What Golf Club Should a Child Use First?

Start with the session, not the bag

The first club question gets easier when you stop asking, "What should my child own?" and start asking, "Where will this child actually use it this week?"

A child who is rolling balls across carpet needs a different first club than a child taking full swings at a range. A child who wants one backyard target game needs a different setup than a child starting weekly lessons. First Tee's parent guidance keeps the bigger goal in view: early golf should feel fun, meaningful, and safe to fail.

If you are still deciding whether your child is ready to start at all, read what age should a child start golf before choosing equipment.

First-club decision tree

Use this as a practical starting point before you buy or borrow.

Pick the first club by where the child will actually play this week.

The putter-first path

A putter can be the simplest first club for a child who is starting indoors, on a practice green, or through miniature golf style games. The swing is small, the ball stays on the ground, and the target is easy to understand.

The U.S. Kids Golf Early Start parent guide presents one starter path that begins with a putter, then moves to a 9-iron training club, then adds a lofted fairway wood or hybrid for a starter set. That does not mean every child must start that way, but it is a useful path for parents who want a slow, low-pressure introduction.

The short-iron path

A short iron can be a practical second step when the child is ready to see the ball pop up or land near a short target. It also gives parents a middle ground between putting and full driver swings.

The important part is fit. The same U.S. Kids Golf guide warns that club length and weight matter for young golfers, and the U.S. Kids Golf fitting page organizes junior equipment around player height. If the club is too long or heavy, the first session can turn into a fight with the equipment.

The driver-first path

Some kids want the big swing first. That can be fine when an adult controls the space, the ball choice, and the bystanders. The mistake is not starting with a driver. The mistake is using any club in a space where the child cannot swing and miss safely.

If the first club will be used in the yard, check the Clubhouse guide to safe backyard golf practice for kids before choosing ball type or swing area.

JOLF's first-club article makes the case that a driver can work as one simple first club for some children ages 3 to 6 because it reduces club-choice confusion and gives the child one clear tool. Treat that as one coaching philosophy, not a universal rule.

One club or a full junior set?

One club is enough for many first sessions. It reduces decisions, keeps the setup lighter, and helps the parent focus on safety and contact instead of explaining every club in the bag.

PGA of America equipment guidance points parents toward junior clubs that fit the child in length, shaft, weight, and grip. It also supports adding clubs as the young golfer progresses. That keeps the practical parent answer simple: start with what the child can use now, then add more when there is a reason.

A full junior set starts to make more sense when the child is practicing different shot types, taking lessons where the coach wants several clubs, or asking for more variety. If your child is heading to a first lesson, read what kids should bring to a first golf lesson before buying, because some programs provide equipment.

1. Start with one real session. Backyard, putting green, range, or lesson.
2. Pick the one club that fits that session. Putter, short iron, or driver.
3. Check height and handedness. Use a junior fitting guide or coach if you are unsure.
4. Watch the child's reaction. If they want another turn, you have enough to keep going.
5. Add clubs only when there is a reason. More clubs should solve a real practice need.

How to know the first club fits

You do not need a technical fitting session for every first swing, but you do need to avoid adult-scale equipment that makes early golf harder than it has to be.

• Control: The child should be able to start, stop, and reset without the club dragging them off balance.
• Space: Match the club to the actual hitting area and ball type.
• Interest: The first club should invite another short session, not turn golf into homework.

If the size question is the blocker, use the Clubhouse guide to kids golf club size by age. If hand placement is the blocker, read how kids should hold a golf club. If the child is still in the play-equipment stage, compare plastic golf sets versus real kids golf clubs after this guide.

Where Little Links fits

Little Links is not the answer to every first-club situation. If your child is only rolling balls across the living room, a putter game may be simpler. If a coach tells you to bring a specific iron, follow the coach.

The Little Links fit is narrower and clearer: a young golfer wants a first full-swing club, an adult can supervise the space, and the family wants one focused setup before buying a full junior set. In that case, review the Little Links Big Swing Kids Golf Driver size, handedness, ball, tee, and training-grip details against the child's actual height and practice area.

The current product page lists three size ranges for ages 2-10+, right- and left-handed versions, one oversized foam ball, two oversized plastic balls, tees for long grass and hard surfaces, and a training grip. Those are setup facts, not promises of instant skill.

You can also browse more Clubhouse guides when the next question is starting age, backyard safety, grip, or first-lesson prep.