Golf Club Set Buying Guide: How to Choose (UK 2026)

By the Golf Verdict editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

Choosing a complete golf set comes down to a few key decisions: who's playing, ability level, hand, what's in the set, shaft type and budget. This guide walks through each so you can pick the right set for the player and get out on the course with confidence.

Who it's for

This is the first decision. Men's sets are standard length and weight; ladies' sets are lighter and more flexible with slightly shorter clubs; junior sets are sized by age or height; senior sets favour light graphite and forgiving heads. Choosing the set built for the player makes the biggest difference to how easy the clubs are to swing and enjoy.

What's in the set

Complete sets usually include a driver, one or two fairway woods or hybrids, a run of irons, a wedge and a putter - plus a bag. Beginner sets often keep the selection simple with the most useful clubs, while fuller sets add more. You don't need every club to start; the essentials are enough to learn and enjoy the game.

Shaft, bag and hand

Shafts are usually graphite (light, helps clubhead speed - common in woods and throughout ladies', senior and junior sets) or steel (durable, consistent - often in irons), with many sets mixing both. Check whether a stand bag (legs, good for walking) or cart bag (for a trolley) is included. And the non-negotiable: order the correct hand for the player, as clubs are hand-specific.

Ability and budget

Beginners should prioritise forgiveness - large, easy-to-hit heads - over a big club count or premium branding. A quality complete set is an affordable, one-off outlay that gives you everything to play, and you can upgrade individual clubs as you improve. Spend on the right fit for the player rather than the biggest number of clubs.

Our top picks

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a golf club set?

Start with the player - men's, ladies', junior or senior - then ability, hand, what's included and budget. Beginners should prioritise forgiving, easy-to-hit clubs and a complete set with a bag. Match the set to who's playing and you'll get the most enjoyment and the best results.

What should be in a complete golf set?

A complete set typically includes a driver, one or two fairway woods or hybrids, a run of irons, a wedge, a putter and a bag. Beginner sets may simplify the selection to the most useful clubs. The key is that it's a matched, ready-to-play set with a bag included.

Bottom line

Our top pick is the Ram Golf Junior G-Force Girls Clubs Set (our score 9.6/10) - A convenient, good-value golf club set (junior, bag) to get out on the course..