Starting golf in Australia in 2026? You're joining at a great time the game is booming, public courses are everywhere, and you don't need to spend a fortune on shiny new gear to have fun and improve.
Many beginners waste money on cheap no-name sets that break quickly or feel terrible. The smart move? Go for forgiving, quality used clubs from reputable brands. These offer better performance, last longer, and save you hundreds compared to new beginner packages (which often run $500–$1,000+ AUD).
Here's a practical guide to the best golf clubs for Aussie beginners - focusing on forgiveness (easy to hit), affordability (under $500 to $800 total for a solid setup), and suitability for local conditions like firm fairways, wind, and public courses.
Why Beginners Should Consider Used Clubs Over New in 2026
- Huge savings: A used forgiving driver or iron set from 2-4 years ago performs nearly as well as new for half the price.
- Better forgiveness: Older premium models (e.g., Ping G series, Callaway XR/Mavrik, TaylorMade SIM) are super game-improvement focused-perfect for mishits common in new players.
- Avoid cheap new traps: Budget new sets (Strata, Wilson Profile) are okay starters but often lack durability and feel. Used name-brand gear gives you real quality without the premium tag.
- Easy to upgrade later: Start simple, sell/trade when your game improves.
Aussies on forums like Reddit's r/GolfAustralia and r/golf often recommend piecing together used sets from big brands-Callaway, Ping, TaylorMade, Mizuno-for better value than full new packages.
Essential Clubs for a Beginner Bag (Start with 5–8 Clubs)
You don't need 14 clubs right away. Focus on these for range practice, par-3 courses, and 9-hole rounds:
- Driver or forgiving wood/hybrid For tee shots; look for draw-bias or high-MOI models to fight slices.
- Fairway wood or hybrid Easier than long irons for fairway shots.
- Irons (6–PW or 7–PW + wedge) Cavity-back or super game-improvement for max forgiveness.
- Sand wedge For bunkers and short approaches.
- Putter Mallet style for better alignment and stability.
Total beginner budget: $400–$800 used → driver $150 to $350, irons $200 to $400, putter $80 to $150, woods/hybrids $100 to $200 each.
Top Recommendations for Beginners in Australia 2026 (Used Focus)
Based on current trends, forgiveness data, and what performs well on Aussie turf:
- Best Forgiving Driver: Look for used Ping G430/G440 series (SFT or Max models) or TaylorMade Qi/Qi35 Max. These have massive sweet spots, high launch, and slice correction-ideal for beginners struggling to get airborne or keep it straight in wind. (Many 2024–2025 models available used now at great prices.)
- Best Fairway Woods/Hybrids: TaylorMade Qi35 Max fairway or used Ping G425/G430 hybrids. Easy to launch high, forgiving on mishits—great for replacing long irons on firm fairways.
- Best Iron Sets: Used Callaway XR, Mavrik, or Elyte HL; Ping G425/G440; or TaylorMade SIM/Max. These cavity-back/super GI irons are super forgiving, launch high, and help with distance—even on off-centre strikes.
- Best Putters: Used Odyssey mallets (like Ai-One or White Hot) or Ping Sigma/Anser styles. Larger heads with alignment aids make putting less intimidating.
- Bonus for Aussies: Japanese-shafted used clubs (e.g., with UST Mamiya or Graphite Design) add smooth feel and control-perfect for windy coastal or links-style courses without feeling harsh.
Prioritize "Grade A/B" condition with clear photos and original shafts (graphite in woods for easier swing speed).
Budget Breakdown & Buying Tips
- Under $500 total: Used half-set (driver + hybrid + 7-PW irons + putter) from marketplaces or specialists.
- $500–$800: Add fairway wood + wedge for a near-full bag.
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Tips for buying used:
- Check condition: Grooves sharp? No major cracks/scratches? Shaft not worn?
- Buy from trusted sources: Avoid fakes on casual marketplaces; go specialist sites with grading/returns.
- Shipping: Australia-wide options make it easy-no need for local pickup.
- Try before full commitment: Hit at a range if possible, or start small.
Where to Find Quality Used Beginner-Friendly Clubs in Australia
Specialist online stores stock clean, inspected used gear-often with premium shafts that help beginners feel confident.
Ready to build your first bag affordably? Rising Sun Clubs specialises in premium used Japanese-shafted clubs and forgiving name-brand options-great for beginners wanting smooth, consistent performance.
→ Browse Drivers (forgiving models perfect for starters): https://www.risingsunclubs.com.au/collections/drivers
→ Fairway Woods (easy-launch options): https://www.risingsunclubs.com.au/collections/fairway-woods
→ Iron Sets (game-improvement cavity-backs): https://www.risingsunclubs.com.au/collections/iron-sets
→ Putters (alignment-friendly mallets): https://www.risingsunclubs.com.au/collections/putters
Can't find exactly what you need? They offer club sourcing to hunt down specific forgiving setups: https://www.risingsunclubs.com.au/pages/club-sourcing
Full site: https://www.risingsunclubs.com.au
Final Thoughts
The best golf clubs for beginners in Australia aren't the most expensive-they're the most forgiving and value-packed. A used setup from trusted brands will get you hitting straighter, farther, and enjoying the game sooner.
Start small, practice at the range, play par-3s, and upgrade as you improve. Golf's about fun and progress—not perfect gear from day one.
What's your budget or biggest worry when starting (e.g., slice, distance, cost)? Drop a comment- happy to suggest specific used picks! ⛳