How to Choose the Right Golf Club Set: A Guide From Better Golf Clubs
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How to Choose the Right Golf Club Set: A Guide From Better Golf Clubs
Choosing the right golf club set can make a genuine difference to your game — but with so many brands, models, shaft options and set configurations out there, knowing where to start isn't easy.
Whether you're buying your first set, upgrading your current clubs or shopping for quality second hand golf clubs in Australia, this guide will help you cut through the noise and make a smarter decision.
At Better Golf Clubs, we were founded by a PGA Professional with one goal: to help Australian golfers find the right equipment for their game at better prices. And that starts with understanding what you actually need.
What Golf Clubs Do You Actually Need?
Golfers can carry a maximum of 14 clubs during a round — but that doesn't mean you need to start with 14.
A typical golf bag includes:
- Driver — your primary tee club for long par 4s and par 5s
- Fairway woods — versatile clubs for long shots from the fairway or tee
- Hybrids — easier to hit than long irons, great for mid-to-long distance shots
- Irons — the workhorse of your bag, typically used from 100–200 metres
- Wedges — for short game, chipping, bunkers and approach shots
- Putter — used on every green; one of the most important clubs in the bag
The right combination depends on your ability, swing, the distances you hit each club, and how you actually play the game.
For beginners, a simple set of irons, a hybrid or two, a fairway wood, a driver, a couple of wedges and a putter is more than enough to get started. You don't need 14 clubs to enjoy golf.
For developing golfers, filling the gaps in your set — better wedges, a quality hybrid, or a more suited driver — often makes more difference than upgrading your irons.
For experienced golfers, it's about refinement. The right shaft, the right loft, the right grind on your wedges. Small details that add up over a round.
There's no single "perfect" golf bag. The best setup is the one that gives you the right options for the way you play.
How to Choose the Right Golf Shaft
One of the most common mistakes golfers make when buying clubs is focusing entirely on the clubhead — and ignoring the shaft.
The shaft is the engine of the golf club. Get it wrong and even a premium clubhead won't perform the way it should.
Common shaft flex options include:
- Ladies — designed for slower swing speeds with a more flexible profile
- Senior/Lite — slightly more flexible than regular, suited to golfers whose swing speed has decreased over time
- Regular — the most common flex, suited to a wide range of golfers
- Stiff — for faster swing speeds; less flex means more control at higher speeds
- X-Stiff — suited to tour-level swing speeds; very little flex through the swing
But shaft selection isn't simply about picking a flex based on your handicap or how long you've been playing. Factors like swing speed, tempo, transition, shaft weight and overall feel all play a role in finding the right match.
A club that is too stiff for your swing will fly low and right. Too flexible and you'll see high, inconsistent ball flight with a loss of accuracy.
If you're unsure what shaft suits you, a professional fitting or even a quick conversation with a PGA Professional can save you a lot of money and frustration.
New vs. Second Hand: Which Is Right for You?
This is a question we get asked regularly — and the honest answer is that for most Australian golfers, second hand golf clubs represent outstanding value.
Golf clubs are built to last. A quality pre-owned iron set, driver or putter from a reputable source can perform just as well as a new equivalent — often for a fraction of the price.
Here's a general guide:
Buy second hand if:
- You're a beginner or returning golfer who doesn't yet need tour-spec equipment
- You want to access a premium brand or model that's outside your new-club budget
- You're building out your bag piece by piece and want to maximise every dollar
- You understand what you're looking for and can assess condition confidently (or are buying from a trusted source)
Consider new if:
- You're an experienced golfer who has been fitted and knows exactly what you need
- You want the very latest technology and full manufacturer warranty
- You're buying wedges that will see heavy use (grooves wear faster than other clubs)
At Better Golf Clubs, every club we sell is inspected and priced fairly — so you know exactly what you're getting.
What Budget Should You Set?
Golf equipment can range from very affordable to eye-wateringly expensive. Here's a rough guide to what's realistic in the pre-owned market:
Beginner set (full bag, pre-owned): $300–$600
A complete starter setup with irons, woods, a putter and a bag. Perfectly functional for someone learning the game.
Mid-range upgrade (pre-owned): $600–$1,500
Access to quality branded equipment — TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, PING — that was top-of-the-range just a few seasons ago.
Premium pre-owned: $1,500+
Near-new condition, current or recent-generation clubs from premium brands. All the performance, without the full retail price tag.
Why Professional Advice Makes a Difference
Because Better Golf Clubs was founded by a PGA Professional, we approach equipment differently to a standard online store.
We understand that the right club has to make sense for your swing, your game and your budget. A club that works brilliantly for one golfer can actively hurt another player's performance.
That's why we're always happy to have a conversation before you buy. If you're unsure about shaft flex, set makeup, or which clubs would suit your current ability — reach out. We'd rather help you find the right clubs than sell you the wrong ones.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right golf clubs doesn't mean choosing the newest or most expensive equipment.
It means choosing the clubs that are right for you — your swing, your game, your budget.
At Better Golf Clubs, our mission is simple: make quality golf equipment more accessible to Australian golfers, and make the process of choosing that equipment easier.
👉 Browse our current range at bettergolfclubs.shop or get in touch — we're always happy to help you find the right fit.
Already have clubs you're not using? Ask us about our trade-in service and put your old gear toward something better.
Better clubs. Better prices. Better golf.