What was your first set of golf clubs as a kid? A plastic set you hit around your garden? Maybe a few hand-me-down clubs from a parent or grandparent? These days some of the best golf club sets are designed specifically for kids. The clubs are lighter, easy to swing and seek to make the game as simple as possible for the user without compromising on the fun aspects of the game. The best clubs for kids now feature shorter and more flexible shafts to ensure young golfers are catered for during the golf swing without compromising distance or control, helping the youngster hit the ball properly to get the most enjoyment out of the game.
WATCH: Skip to 10.06 where Joe and Joel talk through the best golf club sets for kids
Many of the sets our testing team have reviewed come in different sizes, with manufacturers aware that kids will need longer clubs as they continue to grow if they are to learn to strike a ball. What differs from brand to brand is how many clubs are offered in each set – for really young players set only include around five clubs, but at such an age that’s all that is needed. As kids grow, so should the number of clubs in their bag. So, if you're in the market for junior golf clubs, here are some of the best golf club sets for kids. Additionally also take a look at our guide on the best women's golf sets and the best golf club sets for beginners.
Finally, this time of year we regularly see many of the best kid's sets below go on offer so be sure to bookmark our page on the best Cyber Monday golf deals, to make sure you don't miss a discount on one of them.
The Quick List
Combining looks with user-friendly performance, this kid's set is a great option for younger golfers who are looking to improve. These clubs tick all the boxes with regard to forgiveness, looks, weight and adaptability to ages. That's why this is our top pick.
The Callaway XJ sets use industry-leading technologies to help juniors have fun and hit great shots, delivering excellent performance and forgiveness. With all this combined, they offer a great configuration within their sets, a good number of clubs and great gapping.
As you would expect, Ping takes this area of its product range very seriously and in the Prodi G 2024 set you get refined aesthetics along with easy-to-hit, premium performance that really sets it apart.
For young kids keen to follow in their favourite player’s footsteps, the Ram Junior G-Force sets are an excellent place to start, with easy-to-swing clubs housed in a feature-packed stand bag
This is an excellent basic starter set for parents looking to get their kids into golf from a young age. Given how user-friendly and playable the two clubs are, it’s likely they will catch the golf bug; with its aesthetic and two easy-to-use clubs, this is the best for younger ages.
This is a well thought out junior set that gives kids the best opportunity to catch the golf bug and progress quickly in the game. The price represents good value given the looks and performance of the clubs and stylish stand bag included.
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The DCT junior sets have been designed to suit different age groups and ensure the clubs fit both the size and strength of the child. The junior sets start from 3-5 years and go up to 12-14 years, making this set the best for all ages with the amount of options you have to choose from.
This is a well thought out and well-constructed junior package set. The lofts, shaft flexes, and weights are all considered and appropriate, whilst the color options will be very appealing to the young audience.
Best Golf Club Sets For Kids - Best Golf Club Sets For Juniors
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Best overall
The one thing we want from our set of golf clubs is quality - something Cleveland typically provide in bunches with their golf equipment offerings. Depending on your needs, the Cleveland Golf Junior set comes in three different packages sizes - small, which comes with three clubs (hybrid, 7-iron and putter), medium, with six clubs (driver, hybrid, 7 & 9-irons, wedge and putter) and a large size with seven clubs (driver, hybrid, 7 to 9-iron, wedge and putter).
This set passed the 'eye test' with flying colors - the golf bag is striking and modern, and doesn't look out of place compared to some of the best golf bags on the market. The clubs themselves offer plenty of loft and forgiveness that help kids get the ball flying into the air and remaining straighter while doing so. Our testing experts (in this case, the kids) enjoyed how light the shafts were which allowed them to swing faster at the ball, meaning more distance.
Cleveland have cleverly engraved their logo onto the face of each club, which will help your child know where to aim for on the club face. And as with the best Cleveland wedges, these clubs boast a stunning level of quality that'll help your kids develop their golfing skills.
- Read our full Cleveland Golf Junior Set Review
Best set configuration
We've tested hundreds of Callaway clubs over the years and have loved almost all of them, meaning there isn't many better brands to hook your kid up with as they begin their golfing journey. Callaway's Junior XJ package sets feature many of the same technologies that we see in some of the best Callaway drivers and irons on the market.
These clubs are specifically designed for junior players with the premium set coming with a comprehensive specification that includes a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, 7-iron, 8-iron, sand wedge and putter.
