Buying golf clubs for a growing child is tricky. Clubs that are too long or too heavy make the swing awkward, and clubs that are too short teach bad habits. Kids also outgrow them fast, so it’s easy to overspend on a set that fits for one season.
This guide shows you how to size youth clubs by height, what a good starter set includes, how to leave a little room to grow without going overboard, and how to tell when your child is ready for the next size up.
Quick Answer
The best youth golf clubs are the ones sized to your child’s height, not their age. Measure them in the shoes they’ll play in, match that number to a manufacturer’s sizing chart, and choose a light, simple set. If your child falls between sizes, go slightly longer rather than shorter, then re-check the fit regularly as they grow.
Step 1: Size by Height, Not Age
Kids of the same age can differ by several inches in height, so most junior brands size clubs by height. Measure your child standing flat on the floor in the shoes they’ll wear on the course. If they’ll wear spiked golf shoes, have them stand on carpet or grass so the measurement is accurate.
Then check the chart of the specific brand you’re buying. Charts are not identical across brands. Some junior lines step up in small height increments, and others group kids into wider bands, so don’t mix numbers from different charts. A good fit lets your child hold the club with slightly bent arms and set the clubhead flat on the ground at address.
If your child sits between two sizes, most junior-golf sources recommend the longer size. A club that’s a little long lets them choke down on the grip at first and move their hands up as they grow. Don’t go too far, though. A club that’s much too long makes it hard to swing on plane and make solid contact.
Step 2: Pick the Right Type of Set
For beginners, a complete junior set is the simplest route. Most include a driver or fairway wood, a hybrid or a few irons, a wedge, a putter, and a lightweight bag. Younger kids do well with just a handful of clubs, because a big bag is heavy and confusing. Older juniors who play more often can add clubs, such as more irons or an extra wedge, over time.
Weight matters as much as length. Lightweight shafts help kids swing at a natural speed. Some brands offer several tiers of clubs, from ultralight beginner sets to heavier, more performance-oriented lines. For example, US Kids Golf publishes a swing speed guide to help decide when a player should move up a tier.
Buy the set by height range, not by the number of clubs. A well-fitted five-club set beats an oversized 12-club set every time. Used and hand-me-down junior clubs are a sensible option for beginners, but check the length and grip condition before buying.
Step 3: Know When to Move Up
Re-check your child’s height at the start of each season and again mid-season if they’re growing quickly. Signs the clubs are too small include hunching over the ball, standing too upright with hands high, and the clubhead sitting toe-down at address. Signs of clubs that are too big include struggling to swing, dropping the club, and wild misses.
Many juniors reach the top of the junior sizes in their early teens. At that point they move to teen or adult-length clubs, usually somewhere around ages 12 to 14 depending on growth, strength, and how they play. When that time comes, consider getting a fitting from a local pro shop or golf store.
Tips / Common Mistakes
Don’t buy adult clubs and cut them down at home unless a club builder does it properly. Shaft flex, weight, and swing weight change when a club is shortened, and the result often feels wrong for a kid.
Don’t overbuy for growth. Going one size up is fine; going two or three sizes up usually hurts their swing and enjoyment.
Check the grips. Kids’ hands are small, and oversized grips make it harder to hold the club correctly.
Include the putter and wedge in your fitting check. Short-game clubs get the most use in early rounds, so they should fit well too.
Buy from a store with a good return or exchange policy, so you can swap sizes if the fit is off.
Explore more: More parent guides from SportsSteps.
Youth golf clubs FAQs
What size golf clubs does my child need?
Size is based on height, not age. Measure your child in the shoes they’ll play in, then compare that height to the sizing chart of the specific brand you’re buying. If they’re between sizes, choose the slightly longer one.
How often should I replace my child’s golf clubs?
Most kids outgrow clubs in length before the clubs wear out. Re-check their height at least once per season, and sooner during a growth spurt. Many families resell or pass down outgrown clubs to help cover the cost of the next set.
Should I buy a full set or just a few clubs for a beginner?
A short, well-fitted set is best for beginners. Younger children rarely need more than a driver or wood, a couple of irons or a hybrid, a wedge, and a putter. Add clubs as they play more and develop skills.
When do kids switch to adult golf clubs?
It depends on growth, not age. Many juniors move to teen or adult-length clubs in their early teens, typically around ages 12 to 14. Difficulty swinging, less accuracy, or discomfort are signs that it’s time to move up.
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Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Grimm / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.