There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping on to the green, breathing in the fresh air, and teeing up a shot. A game of golf gives you a chance to switch off and destress.

If you’ve been getting into the sport recently, it might be time to start thinking about buying your own golf clubs. There are things you should be aware of, before making this investment.

Pick a Budget

The first thing you need to do is figure out how much you’re going to spend on your golf clubs. Your budget will be impacted by different factors. How much do you think you’ll be playing golf? Be realistic and honest with yourself. If you’re only going to play a handful of times a year, it’s not worth spending too much money. Whereas if you’re keen to regularly play and practise, then it’s worth giving yourself a bigger budget.

Irons

Once you’ve decided on your budget, it’s important to know the purpose of each club. Let’s start by looking at golf irons and what they do. They are a very versatile club and help you get your ball on the green. They come in a lot of different numbers and for your first set, it’s best to go with: 6, 7, 8, 9. A rule to remember is the higher the number, the easier it is to get the ball in the air. Starting with those four irons can help improve your play.

Driver

A driver will be the longest club in your bag. It will also have the largest head. You’ll use this club at the beginning of your game to tee the shot. The driver gets the ball the furthest. They come in a variety of sizes, depending on skill level. As it’s your first set, it could be worth talking to an instructor or pro shop assistant, and they can help you pick a driver which suits you best.

Other Clubs

There are a few other golf clubs to be aware of: fairway wood, which helps get your ball off the turf. Sanding wedge, which as the name suggests can help you get your ball out of the sand without digging a hole. There’s also the pitching wedge, which you’ll use to get your ball on to the green. Finally, there’s the putter, which is the last club you’ll use during your game to get the ball in the hole. All of the clubs mentioned come in a number of variations.

Your first set of golf clubs will not be your last. You can stick with the basics and build your way up as you progress with your golf journey. What do you think is important when buying a set of golf clubs?