The driver is designed for optimum ball speeds across the entire face for increased distance tied with forgiveness. The higher loft enables players to maximize their carry as well as reduce spin for more accurate tee shots. The oversized, undercut cavity on the irons comes with extreme perimeter weighting allowing for ample forgiveness. The graphite shafts are light too, meaning there's no question that Callaway's Junior XJ package sets are some of the best options available for kids.
Best premium performance
Ping has set the bar for junior specific, premium equipment over the last few years as the brand seeks to use the expertise and R&D of the G Line and refine it for kids. This takes the form of the Prodi G range, and we were big fans of the previous Prodi G set from Ping so we were excited to get our hands on the 2024 version.
Available in a five club, and seven club set configuration, both coming with a bag, you can even go further by getting custom sets made, with specific wedges ranging from 40-62 degrees.
The first thing we noticed in testing was the premium aesthetic. The clubs really look good, well-balanced between looking sleek but giving confidence too. We found the clubs to be lightweight, easy to hit and they delivered high flights too which is ideal for junior golfers. We also really liked the improvements done to the putter, especially the mallet design which gave good alignment and stability.
Overall we don't think the PING Prodi G is a starter set. Instead, these are a fantastic option once you’re sure your child’s interest in golf is certain, and they want to get their handicap down.
- Read our full PING Prodi G 2024 Junior Set Review
Best forgiveness
When it comes to value in golf equipment, Ram are right up there with the best. Their equipment does not compromise on quality despite the lesser price tag in comparison to some competitors. The Ram Junior G-Force Golf Club set features a bag, driver, 7-iron, 9-iron and putter in the 4-6 year old set, there are six clubs available in the 7-9 and 10-12 age ranges.
The graphite shafts and tacky wrap-style grips add to the lightweight feel of the clubs, while the driver performs well with the 14 degrees of loft. The acoustics may not be as nice as the Cleveland set, but there's a good amount of pop off the face when the ball is struck out of the middle which is the exact feedback you want as a young player. This feedback will inspire confidence, while off center strikes remain pretty forgiving.
The large cavity back on the irons with oversized heads, wide soles and plenty of offset offer help with launch and turf interaction. The shape of the putter helps with alignment and the weight feels wonderful, meaning it'll guide your youngster through his or her putting stroke. What's more, the face has grooves, which dull down the sound from the firm material on the face and the contrasting white and black sections on the flange definitely help with alignment.
- Read our full Ram Junior G-Force Golf Club Set Review
Best for very young
There is no such thing as 'too young' to begin your kid's love affair with the game of golf. That's clearly the opinion held be Inesis, too, who present their unique golf kit aimed at kids between the age of 2 and 4. If you're looking to get you child into the game from day one, this could be the perfect golf set for you.
It's important to integrate golf clubs with both the correct size and weight as early as possible for any child which is the aim of the Inesis Kids Golf Kit. The bright and playful color scheme should appeal to your young superstar, as will the 'Babeez Golf' bee design on the side of the bag. The black and yellow bag is lightweight, as are the golf clubs thanks to their graphite shafts which makes them easy to pick up and swing.
The set comes with just a 9-iron and putter, which is all your toddler needs at that age. The clubs are on the long side of things, which is worth noting. The putter also comes in a pleasing Anser-style shape and has two sight-lines on its back, which should subconsciously assist with helping your child see where the putter is aiming. The bag offers lots of space too, boasting several pockets that have enough room for balls, tees and other small items.
- Read our full Inesis Kid's Golf Kit 2-4 Years Review
Best for Rory fans
TaylorMade are one of the best in business, which means their decision to increase their junior package set offering with the Team TaylorMade Junior Set featuring in three age options (4-6 years, 7-9 and 10-12) is great news for young golfers. Each set is custom-built to suit the typical size of a kid in these age ranges, with the number of clubs offered reflecting increasing strength levels and ball-striking ability as the years roll on.
We found the clubs to be beautifully balanced and lightweight in testing, with the oversized nature of the clubheads breeding confidence through a springy face that the ball jumped off when good contact was made, providing impressive length.
The putter may have been the standout club, with the wide and flat section along the front edge encouraging a smoother, less wristy putting stroke. The highlight has to be the stylish, waterproof golf bag however which has pop out legs and four pockets for optimum storage and well as a drinks pocket and rain hood for when the weather takes a turn for the worst.
- Read our full Team TaylorMade Junior Set Review
Best for different ages
MacGregor clubs offer you the chance to get your kid hooked on golf from the age of three. Package sets vary depending on age, but every club offers fantastic forgiveness through lightweight junior flex shafts. Although not the most technically advanced clubs available on the market, this set is a great starting point for your youngster.
