TripleBirdies Junior Golf

Finding Clubs

 Choosing the Right Golf Clubs for Kids

I would strongly suggest picking up junior sized clubs instead of using adult hand-me-downs and asking kids to “choke down” on full-sized clubs. While length is an obvious issue, weight matters just as much. Junior clubs are specifically designed with lighter graphite shafts and smaller, lighter heads, making them easier for kids to swing and control.

How Many Clubs Does a Young Golfer Need?

For kids around ages 6–8 (or in that height range), fewer clubs are better. At this stage, swing speeds are slower, so there’s little to no difference in distance between clubs. Additionally, lower-lofted irons (like a 5 or 6 iron) can be difficult to get airborne. A basic starter set should include:

  • Driver
  • A couple of irons (ideally a 7 and 9 iron)
  • Pitching wedge (optional but helpful)
  • Putter
  • A fun, lightweight stand bag to carry it all

Entry-Level Kids’ Clubs: What We Started With

We began with a Top Flite junior set from Dick’s Sporting Goods. These boxed sets are convenient and budget-friendly, including both clubs and a bag. We chose the 9-piece, 53” set, which means it’s suited for a child who is 53” tall. Note: some brands count headcovers and the bag as “pieces” (a bit misleading!).

Top Flite 9-piece set included:

  • Driver
  • Hybrid
  • 7 iron
  • 9 iron
  • Sand wedge
  • Putter
  • Stand bag
  • 2 headcovers

These clubs were perfect for getting started. The oversized club heads made it easier to make solid contact and get the ball in the air, though they do lack in performance for more advanced junior players.

Stepping Up: US Kids Golf

As our child improved, we upgraded to US Kids UltraLight clubs. US Kids offers several product lines, and we found the UL7 series to strike the right balance between performance and price.

We went with the UL7-51 5-Club Stand Set, which included:

  • Driver (19°)
  • Hybrid (29°)
  • 7 iron
  • Pitching wedge
  • Putter

These clubs were ideal for a medium-sized 8-year-old with a moderate swing speed. The lighter design made swinging more natural, and they’re still in rotation for us.

Another Great Option: Callaway XJ Series

For a different child, we chose the Callaway XJ3 7-piece set (sized for kids 54”–61”). This child preferred a heavier feel compared to the US Kids set, and the XJ clubs offered just that.

Callaway XJ3 set includes:

  • Driver (17°)
  • Fairway wood (23°)
  • Hybrid (27°)
  • 7 iron
  • 9 iron
  • Sand wedge
  • Putter

We were impressed with the quality and feel—great for kids who might outgrow “ultra-light” clubs quickly.

High Performance: Ping Prodi G Junior

When we were ready for top-tier junior clubs, we chose the Ping Prodi G line. These are built much like adult clubs in both construction and feel, offering excellent performance.

We picked the 54” set with standard shafts and customized length. The set included:

  • Driver (15°)
  • Fairway wood (22°)
  • Irons: 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Pitching wedge
  • Sand wedge (54° loft)

They also offer a 58° wedge, but unless your child is consistently shooting par, it’s probably not necessary.

Final Tip: Length is Key

No matter which clubs you choose, fit matters most. The right length ensures better posture, control, and swing mechanics. A properly sized set will help your young golfer develop solid fundamentals and have more fun on the course.