What golf equipment is needed for a child?

Many parents focus solely on the clubs and forget everything else: a child wearing the wrong shoes or without sun protection gets far less enjoyment out of their practice session, even with the best putter. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, in the form of a practical checklist to use before your first visit to the driving range or the course, distinguishing what is truly essential from what can wait for subsequent sessions.

Why prepare children's golf equipment before the first session?

Arriving with the right children's golf equipment avoids unpleasant surprises and allows the child to focus on what matters most: the pleasure of hitting the ball. A child who has to deal with slippery shoes, an overly heavy bag, or the absence of a hat on a sunny day will lose interest more quickly than a child who is properly equipped from the start.

Contrary to popular belief, it's not necessary to invest in a full set of equipment before even knowing if your child will enjoy the sport. At Golf du Belvédère, most of the equipment is loaned out during the first few sessions, allowing families to try it out at their leisure before making a purchase. This is especially true for children discovering golf at the start of the school year or during the holidays: it's best to confirm their interest before putting together a complete set of gear.

The complete list of children's golf equipment

Here is the reference inventory, from the most essential to the most optional:

The clubs

• a junior club adapted to the child's size (one is enough to start with); ;
• a putter, for immediate pleasure on the green; ;
• possibly an iron or an easy-to-play hybrid, once the motivation is confirmed.

The storage

• a lightweight bag, adapted to the size of the child, with or without integrated support; ;
• a small trolley if the child starts playing on a full course rather than just the practice area.

Consumables

• adapted balls, softer than adult balls; ;
• junior size tees; ;
• a glove, reserved for children who are already regular (optional at the very beginning).

Clothing and protection

• Flat shoes with grippy soles, sneakers are suitable for beginners; ;
• comfortable and easy-to-move sportswear; ;
• a cap or a hat; ;
• Sunscreen is essential as soon as the weather gets nice; ;
• a water bottle, as the sessions take place largely outdoors.

This last point is often overlooked, even though it directly affects the child's comfort over the duration of a session or workshop.

What the club lends out and what you really need to buy

This is the question most parents ask themselves before investing in children's golf equipment: do you have to buy everything from scratch, or can children's golf equipment be tested before any purchase? The answer is no. At Golf du Belvédère, the free Sunday morning introductory session, led by Julien, a state-certified instructor, allows each child to discover the sport with equipment provided on site.

Initially, the family only needs to provide clothing, shoes, and sun protection. The rest of the equipment—clubs, balls, tees—can wait until the child's motivation is clearly confirmed over several sessions. Only then does a first targeted purchase, consistent with the child's actual size, become relevant, ideally with advice from the Pro Shop rather than a blind online purchase.

Budget to plan for a child's first golf equipment

For a basic children's golf kit (one or two clubs, a putter, and a light bag), expect to spend between €50 and €150, depending on the brand. This starting budget is more than enough for regular practice at the driving range or during golf lessons.

For a detailed comparison of brands and a size chart by age to help you choose the right clubs for your child, see our comprehensive guide on...’golf equipment for children details each selection criterion, from new to used.

Good to know: the ideal time for a first purchase is often just before the spring break or at the end of summer, when retailers restock junior clothing. This also avoids buying equipment just as the child is growing, a few weeks before it becomes too small.

Adapting children's golf equipment as they grow

Children grow quickly, and their equipment needs to keep pace. Clubs that are too short or too long can rapidly negatively impact posture and swing, so it's a good idea to check club lengths every 12 to 18 months. The junior secondhand market offers a cost-effective solution, provided you check the condition of the grips and the actual length of the clubs before buying. Bags or shoes that are too small also require careful attention: comfort should always be prioritized over simply "making an item last" when it's become too small.

For clubs specifically, our dedicated guide to children's golf clubs and our article on the children's golf bag help you refine each choice at the right time.