The first set (3-5), comes with a stand bag, oversized driver, 7-iron and putter. In the next age bracket (6-8), a 9-iron is added to the set, and then a hybrid and sand wedge (9-12). Finally, there's a package set for those aged 12-14, which also includes a 5-iron. Each set comes with a mallet putter which is wonderfully balanced and easy to line up with the alignment aid for easy targeting.
Best color scheme
Kids like bright colorful things – like the golf bags provided as part of the Shorties Golf Junior Package Set! Available in four sizes - tiny, tot, mini and junior, the set caters for kids from 34 inches in height all the way to 51 inches. The quality of both the clubs and bag feels great and sustainable, although it is a little frustrating that only the driver comes with a headcover. The bag has plenty of room for storage of golf balls, tees, drinks and more.
The noise off the woods is wonderful, while the generous lofts help with launch and ball flight, a crucial factor for young golfers starting to play the game. The irons and wedges inspire confident through their oversized heads, while the aesthetics will only appeal to the younger generations.
- Read our full Shorties Golf Junior Package Set Review
How we test
Golf club sets are no exception when it comes to our testing ethos and methodology. Speaking generally we put sets to the test out on the course and over a number of rounds to see how they perform on different courses and in varying conditions. It is only through using each club out on the course and at the range that you can get an idea of how well something is made and how it performs. For kids sets this can obviously be tricky but many of the team have children and they regularly use kids sets as that is who they have been designed for. Our adult testers then get the clubs in their hands to be able to gauge things like looks, feel, durability, strength and so on.
We pride ourself on our reviews because they are made for golfers, by golfers. We don't just review things for the sake of it - we are genuinely interested because we love golf just as much as you do.
There's also no such thing as manufacturers 'buying' good reviews - if a product is good, we'll tell you why. The same goes for when we think a product is poor, although this is rare in the modern age of golf equipment.
What to consider when buying junior golf sets
If you want to get an entire set of clubs for a junior player then there are some crucial factors to be aware of before purchasing. Follow the tips below to help choose the right set of stick for your young one:
1. What comes in the set
The great thing about golf is if you want to buy single golf clubs for your bag you can, but you can also get entire sets in one purchase too. When doing the latter, especially for kids, it is worth checking which clubs come as part of the set to make sure you have all bases covered, and it is also worth getting a bag with the set too. Younger golfers may not need a full set of clubs, so its wise to keep in mind their ability level, age and size, as carrying a full set of 14 clubs with one of the best cart bags can be very heavy. As the child's ability grows, so should the number of clubs in his or her bag, so don't overpower them with a 14-club set too early on.
2. Quality
If you walk into your local high street sports franchise shop, chances are they'll have some pretty poor golf clubs for sale. The misconception with golf sets is that they're made for the sake of sales, with the quality of the clubs lacking compared to adult versions. This couldn't be further from the truth for the brands we have tested above, but it's worth doing a bit of extra research to find you're paying for the right quality of clubs you desire.
3. Forgiveness
It's hard to find the centre of the club face often no matter what your age is, but especially as a youngster. For kids, it's important for them to learn the right technique first before they start smashing the ball as far as they can, and having the right feedback after shots is an important learning curve. Look for a set with good forgiveness to give your child the best chance at improving at their young age.
4. Color
Lots of sets for kids these days come in a variety of bright colors so you can get a design that you know they will love. Plus the jazzier the colors, the more confidence you're likely to instil in them to play better and more consistent shots.
5. Price
Obviously there are different sets at different price points so it is worth thinking about whether you want to spend more or less here.
For more advice on buying golf equipment for junior players, why not check out our guides on the best kids golf shoes, best budget golf clubs and our guide to the best kids golf gloves.
FAQs
Should junior golfers use lighter clubs?
Yes, manufacturers tend to generally produce lighter clubs for junior players. They often do that by using graphite shafts, which help juniors add more speed onto the golf ball and driver the ball longer distances. So if you're buying a new set of junior clubs, look out for those that are lightweight!
What clubs should a junior golfer have?
That depends on their aspirations, experience level and how often they play. Most experienced junior golfers between the ages of 10-14 have around 10 clubs in their bag, which includes a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, irons ranging from seven to nine, a pitching wedge, sand wedge and a putter. Younger and less experienced players will tend to use less clubs.
What ages are junior golf sets for?
That depends on the number of clubs, type of clubs and ability level of the player. Junior golf club sets can be for any kind of player from the ages of around three upwards.
For more golf gear buying advice, why not take a look at our guides on the best golf rangefinders, best golf shoes, or best golf travel bags.
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