Getting the right equipment is one of the most important steps in helping a child enjoy golf. Clubs that are too long, too heavy or too stiff make the game frustrating and can teach bad habits that last for years. Clubs that fit let a child swing freely, make solid contact and — crucially — have fun.
This guide explains how to size junior clubs correctly, what a young golfer actually needs, how to save money with used and discounted equipment, and when to move up a size.
Why properly sized clubs matter
Children are not small adults. Their strength, swing speed and coordination differ enormously from an adult's, and they grow quickly.
Clubs that are too long or heavy:
- force a child to stand too upright or too far from the ball;
- cause a flat, swinging-around-the-body motion;
- make it hard to control the clubface;
- often lead to the child "muscling" the club with their arms.
Clubs that fit:
- encourage good posture and a natural swing;
- produce better contact and higher ball flight;
- build confidence and enjoyment.
Why not cut down adult clubs?
Cutting down an old adult club is tempting, but it creates a club that is still too heavy in the head and far too stiff in the shaft. Shortening the shaft also makes the club feel even more head-heavy. Purpose-built junior clubs have lighter heads, lighter and more flexible shafts and smaller grips designed for small hands.
How to size junior golf clubs
The most important measurement is height. Many manufacturers use colour-coded or age-labelled size bands, but always size by height rather than age — children of the same age vary widely.
| Child's height | Approximate age guide | Typical set |
|---|---|---|
| Under 105 cm (3'5") | 3–5 | Starter set: 2–3 clubs |
| 105–120 cm (3'5"–3'11") | 5–7 | 3–5 clubs |
| 120–135 cm (3'11"–4'5") | 7–9 | 4–6 clubs |
| 135–150 cm (4'5"–4'11") | 9–11 | 5–7 clubs |
| 150–163 cm (4'11"–5'4") | 11–13 | 6–9 clubs |
| Over 163 cm (5'4") | 13+ | Teen sets or lightweight adult clubs |
These ranges are guides only; size charts differ between makers.
A simple fitting check
- Have the child stand straight in their shoes with arms hanging naturally.
- Stand a 7-iron (or mid iron) upright next to them.
- The top of the grip should reach roughly to the child's waist or wrist crease, depending on the manufacturer's guidance.
- Watch them address the ball: they should stand comfortably with a slight knee bend and the club sole flat on the ground.
Buying "to grow into"
Parents often buy slightly longer clubs so the child can grow into them. A small allowance — about an inch — is reasonable; children can grip down slightly. Much more than that defeats the purpose and causes poor swing habits.
How many clubs does a junior need?
Far fewer than an adult. A typical junior progression:
- Very young beginners: a fairway wood or hybrid, a mid iron and a putter.
- Developing juniors: add a wedge and a second iron.
- Older juniors: a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, three or four irons, a wedge, a sand wedge and a putter.
Fewer clubs mean simpler decisions, a lighter bag and more creativity — juniors learn to hit different shots with the same club.
Junior sets vs individual clubs
Junior package sets
Most juniors start with a boxed set that includes clubs, a bag and sometimes headcovers. They are designed for a specific height range and are excellent value.
Look for:
- lightweight graphite shafts in woods and hybrids (and often irons);
- oversized, forgiving heads with plenty of loft;
- undersized grips for small hands;
- a lightweight stand bag.
Individual clubs and "build your own" sets
Some ranges sell junior clubs individually, which lets you add or replace clubs as the child grows or as their game develops.
Junior golf balls
Low-compression, soft balls designed for slower swing speeds help children launch the ball higher and feel solid contact. For very young children, foam or plastic practice balls are great for garden play.
Other junior equipment
Golf shoes
Comfortable spikeless golf shoes or clean trainers are fine for most juniors. Feet grow quickly, so there is little benefit in expensive shoes. See our golf shoes guide.
Gloves
Junior gloves in small sizes improve grip and comfort. Many children prefer playing without one — let them choose.
Clothing
Check the course's dress code. A collared shirt, comfortable trousers or shorts, a cap and waterproofs for wet days are usually enough. See what to wear for golf.
Training aids
Simple aids work best for children: alignment sticks, a chipping net, a putting mat and colourful targets. Keep practice playful.
Saving money on junior golf equipment
Children outgrow clubs every one to three years, so cost matters.
Buy used
The used market for junior clubs is excellent, because clubs are outgrown long before they wear out.
- Check the height range labelled on the set.
- Inspect shafts for cracks or bends and grips for wear.
- Confirm the set is complete and that clubs match.
- Ask other parents at your club or junior academy — many sell or swap sets.
Look for discounts
- End-of-season sales and previous-year models.
- Trade-in schemes where you return an outgrown set for credit towards the next size.
- Club and academy deals for junior members.
Buying online
Online retailers offer a wide choice of junior sets. Check the height chart carefully, read the returns policy and confirm the handedness before ordering. Our general budget buying guide has more online shopping tips.
