If you're a righty ready to hit the links, one of the first and most confusing steps is figuring out which golf clubs to buy. This guide will cut through the noise, showing you exactly what a right-handed golfer needs to get started. We’ll break down the essential clubs, explain your buying options, and give you the confidence to build your first set.
First things first, let's make sure we're on the same page. In golf, "right-handed" doesn't refer to the hand you write with - it refers to the direction you swing the club. A right-handed golfer stands on the left side of the golf ball (from a head-on perspective) and swings the club from their right side across their body to the left side on the follow-through. Your right hand will be positioned below your left hand on the grip.
If this describes you, then you need a set of right-handed clubs. They are designed with the clubface angled correctly for this specific swing path. It's a simple but vital distinction to make before you spend any money.
A full set of golf clubs can seem like a complicated collection of tools. To simplify, let’s separate them into five basic families. Understanding their individual jobs makes it much easier to see how they form a complete set.
Despite the name, modern "woods" are made of metal, like titanium or steel. Their job is to hit the ball a long way. They have the largest heads and the longest shafts in the bag. The most common woods are:
Irons are all about precision and control for shots approaching the green. They are numbered, typically from 3-iron to 9-iron. The lower the number, the less loft it has, and the farther the ball will travel. A 6-iron, for example, will hit the ball farther and on a lower trajectory than an 8-iron. You'll use these from the fairway, the rough, and on par-3 holes.
Hybrids, sometimes called rescue clubs, are a modern blend of a fairway wood and an iron. They are designed to be easier to hit than long irons (like a 3, 4, or 5-iron), which are notoriously difficult for beginners. Hybrids have a shape that helps the club glide through the grass and get the ball up in the air easily. For new players, they are a game-changer.
Wedges are high-lofted irons used for short shots into and around the green (generally within 100 yards). They are designed for accuracy and to make the ball fly high and land softly. The most common include:
The saying goes, "Drive for show, putt for dough." The putter is used on the green to roll the ball into the hole. It has a flat face and comes in many different shapes and sizes. This is arguably the most-used club in your bag, so finding one that feels good is important.
Although the rules allow you to carry up to 14 clubs, you absolutely do not need that many when you are just starting out. A "half set" or a curated starter set is the perfect way to learn the game without being overwhelmed by choices or costs. Here is a fantastic starter configuration for a new right-handed player:
This 6-club setup (Driver, Hybrid, 6-iron, 8-iron, PW, SW, Putter makes 7) gives you a tool for every major situation you'll face on the course while keeping your decisions simple and your bag light.
Now that you know what you need, how do you go about buying them? You have two main routes, and both are excellent options for a right-handed beginner.
Most major golf brands offer complete "boxed sets" aimed directly at new players. These packages typically include a driver, a fairway wood, a hybrid, a set of irons (maybe 6-SW), a putter, and a golf bag. They are the most convenient and cost-effective way to get started.
Pros: Everything is matched and designed to be forgiving, the cost is much lower than buying clubs individually, and it includes a bag. It a 'one-and-done' purchase.
Cons: The materials and quality are generally a step below those of individually sold clubs, and they have lower resale value if you decide to upgrade later. This is the perfect choice for someone who wants to try golf without a huge financial commitment.
This approach involves buying individual clubs, either new or from the second-hand market. Buying used clubs can get you higher-quality equipment for the same price as a new boxed set.
Pros: You can get better-quality clubs that may last you longer as your game improves. You can also hand-pick each club to create a set that's perfect for you.
Cons: It requires more research and can be more expensive upfront, even when buying used. This route is great for someone who is fairly certain they will be sticking with the game and wants to invest in quality from the start.
As you shop for clubs, you'll see terms like "shaft flex." The flex refers to how much the shaft bends during the swing. For 95% of beginners, a "Regular" flex shaft is the perfect choice. It’s designed for the average swing speed and offers a great blend of distance and control.
If you have a very slow, smooth swing, you might benefit from a more flexible shaft (like a "Senior" or "A-flex"), and if you have a very fast, athletic swing, you might eventually need a "Stiff" flex. But don't get bogged down by this at the start. Pick up a right-handed set with regular flex shafts, and you'll be good to go. Full custom fitting is a terrific step once you’ve been playing for a while, but it’s not necessary on day one.
Choosing your first set of right-handed golf clubs doesn't have to be a complicated process. Start small by focusing on a starter group - a driver, a versatile hybrid or wood, a few specific irons and wedges, and a forgiving putter. This covers all the essentials you'll encounter on the course and allows you to learn the game without being overwhelmed.
Once you’re out on the course with your clubs, figuring out which one to hit is the next challenge. When you're stuck on a tricky shot or just not sure of the right play, an app like Caddie AI acts as your own on-demand golf expert. If you can't decide between your new 6-iron or 8-iron, we can provide a quick, simple recommendation right on the spot so you can dedicate your focus to making a great swing and enjoying the game.
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