Golf season will be here for most of the country before you know it (which I'm pumped for!), and it's about this time of year when I look at my golf inventory. For those of you starting your golf journey this year or now investing in your game, I figured it'd be fun to share a "golf starter pack," with my recommendations to save or splurge in your first or early purchases! Don't worry, I provide options for both saving and splurging, because we love *choices* and know at the end of the day, it's all about personal preference. And while we're here, let's take a moment to promote the Fore the Ladies Imperial and Winston Collections!
Golf Shoes: Splurge
Whether you're in a golf cart or walking the course, you're going to be on your feet for an extended period of time when playing golf. We recommend a leather shoe that will keep you dry if the grass in wet in the morning dew or from a sprinkler. Both of the shoes below could be considered a "splurge," but wanted to share varying price points!
Splurge: G/FORE Tassel Tuxedo Gallivanter Golf Shoe
Shop: $225
G/FORE does a fantastic job of matching comfort with style. Their gallivanter line includes waterproof leather and cushioned footbed. I love the tuxedo stripes and if you look at other shoes on their website, you'll notice they typically come in multiple colors. The tassels are also removable if they aren't your look, but we love a retro detail. *Sizing tip: These tend to run a bit narrow, so size up half a size!
Save: FootJoy Premiere Series - Cap Toe
Shop: $119.99
FootJoy has been making shoes for more than 100 years and have been leaning into timeless styles lately. These waterproof leather shoes have spikes and I have been able to clean them from mud, grass stains, etc., with a standard leather cleaner. White goes with every outfit, but this shoe comes in three different cap toe colors if you want more options. *Sizing tip: I find that FJ runs TTS or a little big.
Golf Tops: Save
A place to save a few bucks is golf tops and that's mostly because the options continue to grow in women's golf. I try to keep a variety of golf tops in my wardrobe: Polos, mock neck tees, crew neck tees; all versions long-sleeved and short-sleeved. I prefer for my shirts to have some sort of performance material because golf is a sport after all and you will break a sweat! If you've had your eye on something that's no longer on a website or you enjoy thrifting, I suggest looking up your favorite brands on Poshmark and you're likely to find something. Below are some options that also won't break the bank.
Save: Sierra Madre The Mock Neck Tee
Shop: $48
This mock neck t-shirt will match with anything and will make you feel chic and sporty at any golf course. You can wear it untucked, fully tucked or french tucked and it's made of Pima cotton for natural breathability. It comes in both white and orange.
Splurge: Foray Golf Core Sleeveless Polo
Shop: $98
I love that these are classic polos with a slightly modern twist. The shiny bonded button placket gives it that little something extra and the laser-cut log on the back says, 'she's a golfer and modern.' The Core Sleeveless Polo currently comes in 10 colors. *Sizing tip: If you're in between sizes or typically wear petites, size down.
Golf Bottoms: Tossup
You know when you find that perfect pair of jeans that holds your booty just right and you're ready to dominate your day/evening? I want that feeling with my golf pants and skirts. My golf pant must-haves include: High waisted, pockets that hold more than a piece of gum, and good fit. Golf skirt must-haves: High-waisted; inner pocket shorts with or without pockets, but the skirt itself must have pockets. This topic is a toss up because I've spent slightly more for a skirt that washes well after every wear and I've also bought pants that were from a big box store but the waistband started fraying after one round.
Skirts
Splurge: Foray Golf Core Skirt (left) - Shop: $150
My first introduction to Foray Golf was in 2018 when I purchased a leopard print Inspired skirt and I haven't looked back. For me, the 15.5" length is perfect and the material is of a high quality, wrinkle resistant and stretchy. The Core Skirt has inner liner shorts with lining that ensures they stay in place and comes in eight colors to become a staple in your wardrobe. *Sizing tip: If you're between sizes, size down.
Save: Target Flex Pleated Skorts - All in Motion™ (right) - Shop: $28
Pleats and golf are a match made in heaven and this Target skirt will help pull together any outfit. This skirt also has the liner shorts with pockets and a high-waisted band. It comes in eight colors and is size inclusive, with sizes XS to 4X available. *Sizing tip: In reading reviews, this one runs small, so size up.
Splurge: Abendroth Peggy Pant (left) - Shop: $155
The Peggy Pant is Abendroth Golf’s signature product and includes a five-pocket (5!) system, while each pocket is big enough to store your phone, scorecard, keys, or a pen. It is a women’s jogger style golf pant with a tapered leg and ankle zip, that can take you from the office straight to the course. It's currently available in nine colors, so once you find your size, you can rinse and repeat.
