The essentials of golf begin with the clubs you choose. Shopping on the Internet will save you time and money but choosing can be difficult, as there seems to be endless options. From our work with different golfing web sites we have seen sales for golf clubs dramatically increase in the past two years but do people really know what they are buying? I think the answer to this is yes if you have been playing for a few years and no if you are a total beginner. Some people starting out in the golf world have more money than sense. At the start of every golfing year (generally in March) you see new members on the first tee with thousands of dollars worth of equipment beside them and the golfing skills of a squirrel.

Excuse the expression from above but you really need to go back to the basics when starting golf. Golfing is a skill that needs to be developed, by having clubs worth thousands will not help you any more than the person starting with second hand clubs worth fifty dollars, I had that told to me from more than one Irish professional during my time. All the major club manufacturers are selling online at great prices, choose carefully and get well within your budget, the left over money can be well spent on other golf apparel.

What are the essentials to have?

Without being silly and mentioning the usual such as golf balls etc you should have the following:

Good waterproof golf shoes

Waterproof Jacket and Pants

Golf Cart (Manual or Battery)

Golf shoes are essential, and if they are not waterproof put them in the garbage. Your feet must be kept dry at all times. Golf is not always in great weather. If your feet are wet for a number or hours you will not feel comfortable and run the risk of catching a nasty cold or flu like symptoms. There are plenty of cheap golf shoes on the market along with cheap so called waterproof pants and jackets, but by spending carefully on the golf clubs allows you spend wisely on essential clothing.

Golf Carts:

Some people prefer still to carry their bags but most will purchase a golf cart. The carts can either be manual or battery operated. The manual speak for themselves and can be a folded away in the trunk of your car the battery are a little more complex and need some careful taught before purchasing. Battery operated carts need maintenance and constant recharging. Check out the battery life expectancy before you buy. Some are like buying a car, they have a speedometer, mirrors and a light, do you really need all that?

Golf Balls:

Yes the ball will make a difference to distance and spin but dont be foolish, if you are a beginner you should expect to loose plenty so dont go mad buying the latest and greatest, you need to improve you overall accuracy and game in general. The more experienced golfer should pay more attention to the ball they are using, you could be losing valuable distance from the tee meaning the difference on your next shot from an eight iron or a comfortable pitching wedge.

Golf Tee:

Short and simple, if you are using oversized heads allow for a higher tee. Plastic tees do not break as easily as the wooden type.

Golf Glove:

I have seen many a good golfer never wear one but in hot weather it gives you added grip and in damp conditions it could be your only grip. Should not cost you an arm and a leg.

Putter:

Im not one for getting into graphite shafts and other related metal when purchasing a putter. I prefer something that I feel comfortable with, if that happens to be graphite and within my own budget, so be it. The putter today comes in all different shapes and sizes, from the standard height to the putter that tucks just under your chin. Beginners start with a basic putter and move on, basic meaning something that is not costing you an arm and a leg. Experienced golfers will have their own unique putter style they prefer.

Overall Internet golf shopping:

The prices will seldom be beaten if you purchase online, do not worry about quality as the products are the very same as what you will find in your local sports store. The variety is very large and tempting and delivery is to your door. Before you do go shopping online make a quick list of the essentials that you need.