When it comes to your child’s development in golf, one of the most overlooked but most important purchases is their set of junior golf clubs. If your child is enrolled in a junior golf program, the right clubs can be the difference between building a fundamentally sound swing and forming bad habits that are hard to fix later.
Most parents understand that they’ll need to buy several sets of clubs as their child grows, but many make the mistake of buying clubs that are too big in hopes of getting an extra season out of them. While the intention is good, the result is often poor swing mechanics that can slow down progress or lead to frustration.
Why Club Fit Matters in a Junior Golf Program
Giving a child a club that is too long or too heavy can lead to serious swing flaws, such as an over-the-top move or a shallow attack angle. These flaws are not only hard to correct but also limit your child’s ability to enjoy the game and reach their potential within any junior golf training program.
If you're trying to extend the life of a set of clubs due to budget concerns, it’s actually better for clubs to be slightly too short than too long. A shorter club encourages faster swing speed and better body movement, both of which are key goals in a quality junior golf program. A club that is too big will feel heavy at the club head which can create the over-the-top swing.
Three Key Factors to Consider When Buying Junior Golf Clubs
Whether your child is just starting out or already involved in a competitive junior golf program, these are the three most important factors to consider:
1. Club Size
Proper sizing is essential. U.S. Kids Golf offers one of the best systems for fitting junior golfers with their color-coded sizing chart, which helps ensure the right length for your child's height.
Avoid the common shortcut of cutting down adult clubs. While it may save money initially, shortening clubs increases stiffness, turning them into something that’s harder to swing — especially for younger, less developed players. A well-fitted junior club helps build a smooth, repeatable swing — a major focus of any great junior golf training program.
2. Strength and Shaft Flex
As your child grows, their strength and swing speed will increase. When they begin their second or third set of clubs — usually during or after puberty — strength becomes a key factor.
Until your child is swinging a driver at 93+ MPH, keep them in all-graphite shafts. Graphite is lighter, allowing for faster swings and better timing. Remember: speed is more important than strength when developing solid mechanics in a junior golf program.
3. Skill Level and Competitive Play
If your child is just starting to compete, don’t rush into a full bag fitting. In the early stages, club fitting won’t be the reason your child wins or loses a tournament.
However, once your junior golfer starts competing in high-level tournaments and consistently shoots in the mid-70s or better, club fitting becomes crucial. Small differences in equipment can affect shot shape, trajectory, and scoring.
For kids ages 15–19 who are serious about tournament play, checking their club specs every season is often necessary. As they grow, their swing changes — and their equipment should evolve with them to keep up.
Smart Spending: How to Get the Best Value on Junior Golf Clubs
Everyone’s budget is different. The brand name or the “newness” of clubs should never outweigh proper fit. You can find affordable, used junior golf sets on eBay or from secondhand retailers, and clubs that are a few years old can still deliver 90–99% of the performance of the latest models.
What matters most is fit and function, not flash. A well-fitted older club will always perform better than a brand-new one that is too long, too stiff, or too heavy.
Final Thoughts: Equipment That Supports Junior Golf Success
If you’re investing in your child’s golf development through a junior golf program, make sure their clubs support — not sabotage — their progress. Good equipment is not about brand loyalty; it's about providing the tools that match your child’s size, strength, and skill level.
At www.legendsofthelinks.com, we’re passionate about helping parents and coaches create better practice environments and training tools for young golfers. From our interactive golf training cards to educational resources like this, we’re here to support your child’s journey through the game.