Getting your child into golf is a brilliant way to encourage confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of the game. But passion doesn’t simply appear overnight. One of the most important steps in driving engagement is choosing the right kids’ golf clubs – not only in terms of quality or appearance, but also focusing on fit, weight, and overall design.
Clubs that are too long, too heavy, or too stiff can quickly lead to frustration and poor playing habits. The right junior set, on the other hand, helps children swing naturally, make clean contact, and enjoy early success that keeps them fuelled for more.
Here, we explain exactly what parents need to know, from junior set sizing and shaft flex to when it’s time to move your little one’s clubs up a size.
Why junior-specific golf clubs matter
Children aren’t simply smaller adults, so their golf clubs shouldn’t be treated that way. Junior golf clubs are designed with lighter materials, shorter lengths, and more flexible shafts to suit developing bodies and slower swing speeds.
Using properly fitted kids’ golf clubs allows children to swing freely, negating the poor swing mechanics caused by heavy, stiff, and improperly sized adult clubs. . It also reduces strain, supports better balance and posture, and makes the game far more enjoyable, especially in those early stages when confidence is key.
Start with height instead of age
One of the most common mistakes parents make is buying golf clubs based on age alone. However, since children grow at different rates, height is always the most reliable starting point when choosing the best-fit equipment.
Most junior sets are grouped into clear height brackets, ensuring the clubs are proportioned correctly for stance and swing arc. When your child stands upright, the club should sit comfortably on the ground without them needing to bend excessively or lift the handle unnaturally. As a general rule, if your child looks cramped or stretched when addressing the ball, their clubs are likely the wrong size.
Understanding junior set sizing
Junior set sizing is all about supporting natural movement as your child learns the game. Clubs that are too long encourage poor posture, while clubs that are too short can restrict swing development and confidence.
A well-sized junior set helps your child:
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Stand comfortably over the ball
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Swing smoothly without forcing speed
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Develop consistent contact and control
Most junior ranges clearly label sets by height in inches or centimetres, making it easy to select the right option and size up as your child grows. To make choosing easier, many manufacturers even offer colour-coded, height-indexed sets – adjusting length, club weight, and shaft flex accordingly.
When sizing, measure your child while they’re wearing their golf shoes, and if they fall between sizes, it’s usually better to size up slightly.
Weight and shaft flex make a big difference
Weight and shaft flex play a huge role in how enjoyable – and effective – golf is for juniors. Clubs that are too heavy or too stiff often cause children to compensate in their swing, leading to poor technique, frustration, and a loss of confidence on the course.
That’s why junior clubs are designed to evolve as your child grows. Younger players need ultra-lightweight clubs that are easy to control, while older juniors benefit from slightly heavier builds that support strength and coordination as they develop.
Most junior shafts are made from lightweight graphite, helping children generate clubhead speed without strain. Shaft flex also becomes progressively firmer with height and age, allowing the club to load and release naturally through the swing at each stage.
As an example, drivers tend to fall into these height-based ranges:
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36"–42" tall (approx. aged 3–5): driver lengths typically 26-28 inches
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43"–47" Tall (approx. aged 5-7): driver lengths typically 30-32 inches
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48"–52" Tall (approx. aged 7-9): driver lengths typically 33-35 inches
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53 –57" Tall (approx. aged 9-11): driver lengths typically 35-37 inches
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58"–62" Tall (approx. aged 11-14): driver lengths typically 37-41 inches, bridging into teen or lightweight adult clubs
For many brands, club length increases by around one to two inches for every three to six inches of added player height, with weight and flex adjusting alongside it.
If your child struggles to get the ball airborne, looks fatigued after a short session, or starts forcing their swing, it’s often a sign the clubs are now too heavy or too stiff – and it may be time to size up.
What should be included in a junior golf set?
Junior sets are designed to keep things simple. There’s no need for a full adult-style set at this stage. Instead, look for a balanced mix of clubs that cover the basics without overwhelming your child.
Most beginner-friendly junior sets include a driver or fairway wood, one or two irons, a wedge, and a putter, along with a lightweight stand bag to carry everything conveniently around the course. As skills develop, additional clubs can be added gradually. This streamlined approach helps children focus on learning technique, developing coordination, and – most importantly – enjoying the game.
When is it time to size up?
Children grow quickly, so it’s normal to replace or upgrade clubs every couple of years. Signs that it may be time to move up a size include the child standing too upright, gripping down excessively, or struggling to make consistent contact despite good technique.
If your child is at the top end of a height bracket, it’s often sensible to size up slightly, especially if they’re growing fast. However, moving too early can make clubs feel unwieldy, so finding the right balance is key.
Choosing brands you can trust
Established golf brands put significant thought into junior club design, ensuring the right balance of weight, forgiveness, and durability. Well-made kids’ golf clubs also stand up better to regular practice and the occasional knock, which is inevitable with younger players.
Major Golf Direct stocks junior sets from trusted brands known for quality and performance – from US Kids and Masters Golf to TaylorMade and MacGregor – making it easy to choose with confidence.
Should kids get custom fitted?
For most juniors, height-based sizing works perfectly well, and can be easily monitored at home with a tape measure. That said, a professional fitting can be very helpful if your child is between sizes, taller or shorter than average, or already showing strong coordination and swing speed. By assessing the right length, weight, and grip size, you can help your child feel comfortable and confident from the start.
Where to buy kids’ golf clubs
Buying junior golf clubs from a specialist retailer ensures you’re getting genuine, well-designed equipment backed by expert advice. At Major Golf Direct, you’ll find a wide selection of kids’ golf clubs and junior sets suited to all ages and abilities, alongside in-store and online support to help you choose the right option.
Whether your child is picking up a club for the first time or progressing through their next size bracket, everything you need is available in one place.
Help your child tee off with confidence
The right golf clubs can make a huge difference to how your child experiences the game. By focusing on correct sizing, lightweight design, and junior-friendly features, you’ll give them the best possible foundation to learn, improve, and enjoy every round.
Explore the full range of junior options, and help your child step onto the course with unshakable confidence.