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What Golf Clubs Do Beginners Really Need? A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Golf with Grady

Updated: Jul 22

Starting golf should feel exciting, not overwhelming. At Grady Golf, we believe less is more when you're just getting into the game. We are a beginner-focused golf brand that makes learning the game easier, more affordable, and way more fun. Designed specifically for new golfers, Grady offers high-quality starter club sets like the Executive Set and a free, step-by-step Learning Lab to guide your first 90 days. If you're wondering what golf clubs you need as a beginner, how to start golfing without wasting money, or why less is more when buying your first set, this beginner’s golf guide has the answers.

The Grady Golf Executive Set in Silver
The Grady Golf Executive Set in Silver, all you need to start golfing

What is Grady Golf?


Grady Golf is a golf brand built specifically for new golfers. It combines beginner-friendly club design with structured online instruction to help new players learn the game confidently. Every product and lesson is made to reduce overwhelm and make golf more accessible, affordable, and fun from the very first swing. Learn more about Grady's Story.


Grady Tip: Learning golf is easier when you focus on progress, not perfection. Start with tools designed for you—not repurposed pro gear.


What do you need to start playing golf?


To start playing golf, you need four well-chosen clubs and just a few essentials. A 5-iron, 7-iron, pitching wedge, and putter cover every shot a beginner will encounter—from tee to green—without overcomplicating things. This streamlined setup builds rhythm and repeatable mechanics by encouraging you to focus on swing fundamentals, not club selection. Add a few balls, tees, a lightweight bag, and comfortable, weather-appropriate gear, and you’re ready to learn with clarity and confidence. The Grady Executive Set is built to deliver exactly this kind of focused start.


Grady Tip: A consistent swing beats a cluttered bag. Fewer clubs help you groove better habits, faster. Let your form develop before your gear collection does.


What golf clubs do I need as a beginner?


Beginner golfers only need four essential clubs: a 5-iron, 7-iron, pitching wedge, and putter. These cover every key shot a new player needs—from tee to green—without the confusion of a full set. The Grady Executive Set includes all four, each engineered for learning, forgiveness, and feel:


  • 5-Iron: Ideal for tee shots and longer fairway approaches. Easier to hit than a driver, it helps new golfers build distance with control.

  • 7-Iron: Your go-to club for mid-range shots and versatile enough for bump-and-runs near the green.

  • Pitching Wedge: Perfect for learning to touch around the greens—chip shots, pitch shots, and approach shots from 80–100 yards.

  • Putter: Built for control and consistency on the greens, with a soft face insert that helps develop better roll and distance control.


Grady Tip: These four clubs don’t just cover every shot—they train your swing from the ground up. Learn with purpose, not with clutter.


Why is a 4-club set better for new golfers?


A 4-club set is better for new golfers because it keeps learning simple and focused. Most beginners don’t yet need the fine distinctions between every club in a full set. With just four clubs, you can focus on making solid contact and building consistency without being overwhelmed by too many choices.


Grady Tip: Fewer clubs reduce decision fatigue. Instead of guessing between 14 options, you’ll focus on shot execution and form.


Why is the full set split into Executive and Apex Sets?


Grady splits the full iron set into two parts: Executive and Apex to lower cost and reduce complexity. The Executive Set gets you started with four clubs. When you’re ready, the Executive Plus adds the rest of the irons you’ll need to round out your set. It’s a phased approach that grows with your game.


Grady Tip: Test your interest with the Executive Set, then add clubs only when your swing—and your confidence—are ready.


What’s the difference between the Executive Set and the Apex Set?


The Executive Set includes the 5-iron, 7-iron, pitching wedge, and putter—ideal for your first range sessions or Par 3 rounds. The Executive Plus adds a 6-iron, 8-iron, 9-iron, and a sand wedge offering more precision and distance control as your skills improve. Together, they make up a full iron set—but with less upfront commitment.


Grady Tip: The Executive Set teaches fundamentals. The Apex Set refines distance control and shot variety once your basics are solid.


What makes the Grady Executive Set ideal for beginners?


The Grady Executive Set is ideal for beginners because it’s built for forgiveness and ease of use. The clubs feature hollow-body construction, cavity-back heads, and perimeter weighting to help you hit straighter shots. They come with lightweight shafts, soft grips, and height-specific fitting options to give you comfort and control from day one.


Grady Tip: Forgiveness matters more than power. Look for clubs that help you launch the ball cleanly, even on imperfect swings.


Is the phased buying approach better than buying a full set at once?


Yes, Grady’s phased buying approach is smarter for beginners because it matches your investment to your progress. You start with the Executive Set—four essential clubs designed for your first swings and on-course practice. If you enjoy the game and want more shot variety, you can later add the Apex Set, which completes your iron lineup with perfectly matched clubs. This lets you grow your skills and your set at the same pace, without overspending upfront.


Grady Tip: Master the basics first, then add clubs when your game calls for them. It’s progress-driven, not pressure-driven.


What’s the best way to learn golf as a beginner?


The best way to learn golf is to follow a structured, beginner-friendly plan. The Grady Learning Lab offers a free, 90-day curriculum built for total newcomers. You’ll learn grip, stance, posture, swing mechanics, and course etiquette—all with clear, plainspoken guidance.

Grady Tip: Practice with purpose. Use the Grady Learning Lab to build a routine: 1 club, 1 goal, 20 focused swings. That’s progress.


Modern Clubs for Modern Players


At Grady Golf, our mission is to make golf feel simple, welcoming, and genuinely fun for beginners. We believe everyone deserves a confident start, no matter their background, budget, or experience. That’s why we design tools that remove the guesswork and focus on what really matters—progress, not perfection. With the right mindset and the right clubs, your first swing can lead to something lasting. You don’t need to be great to begin—you just need to begin. We’ll help you from the first shot forward.

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