I Showed Up to My First Golf Outing With Canvas Sneakers and a Single Used Club
Okay, so here's what nobody tells you: you don't need a $500 set of clubs, a fancy bag, or a membership to start golfing. I started with a used 7-iron I bought for $19, a bucket of range balls, and a pair of white canvas sneakers that my husband still teases me about. I looked ridiculous. But I started. And that's the only thing that mattered.
If you're wondering what you actually need to start golfing, I've got good news: it's less than the internet wants you to believe. You don't need a full set of 14 clubs, a GPS watch, or a swing trainer that costs more than your first green fee. You need about six things, a little patience, and a place to practice. This guide will show you exactly what to get, what to skip, and how to walk onto a course without feeling like an imposter.
Why You Should Trust Me on This
My name's Maya Chen. I moved to Beckley in 2023 knowing absolutely nothing about golf, and I made every beginner mistake you can make. I bought a $499 club set I didn't need, I wore the wrong shoes, and I once showed up to a course without any balls. I've also learned what actually matters for getting started, and what you can safely ignore. I'm not a pro, and I won't tell you that gear will change your game. It won't. But the right basics will make your first few months a lot less painful.
I may earn a small commission if you buy through my links, but I only recommend what I'd suggest to a friend. And I'll never call you a dummy for not knowing what a hybrid is.
The Only Gear You Actually Need
Here's the simple starter kit I'd build if I could go back to my first week. It's not fancy, but it works.
1. One club—a 7-iron or pitching wedge. That's it. You don't need a driver yet. A 7-iron is the easiest club to learn with, and it'll teach you clean contact. I spent a month hitting only a 7-iron before I added anything else. You can find used ones for under $25.
2. A few golf balls. You'll lose some. Buy a dozen cheap ones and don't cry when they disappear into the woods. Here's a search for beginner golf balls on Amazon. If you're really on a budget, DHgate has cheaper balls, but shipping takes longer—order ahead.
3. A glove. Your hands will blister if you practice a lot. A cheap glove makes a huge difference. I've used beginner golf gloves from Amazon since my first month. If you're watching your wallet, DHgate has cheap ones too, but shipping is slower.
4. Comfortable shoes with grip. You can wear running shoes at first, but they'll slip on wet grass. When you're ready, get golf shoes or trail shoes with a decent tread. Avoid canvas sneakers like mine—they're fine for the range, but not for a hilly course.
5. A few golf tees. You'll need them on the tee box. They cost almost nothing. Buy a pack and keep them in your pocket.
6. A bag—even a cheap stand bag. You can carry a few clubs in a backpack at first, but a stand bag makes life easier. If you buy a complete beginner set, it usually comes with a bag. Don't overspend; a $40 bag works fine.
That's the whole list. You don't need a driver, a full iron set, a rangefinder, or a $200 putter. Start small, add gear as you improve. For more detail, check out my guide on beginner gear essentials.
Three Honest Drawbacks to Starting Golf on a Budget
I won't pretend it's all sunshine. Here are three real frustrations you'll face when you start with the bare minimum.
1. You'll outgrow your first clubs quickly. A used 7-iron will serve you for a while, but as you improve, you'll want more clubs. That's normal—just don't buy a full set too early. Wait until you know you'll stick with it.
2. Cheaper gear wears out faster. Budget gloves, budget balls, and budget bags won't last forever. But for the first year, they're perfect. Upgrade when things start falling apart, not before.
3. People might make you feel under-equipped. Some golfers will look at your simple setup and raise an eyebrow. Ignore them. I played with a $19 club and beat guys with $1,000 bags. Gear doesn't make the golfer; practice does.
What You Don't Need Yet
The internet will tell you to buy all kinds of stuff. Here's what I'd skip for at least your first six months:
Skip 1: A full club set. You don't need 14 clubs to learn. You'll likely buy the wrong thing anyway. Start with one or two clubs, and add gradually.
Skip 2: A rangefinder or GPS watch. You won't know what to do with the numbers yet. Learn to feel distances first. A rangefinder is useful later, but it's a distraction for a beginner.
Skip 3: Expensive golf shoes. Trail shoes or comfortable walking shoes are fine at first. Golf shoes matter once you're playing 18 holes regularly. Save your money.
Skip 4: A swing trainer or gadgets. Most beginners buy swing aids, use them twice, and then they gather dust. Focus on the basics and maybe take a lesson instead. A lesson is worth ten gadgets.
Red Flags: Signs You're About to Overspend
Watch for these, because they're the most common traps for beginners.
🚩 A salesperson says "this is the perfect beginner set" and points to a $500 box. Walk away. You can get a decent set for half that.
🚩 A website tells you that you need 14 clubs and a staff bag to start. You don't.
🚩 You feel pressured to buy everything at once. You can build your kit over months.
🚩 You're buying gear before you've even been to a driving range. Go hit balls first, then buy.
If you remember one thing: the best first purchase is a bucket of range balls and a used club. Everything else can wait.
How to Start for Under $100
If you're really tight on cash, here's the ultra-budget path: a used 7-iron from a pawn shop or secondhand store ($15–$25), a dozen cheap golf balls ($10–$15), a package of tees ($3), a glove ($10–$15), and a backpack you already own. That's around $50–$60. You can hit the driving range for another $8–$10 per bucket. That's how I started, and it was enough to fall in love with the game.
If you want to see current prices for beginner clubs and balls, this Amazon search for beginner club sets will give you a range. If you're on a budget, DHgate has cheaper complete sets—just read reviews carefully and expect slower shipping.
Who Should NOT Start Golfing This Way
If you already know you'll play a lot and have the budget, then buy a decent complete set from the start. This ultra-minimal approach is for people who are testing the waters. There's no shame in either path.
If you have back, shoulder, or wrist issues, talk to a doctor before swinging. And if you're taller or shorter than average, you may need clubs fitted—standard clubs could feel awkward and lead to bad habits.
And if you're the kind of person who quits easily when things feel slow, golf might test you. It's a slow game. Give it a few months before you decide. The first time you make clean contact, everything changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Golf
What is the minimum I need to start golfing?
A used club (7-iron or wedge), a few golf balls, a glove, and access to a driving range. That's it. You can add more gear as you improve. I started with a $19 club and a bucket of balls.
How much should a beginner spend on golf gear?
Aim for $50–$100 to start, then $150–$300 if you decide to buy a complete beginner set. Don't spend more than $350 until you've played for a season and know what you like.
Do I need golf shoes to start?
No. Comfortable walking shoes or trail shoes with grip are fine at first. Golf shoes help later, especially on hilly courses, but they're not a beginner requirement.
Can I start with just one club?
Yes. In fact, it's the best way to learn. A 7-iron is forgiving and teaches clean contact. I played with only a 7-iron for my first month. You can practice everything from short chips to full swings.
What's the best first purchase for a beginner?
A used 7-iron and a bucket of range balls. That's the cheapest, most effective way to find out if you like golf. Everything else can wait until you're sure.
Where to Go From Here
Once you've got your basic gear, the next step is learning to swing. My golf swing basics guide will get you making contact without the overwhelm. Then come back and read what to expect your first time golfing.
If you're ready to find a course near Beckley, check out Earl's list of local public courses. That's where the practice leads.