourself before buying, including even buying used, woods are great, and the 5 and 7 are great “user-friendly” options but aren’t necessarily necessary for your first beginning set, especially if you get the 5H hybrid. That’s why we’re going to skip over the woods rec and go straight to the 5H hybrid below.

One of the best ways to help you decide on what golf clubs to get is to test some out for yourself before committing to the buy.

The Best Golf Clubs for Beginners on a Budget

Now that we know what we’re looking for we can get into the real meat of the article, finding you the best golf clubs for beginners on a budget. We’re going to look for used and go off the list of starting clubs you need so you can get a handle on the game before venturing out on greener pastures (aka getting a full set of clubs and trying new models).

Our Driver Pick: The Ping G430 MAX

We have a favorite driver, it’s a bias for sure, but we like to think it’s a bias for a reason because the Ping G430 Max offers something that just can’t be beat with other clubs. It’s made for beginners and regulars alike, offering forgiveness, smoothness, and control, this model has been a frequenter in most “best driver” lists. 

We have more than a few Ping G430 MAX’s in stock which you can view on our store page, but here’s one we’ll highlight for you now:

Our golden child has reached our fairways once again.

This is the Ping G430 Max 7 Fairway Wood 21* Alta CB 65g Regular Graphite Mens RH which was $394.18 and is now $349.99. This club is pre-owned, has been hit with, and has marks on it from normal use, but is overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Loft: 7 Wood - 21 Degrees (Adjustable - Adjustment Tool NOT Included)
• Club Length at address: 41.50"
• Shaft Flex: Regular
• Shaft Material: Graphite
• Shaft Brand: Ping
• Shaft Model: Alta CB
• Shaft Weight: 65g
• Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 Standard Grip in Good condition 
• Headcover not included

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

Our 7-Iron Pick: Mizuno JPX Hot Metal

When you’re just starting out, you’re going to be looking for clubs that offer forgiveness and ease as you’re transitioning and honing in your skills as a golfer. The line of Mizuno Hot Metals are ones that will feel like you’re meant to have them. The 925’s offer a dispersion and carry distance that will have you waving to imaginary fans.

We don’t currently have any single 925’s in stock, but we do have a few sets that include them available here. Our alternative pick is the 923:

In true mint condition, this thing is a BEAUTY to be played with.

This is the Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal Single 7 Iron Dynamic Gold R300 95g Regular Steel RH which was $147.22 and is now $127.29. It has only been hit a couple of times so we consider it mint condition, as there is little to no markings. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Iron: #7
• Club Length at address: 37.00"
• Lie Angle: Standard
• Shaft Flex: Regular
• Shaft Material: Steel
• Shaft Brand: True Temper
• Shaft Model: Dynamic Gold R300
• Shaft Weight: 95g
•  Golf Pride Tour Velvet Standard Grip in Good condition 

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 9.5 (Mint Condition)

Our Hybrid Pick: The Ping G430

Swinging our way back around to Ping for another hot seat pick we have the G430 which reaches the top of leaderboards and forum posts from every golfer under the sun. Ping is a popular choice for hybrid shoppers so you can’t really go wrong with any of the G400s. We love the 430’s the best because they are right in our wheelhouse of staying in our budget while delivering that “easy to hit with and carry distance” you’ve needed.

We have a few Ping G430’s in stock, including this one we’re taking a moment to highlight now:

No need to worry about hitting dirty, this hybrid has got your back.

This is the Ping G430 5 Hybrid 26* Alta Quick 35g Senior Graphite Mens RH which was $233.08 and is now $232.99. This club is pre-owned, has been hit with, and has marks on it from normal use, but is overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Loft: 5 Hybrid - 12 Degrees (Adjustable - Adjustment Tool NOT Included)
• Club Length at address: 39.00"
• Shaft Flex: Seniors
• Shaft Material: Graphite
• Shaft Brand: Ping
• Shaft Model: Alta Quick
• Shaft Weight: 35g
• Lamkin UTX Standard Grip in Good condition
• Headcover not included

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

Our Wedge Pick: Cleveland CBX

Before we delve into the Cleveland CBX wedge proper, we have to give a shout out to, probably, the most recommended wedge set for beginners out there: the Kirkland Signature 3-Piece Golf Wedge Set. Less than $200 at Costco, it’s a pretty great and reliable wedge set. But if you’re following our recs for then the Cleveland CBX wedges are going to edge out. With the full face grooves you won’t have trouble hitting the ball in the center, even if it’s a smaller club face. 

We have a pretty substantial inventory of Cleveland CBX’s, but here’s one to see for yourself:

A wedge you’ll fall in love with.

This is the Cleveland CBX Wedge 56* 12 True Temper Dynamic Gold 115g Wedge Steel Mens RH which was $129.99 and is now $61.99. This club is pre-owned, has been hit with, and has marks on it from normal use, but are overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Loft: 56 Degrees / 12 Bounce
• Club Length at address: 35.50"
• Shaft Flex: Wedge
• Shaft Material: Steel
• Shaft Brand: True Temper
• Shaft Model: Dynamic Gold
• Shaft Weight: 115g
• Stock Cleveland Standard Grip in Good condition

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

Our Putter Pick: Cleveland Huntington Beach 4

We’re ending with another fan favorite, the line of Cleveland Huntington Beach putters are ones to beat. No other putters will have you feeling like you hit with a swing smoother than butter. The stability of the 4 is one that’s unmatched and we love the blade design, but there’s nothing wrong with preferring a mallet. It all depends on preference for putters.

The grooved face connects with the ball with a satisfying *click*.

This is the Cleveland Huntington Beach 4 Putter 35" Mens RH which was $105.18 and is now $80.79. This club is pre-owned, has been hit with, and has marks on it from normal use, but is overall in good condition. Here are the specs:

• Men's Right-Handed
• Club Length at address: 35.00"
• Shaft Flex: Putter
• Shaft Material: Steel
• Shaft Brand: Cleveland
• Shaft Model: Stock
• Head Shape: Blade
• Quality Standard Grip in Good condition 
• Headcover not included

Overall Condition: Used - Grade: 8 (Good Quality)

You don’t need to spend the big bucks in order to feel like you’re playing at a pro level even if you are just starting out. Get clubs that match your physicality and grow with them instead of trying to box yourself in. Finding the best golf clubs for beginners on a budget isn’t hard, you just need to know where to look.