Particularly if you’re new to golf, the phrase ‘complete golf set’ might sound more intimidating than it needs to be. Even for novice golfers, hearing the names of all the different clubs may be a little overwhelming at times. Drivers, irons, hybrids, wedges, putters… before you know it, you’re wondering whether you need one of everything just to set foot on a golf course and get started.
The good news? When it comes to golf sets, ‘complete’ doesn’t have to be complicated – and it definitely doesn’t have to mean carrying the full 14 clubs around from day one. Although, as your love for the game grows, you might want to know what to add next as your skills develop.
We’ve created this comprehensive guide to walk you through what’s typically included in a complete golf set, what each club is designed to do, and how modern sets are put together with differing skill levels in mind. By the end, you’ll feel clear and confident about what you actually need, and what can wait until later.
What does ‘complete golf set’ actually mean?
In simple terms, a complete golf set is a collection of clubs designed to cover every type of shot you’ll face on the course, from long tee shots to short putts on the green.
While the official rules of golf allow players to carry up to 14 clubs, most beginners don’t actually start with that many. You will find lots of complete or starter sets that include between eight and 11 clubs, carefully chosen to give you versatility without overwhelming you with options. This is a sensible approach, making the game easier to learn and keeping decision making simple while you build confidence.
Many golfers choose to start with complete golf package sets, as they include everything you need to get out on the course straight away. It’s also worth noting that complete golf sets are available for men, women, and juniors, with differences in shaft length, weight and flex designed to suit different swing speeds and builds.
What’s in a golf set, and how many clubs do I need?
The maximum number of clubs allowed in a golf bag during a round is 14. That’s the upper limit – not a target you need to aim for. Professional golfers carry 14 because they need very specific clubs for very specific situations.
As a beginner, you’ll often play better with fewer clubs – it encourages consistent swings and helps you focus on learning the basics. Most complete golf sets are built around this idea, offering a balanced mix rather than the full allowance. However, some are packed with the full 14, especially at tour-level play.
The long clubs: drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids
Primarily used for tee shots on long holes and for second shots on par-5s, long clubs are designed to maximise distance, provide versatility from various lies, and offer forgiveness on long-distance approach shots.
The driver
The driver is the longest club in the bag and is typically used for tee shots on longer holes. Modern drivers are designed with large clubheads and forgiving faces to help get the ball airborne, even when contact isn’t perfect.
Beginner-friendly drivers often prioritise:
- A larger ‘sweet spot’
- Higher launch
- More forgiveness on off-centre strikes
Many starter sets from brands like Callaway and TaylorMade include drivers designed specifically for newer golfers, making them far more approachable than older designs.
Fairway woods and hybrids
Fairway woods are versatile clubs used for long shots from the fairway or tee. However, many beginners find them harder to hit consistently. That’s why modern complete sets often favour hybrids instead. Hybrids combine elements of irons and woods, making them easier to launch and more forgiving. You’ll often see one or two hybrids included in place of long irons or fairway woods.
For example, package sets like the TaylorMade RBZ SpeedLite and Cobra Fly‑XL use hybrids to simplify long-game shots and build confidence early on. Women’s package sets, such as the TaylorMade Ladies RBZ set, follow the same principles, but have lighter shafts and optimised club lengths to make launching the ball easier from the start.
Irons: the core of any golf set
Irons are the clubs you’ll use most often during a round, especially on approach shots into the green. A traditional full set of irons might include clubs numbered from 3 to 9, plus a pitching wedge. In practice, most beginners don’t need the longer irons (like 3 or 4 irons), which can be difficult to hit consistently.
That’s why many complete sets include something closer to:
- 6 iron
- 7 iron
- 8 iron
- 9 iron
- Pitching wedge
These clubs cover a wide range of distances while being easier to control. Game-improvement irons from brands such as Wilson and Cobra are commonly featured in beginner sets because they’re designed to be forgiving and inspire confidence to develop skills.
Wedges: what’s included (and what isn’t)
Every complete golf set will include a pitching wedge, which is used for shorter approach shots and controlled swings around the green.
Some sets also include a sand wedge, designed to help get the ball out of bunkers and thick rough. While it’s a useful club, it’s not essential from day one – as a beginner, you will manage perfectly well with just a pitching wedge to start with.
What you usually won’t find in beginner sets are specialist wedges like lob wedges or gap wedges. These are clubs you can add to your set once you’ve developed a more consistent technique and a clearer idea of your playing style.
The putter: the one club you’ll use every hole
The putter is used on the green and is arguably the most important club in the bag. No matter how good your long game is, every hole ends with a putt.
Many complete golf sets include mallet-style putters, which have a larger head and a more forgiving design. These can help with alignment and distance control – two areas beginners often struggle with. You’ll see this influence in designs inspired by brands like Cleveland, which are well known for producing stable, easy-to-use putters.
What else is included in a complete golf set?
In addition to clubs, most complete sets also include a few practical extras:
- Golf bag – often a lightweight stand or cart bag
- Headcovers – to protect woods and hybrids
- Rain hood – on some bag models
This is one of the biggest advantages of buying a complete or package set: everything arrives ready to play, without needing to buy accessories separately.
How complete golf sets vary by player and budget
Not all complete golf sets are the same. You will find variations in sets depending on who the set is designed for and how it will be used. You'll also find sets built specifically for women, like the Ben Sayers M8 Ladies Golf Package Set, which feature lighter shafts and balanced designs to fit different swings and comfort levels.
Beginner sets typically prioritise forgiveness and simplicity. Men’s and women’s sets differ in shaft length, weight, and flex. Junior sets are scaled for height and strength. And boxed or package sets tend to offer the best value and convenience.
As you improve, you can choose to easily add or replace individual clubs, rather than switching sets entirely.
Is a complete golf set the right choice for you?
A complete golf set is ideal if you:
- Are new to the game
- Want a simple, cost-effective way to get started
- Prefer equipment that works together as a system
If you’re progressing quickly or have very specific requirements, you may eventually want to build a custom set. At that point, a professional fitting can help finetune your choices, but it’s not a requirement when you’re just starting out.
Explore complete golf sets from leading brands, including Calloway, PXG, Taylormade, and Wilson.