Junior Golf Gear

Buying golf gear for your child can feel exciting, but also a little overwhelming. Suddenly there are golf clubs, starter sets, bags, trolleys, gloves, shoes, balls, tees and plenty of “must-haves” that may not actually be needed yet.

The good news is that your junior golfer does not need everything on day one. Many golf coaches and academies and driving ranges have golf gear available to use while your child is exploring the sport. Once you have established that the love is real, you can start looking into buying your future champion their own golf gear.

And even then, it does not have to be high-end gear from the get-go. We started out with a small, affordable set from Facebook Marketplace and only upgraded to a higher-end brand once our son had reached a decent level and showed serious interest in pursuing his golf pathway.

This section is here to help you make practical gear choices without overspending too soon. Whether your child is trying golf for the first time, joining a junior clinic, heading to the driving range or starting to play proper rounds, the right gear should make the game easier, lighter and more enjoyable.

What gear does your child need to start golf?

For most beginners, a few clubs is enough. Your child does not need a full adult-style bag with fourteen clubs.

A good starter setup usually includes a few light junior clubs, a putter, a small bag and the basic extras: balls, tees, a glove, a cap, sunscreen and water.

Start simple

If your child is still very young or only attending group coaching, they may be able to use borrowed junior clubs at first. The goal is to make golf feel easy to try, not expensive from day one.

Fit matters most

Clubs that are too long, too heavy or too stiff can make golf feel much harder than it needs to be. Your child needs clubs they can control now, not clubs that might fit in two years.

First gear decision

Junior golf clubs

Junior clubs are usually the first proper gear choice. Avoid buying a set your child can “grow into” if it is too big right now.

Your child’s height
The weight of the clubs
Left- or right-handed setup
How often your child plays
Beginner set or fuller junior set

Easy starter option

Junior golf sets

A junior golf set is often the easiest way to start because the clubs and bag are sold together. Most beginner sets include fewer clubs than an adult set, and that is completely fine.

A basic set may include a wood or hybrid, one or two irons, a wedge, a putter and a stand bag.

Carry comfort

Junior golf bags

A junior golf bag should be light, comfortable and easy for your child to manage. For younger children, a small stand bag is usually more practical than a big cart bag.

Look at the straps, stand legs, pockets and overall weight.

Longer rounds

Junior golf trolleys

A trolley can be useful, but your child may not need one immediately. For regular 9- or 18-hole rounds, especially on longer or hilly courses, it can make the day much easier.

Check that the bag fits properly and that your child can push or pull it comfortably.

Coming soon

Course ready

Golf shoes and clothing

Your child does not always need golf shoes at the very beginning. Trainers are usually fine for the range, indoor golf or a first group lesson.

Once your child plays on the course more often, golf shoes can help with grip and stability. Always check the dress code before visiting a new club.

Coming soon

Beginner budget

Keep it practical

Your child does not need premium golf balls or the most expensive set when they are starting out. The best gear is the gear they can use comfortably and confidently.

Easy to forget

Balls, tees and small extras

The small items make a big difference on golf days. Affordable balls are usually a better choice at first, especially while your child is still losing a few on the course.

For tournaments, pack the bag the night before. Golf mornings are not the best time to discover there are no balls, no glove or no pencil.

Quick packing check

Golf balls
Tees
Ball marker
Pencil
Small towel
Sunscreen
Cap
Water
Snacks
Rain jacket
Pitch mark repairer, once they can use it properly

New or second-hand junior golf gear?

Second-hand gear can be a very sensible option.

Children grow quickly, and junior clubs are often used for a limited time before they are too short. If your child is new to golf, a good second-hand set can be a smart way to start without spending too much.

Before buying second-hand clubs, check that they are not too long, too heavy, damaged or badly worn. If possible, ask a coach or someone experienced to have a quick look before you buy.

Second-hand gear can be especially useful for:

a first starter set
backup clubs
your child’s early “let’s see if they enjoy this” stage
fast-growing juniors
younger siblings starting out

When should you upgrade your child’s golf gear?

You do not need to upgrade every time your child grows a little, but there are signs that the current gear may no longer be working.

It may be time to look at new clubs if your child is bending over too much, gripping down all the time, struggling with balance, or if the clubs look clearly too short. A coach may also notice when the equipment is starting to hold your child back.

You may also need to upgrade when your child moves from casual golf to regular course play, starts entering tournaments, or begins playing longer distances.

The aim is not to buy the most advanced gear as quickly as possible. The aim is to keep the equipment suitable for the stage your child is in now.

Where to buy junior golf gear

Junior golf gear is available from golf shops, online retailers, second-hand groups and sometimes directly through coaches or academies.

If you are unsure about sizing, it is often worth speaking to someone who understands junior golf before buying. A correctly sized, lighter set will usually help your child much more than a bigger set with more clubs.

Over time, we will add more practical buying guides and trusted gear options to this section.

A final note before you buy

Golf gear can get expensive quickly, especially once your child starts playing more often. Try not to rush into buying everything at once.

Start with what your child needs for their current stage. Ask questions. Check sizing. Speak to a coach if you can. And remember that confidence, comfort and enjoyment are far more important than having the fanciest gear in the bag.

FAQ: Junior Golf Gear

Start with the items your child needs for their current stage. For most families, that means suitable clubs, a simple bag and the basic accessories for practice or course play. More specialised gear can wait until your child is playing more regularly.

You do not need to upgrade everything at once. Upgrade when something no longer fits, feels uncomfortable, becomes too heavy, or starts making golf harder for your child. Often this happens gradually as your child grows or starts playing more often.

Yes, second-hand gear can be a sensible option, especially because children grow quickly. Bags, trolleys and some accessories can often be bought second-hand. For clubs, make sure the size and weight are still suitable for your child.

This depends on the venue. Some places are relaxed with juniors, while others expect a collared shirt or more traditional golf clothing. Before visiting a new golf course, check the dress code so your child arrives feeling comfortable and prepared.

A trolley is helpful for children who are playing regular 9- or 18-hole rounds, especially on longer courses. For coaching, range sessions or short beginner rounds, a light carry bag is often enough.

Not always. For the driving range, indoor golf or first lessons, comfortable trainers are usually fine. Golf shoes become more useful once your child starts playing on the course more often, especially when the grass is wet or the ground is uneven.

Your child does not need everything at once. To start, focus on the basics: suitable clubs, a small golf bag, balls, tees, a glove, water, sunscreen and a cap. If your child is joining a clinic or trying golf for the first time, you may be able to borrow clubs before buying their own.

Published 20/06/2026

Last update 24/06/2026