Hand-me-downs
Junior sets pass easily between siblings and friends. Re-gripping a well-used set can make it feel nearly new for little cost.
When to move up a size
Watch for these signs:
- The child has grown past the top of the height range.
- They are gripping right at the end of the club and standing very upright.
- Their swing has become fast enough that lightweight clubs feel "whippy".
- The ball flight is very high and weak, suggesting the flex is too soft.
Most juniors move up a size every 18 months to three years.
Moving into adult clubs
Teenagers often move into lightweight adult clubs once they reach around 160 to 165 cm and have developed a reasonable swing speed. Options include:
- Teen sets designed for the transition.
- Ladies' or senior-flex adult clubs, which are lighter and more flexible.
- Custom fitting for promising teenage golfers — see custom club fitting.
Equipment for course care and maintenance
Junior golfers should also learn to look after the course and their equipment from day one: replacing divots, repairing pitch marks, raking bunkers, cleaning clubs and storing them dry. Good habits learned young last a lifetime. See essential golf accessories for a simple club-care routine.
Junior equipment checklist by stage
| Stage | Clubs | Other equipment |
|---|---|---|
| First swings (3–5) | Hybrid or wood, mid iron, putter | Soft balls, small carry bag, cap |
| Starting lessons (5–8) | Add a wedge | Junior glove, tees, ball marker, spikeless shoes |
| Playing short courses (8–11) | Add a second iron and a driver or fairway wood | Stand bag, towel, waterproofs |
| Playing full rounds (11–14) | Driver, fairway wood, hybrid, 3–4 irons, two wedges, putter | Pitch-mark repair tool, rangefinder or GPS (optional) |
| Teenage transition (14+) | Teen or lightweight adult set, fitted where possible | Full accessory kit, golf shoes |
Left-handed juniors
Left-handed junior clubs are widely available, though the choice can be smaller than for right-handers. A few points:
- Let the child choose which way feels natural. Some left-handed children play golf right-handed and vice versa; what matters is comfort and coordination.
- Check carefully when buying used, as left-handed sets appear less often on the second-hand market. Ask at your club — parents of left-handed juniors are often happy to pass sets on.
- Junior coaches are used to teaching left-handed golfers and can mirror demonstrations easily.
Adaptive golf equipment
Golf is increasingly inclusive, and adaptive equipment helps young golfers with disabilities enjoy the game. Options include lightweight and shortened clubs, specially designed grips, single-rider carts and modified practice equipment. Many golf associations and clubs run inclusive junior programmes — ask your local club or coach about the support available.
Caring for junior equipment
Teach children to look after their equipment from the start:
- Clean clubs after each session with a damp cloth and dry them.
- Use headcovers on woods.
- Keep the bag dry and empty out wet clothes and gloves.
- Check grips regularly; small grips wear quickly and slippery grips make the game harder.
- Store clubs indoors, not in the car.
These habits protect the equipment for the next sibling or for resale — and teach respect for the game.
Questions parents often ask in the shop
"Should we buy a set with a driver?" For young beginners, a fairway wood or hybrid is easier to hit than a driver and works from the tee and the fairway. Add a driver once your child swings with reasonable speed and control.
"Graphite or steel?" Graphite shafts are lighter and more flexible, which suits most children. Steel becomes an option for older, stronger teenagers.
"Do we need a stand bag?" A lightweight stand bag with a comfortable double strap is ideal once your child starts walking courses. For range sessions, a small carry bag is enough.
"What about a putter?" Make sure the putter length lets your child stand comfortably with eyes over the ball. A junior putter that is too long is one of the most common sizing mistakes.
"How do we know if a used set is the right size?" Look for the height range label, measure the 7-iron length against your child, and watch them address a ball. If they stand very upright or choke right down the grip, it is too long.
Practice equipment for home
Simple home equipment helps children practise between lessons:
- A putting mat or a corridor carpet with a cup.
- Foam or practice balls and a small net for the garden.
- Chipping targets such as buckets or hoops.
- Alignment sticks to make games and check aim.
Short, playful sessions at home build skills — and keep golf fun.
Frequently asked questions
What age can a child start playing golf?
Many children start swinging plastic or junior clubs from the age of three or four. Formal lessons usually work best from around five or six, but the most important factor is the child's interest.
How much should I spend on junior golf clubs?
A good-quality junior package set or a used set is plenty for most children. Higher-end junior clubs make sense for older, committed juniors.
Are girls' and boys' junior clubs different?
Junior clubs are generally sized by height rather than gender. Some ranges offer different colours or styles, but the specifications are similar.
The bottom line
Size junior clubs by height, start with just a few lightweight clubs, avoid cut-down adult clubs, and make the most of the excellent used and trade-in market. Move up a size when your child outgrows their set, and keep the focus on enjoyment. For tips on coaching, safety and making golf fun, read our guide to getting kids into golf.
Related: junior golf clothing.