Golf Clubs 101: Which Ones You Actually Need (and How to Protect Them)

If you’re new to golf, walking into a pro shop can feel like staring at a wall of confusion. Rows of clubs with weird names—drivers, woods, irons, wedges, putters—how do you know which ones to buy? Spoiler: You don’t need all of them. Today, we’re breaking down the essential clubs every beginner needs, plus how to keep them in tip-top shape (hint: our club head covers and towels are your best friends here).

Before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight: The USGA (the people who make golf rules) says you can carry up to 14 clubs in your bag. But as a beginner, you only need 4-5 clubs to start. Carrying fewer clubs means less decision-making (which is good—you have enough to think about!) and less weight in your bag. Win-win.

Let’s cut to the chase: These are the clubs you actually need. No fancy extras—just the basics to help you play your best.

This is the big dog of your bag—the longest club, designed for hitting the ball the farthest. You’ll use it on the tee box for par 4s and par 5s. Drivers have a large head and a long shaft, which makes them hard to hit at first—but don’t give up! Pro tip: Start with a driver with a graphite shaft (it’s lighter than steel, so it’s easier to swing). And always use a club head cover—our neoprene covers fit most drivers and keep the head from getting dented or scratched.

The 7-iron is your “Swiss Army knife” of golf clubs. It’s versatile—you can use it for mid-range shots (from the fairway or rough), chipping onto the green, and even getting out of small trouble. It’s easier to hit than a driver or 5-iron, so it’s perfect for beginners. Practice with your 7-iron, and you’ll see your game improve fast.

A pitching wedge is a short iron with a steep face—great for chipping onto the green from close range (10-50 yards). If you’re near the green but not on it, the pitching wedge will help you get the ball up in the air and land softly. Trust us—this club will save you from a lot of bogies.

The putter is the most important club in your bag. You’ll use it on the green to roll the ball into the hole—and you’ll use it more than any other club (about 40% of your shots!). Putters have a flat face and a short shaft. When choosing a putter, pick one that feels comfortable in your hands—if it feels good, you’ll putt better. And don’t forget a putter cover! Our putter covers are soft and fit most styles, so your putter stays in perfect condition.

If you plan on playing courses with sand traps (most do!), a sand wedge is a great addition. It has a wider sole and steeper face than a pitching wedge, making it easier to get out of sand. It’s not essential for beginners, but it’ll save you a lot of frustration.

Your clubs are an investment—so you want to keep them in good shape. Here’s how:

This is the #1 rule. Every time you put a club back in your bag, put the cover on. Our covers are designed to fit snugly, so they stay on during transport. They protect the club head from dents, scratches, and damage from other clubs. No one wants a brand-new driver with a big scratch on the face.

Dirt, grass, and mud can build up on your club faces, which affects your shots. Use a golf towel (like ours—super absorbent and durable!) to wipe the face and shaft after every swing. For tough dirt, dampen the towel slightly. A clean club = better contact = better shots.

When you’re not using your clubs, store your bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in your car (extreme heat or cold can damage the shafts and grips). If you have a stand bag, use the stand to keep it off the ground—this prevents dirt from getting into the bag and damaging your clubs.

Over time, the grips on your clubs will get slippery (gross, we know). When that happens, replace them. Slippery grips make it hard to hold the club, which leads to bad swings. Most golf shops can replace grips for a reasonable price—and it’ll make your clubs feel like new.

There you have it: the essential clubs for beginners and how to protect them. Remember, you don’t need 14 clubs to play great golf—just the right ones. And with our club head covers and towels, your gear will stay in great shape for years. Now go grab your clubs (with their covers!) and hit the course—you’ve got this.