Getting your child their first set of golf clubs is an exciting step, but picking the right ones can feel overwhelming with all the different brands, sizes, and options out there. This guide is designed to make it simple. We will walk through the most important factors to consider, from fitting based on height to choosing the right number of clubs, so you can find a set that helps your child fall in love with the game.
Many well-meaning parents think they can save a few dollars by heading to the garage, grabbing an old set of adult clubs, and simply sawing them down to size. While the logic seems sound, this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when getting a child started in golf. Here’s why it doesn't work:
Starting with improperly fitted equipment is the fastest way to make the game feel difficult and unenjoyable. Junior-specific clubs are designed from the ground up to solve these problems, giving your child the best possible chance to succeed.
When you browse for junior golf clubs online or in a store, you will see them categorized by recommended age ranges, like "Ages 5-8" or "Ages 9-12." While these categories offer a starting point, they can be highly misleading. A tall 7-year-old might need the same size clubs as an average 9-year-old. The single most important factor for fitting a child is their actual height.
A club that is too long or too short will force a child to develop bad posture and swing habits to compensate. The goal is to get them a set that allows them to stand tall and athletic, just like we teach in a proper golf setup.
It’s simple. Have your child stand straight up against a wall with their shoes on (since they’ll be wearing shoes to play). Use a tape measure to find their height from the floor to the top of their head. This number is your guide.
Most reputable junior golf club brands, like U.S. Kids Golf and PING, have detailed sizing charts on their websites. You plug in the child's height, and it tells you exactly which size set you need. If a sizing chart isn't available, here is a general guideline to get you in the right ballpark:
Pro Tip: When in doubt, it’s slightly better to go with a club that's a little too short than one that's too long. A child can always "choke down" on a shorter grip, but they can't make a long club shorter.
Once you know the right size, the next question is how many clubs your junior golfer actually needs. Unlike a professional golfer who carries 14 clubs, a child needs a much smaller, more manageable set. Too many clubs can cause confusion and slow down play.
The goal is to provide them with distinct tools for different situations: a club for teeing off, a club for approach shots somewhere in the middle, a club for short shots near the green, and a putter.
For a first-time player, a simple 3-to-5 club set is more than enough. It keeps things from getting overwhelming and lets them focus on learning a consistent swing with just a few different tools.
Beyond size and the number of clubs, a few specific design features make a huge difference in how easy the clubs are to use.
Modern junior clubs should have lightweight graphite shafts. Graphite is much lighter than steel, allowing a child to swing the club faster and generate more power with less effort. This helps them get the ball in the air, which builds confidence. The clubheads should also be proportionally lighter than adult models.
Junior clubs must have smaller-diameter grips. A child with small hands cannot hold an adult-sized grip properly, which prevents a correct wrist hinge and power release. The grips should be thin enough for them to hold comfortably and securely.
Good junior clubs are designed for forgiveness. The irons will usually have what's called a “cavity-back” design and a wide sole, which helps prevent digging into the turf on fat shots. You'll also notice the clubs have much more loft than their adult equivalents. A junior 7-iron might have the loft of an adult 9-iron. This higher loft is intentional - it makes it easier to launch the ball high into the air, which is critical for new players.
For almost every new junior golfer, a complete, All-in-one boxed set is the best way to go. They offer fantastic value, include a lightweight stand bag, and provide everything a child needs to get out on the course immediately. Dozens of trusted brands like U.S. Kids Golf, Top Flite, Callaway, and PING offer excellent boxed sets designed for specific height ranges.
The alternative is buying individual clubs. High-end junior brands like U.S. Kids Golf sell their clubs individually, which is a great option as a child grows. For instance, if your child outgrows their 7-iron but the rest of the set still fits, you can just replace that one club instead of buying a whole new set. This approach is better for committed young golfers but is more expensive upfront than a standard boxed set.
Golf equipment can be expensive, but getting your child started doesn't have to break the bank. You don't need the fanciest professional-grade gear.
Choosing the right golf clubs for your son or daughter really comes down to two things: matching club length to their height and finding a lightweight set that's easy to swing. If you make sure the clubs fit, you remove the biggest equipment barrier and allow them to develop a natural, athletic motion while having a ton of fun.
As your child starts to play and gets more curious about the game, they’ll run into all sorts of questions on the course, like which club to use from 50 yards or how to play out of the rough. To help make those learning moments easier, we developed Caddie AI. It gives you instant, simple advice right on your phone, so you and your junior golfer can get clear answers to those tricky questions and make smarter decisions with more confidence.
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