Save: Old Navy High Waisted PowerSoft Wide-Leg Pants (right) - Shop: $50
This is where I say it's a tossup with bottoms. It's really all about your own preference and perspective when it comes to pricing, but if you want a quality pant as a base for your starter pack, the best price I have found is around $50. If you have a recommendation, let us know! The Headlands Hybrid Pant sits at your belly button (high-waisted fit) and Is relaxed in the hip and thigh, which differentiates it from looking like a legging. I love the stretch material that is thick enough to feel coverage and this pant has two front pockets. Old Navy is a very size-inclusive brand and this pant is no exception, coming in three length sizes and size XS-4X.
Golf Outerwear: Splurge
Okay, hear me out with this one. While it's not a sexy piece of golf apparel, it's completely necessary. If it happens to rain while you're out on the course, you're going to want rain gear. If you need to prioritize a piece, I'd start with a 100% waterproof jacket and then add waterproof pants to complete the "suit." Please enjoy us living in these rain 'fits' at Bandon Dunes in May 2022. Believe me when I say this, we could NOT have completed the round without the rain gear.
FootJoy's HydroKnit line is made from 100% waterproof fabric so you can play in any type of weather. For the most part, I'm a fairweather girlie, but hey, if you're at Bandon Dunes and it starts to rain, you're not going to leave the course. I prefer a jacket with a hood, hence selecting this rain jacket from FootJoy, but they have other options without the hood as well. With this jacket coming from a golf brand, you know you'll be able to swing comfortably in it and that they made it for those hitting the course. Moving on to the pants: We know the pants aren't here for a fashion statement, but they work and in times of need, that's all that matters.
Save: Columbia Arcadia™ II Rain Jacket (Shop: $100) and Columbia Hazy Trail™ Rain Pants (Shop: $100)
Additional solid options for rain gear come from Columbia in their Arcadia™ and Hazy Trail™ lines. We can't speak to the golfability (yes we just made that word up), but the jacket is made with their waterproof-breathable technology and with nearly 2,000 positive recommendations, we feel good about this choice. Bonus: This jacket comes in at least 20 colors and inclusive sizing from XS to 3X. Again, the rain pants aren't making a fashion statement, but they are also made with waterproof technology and will keep you dry.
Golf Clubs: Save
In looking at this category, I had some mixed feelings, but feel good about my final decision. If you're a beginner golfer, clubs are a good place to save because there are other options to explore before you commit.
Save Options
Rental clubs! You can always call a golf course before you arrive and ask if they have rental sets that you could use.
Secondhand clubs. Growing up, we would go to "Play It Again Sports" if we needed a new piece of sports equipment because you outgrow things quick! Look for secondhand sporting goods stores near you or check out websites like 2nd Swing.
Splurge Options
I'm not going to tell you which club company to get, but what I will tell you to do is schedule a fitting. If you're going to spend the money to buy a new set of golf clubs, you should be positive that they're custom fit to you. You can get fit at big box stores like Dick's Sporting Goods, PGA Tour Superstore and Golf Galaxy, but you can also explore golf fitting businesses such as Club Champion, GolfTec and True Spec.
Golf Gloves: Save
For this golf starter pack, we're recommending to save on your first golf glove. You will want a glove for every round you play because your hands will get calluses and it's ideal for controlling your grip. How do you know which hand to get a glove for, because you only wear a glove on one hand? If you're a right-handed player, you'll get a glove for your left hand, and vice versa for left-handed golfers.
Save: Asher Golf Chuck Glove
Shop: $12
The colors in Asher Golf's affordable Chuck collection are so fun, coming in yellow, green and pink at the time of this blog posting. Note: We've heard the dye has been hit or miss with these, so be careful if you're wearing light colors.
Splurge: FootJoy StaSof
Shop: $26
FootJoy's StaSof glove is the creme de la creme of golf gloves. It comes in a premium leather that prevents moisture (we don't want the club to slip!) and is playable in all climates. The StaSof line also comes in five gorgeous colors in the Heritage Collection.
Valuables Pouch: Tossup - but leaning toward splurge
I wanted to add one golf bag accessory to the list, which brought me to a valuables pouch. This is one where you can make it personal in picking one up at your favorite golf course or find something unique online. I say it's a splurge because I guess you don't *have* to have one to play golf, but this is a hobby for many of us and we should celebrate that with fun accessories. What is a valuables pouch? It's similar to a clutch that typically zips or has pull strings to toss in your golf bag. I'll keep tees, ball markers, divot tools, pencils, chapstick and any other small things I may need on the course, rather than searching through the big pockets in my golf bag. When you bust it out on the first tee, you'll definitely show off a little street cred.
Splurge: Seamus Hiwahiwa Natural Pouches
Shop: $65
Seamus makes beautiful and hand-crafted golf accessories. I have a driver headcover of the same fabric and love how It brightens my bag. Simply, it makes me smile, is functional and keeps all of your small golf tools in one place.
Save: Lands' End Small Solid Canvas Zipper Pouch
Shop: $19.95
While this isn't technically from a golf brand, it does the job and you can monogram it. The Lands' End iconic tote's miniature companion is made of canvas and you won't lose a thing since it zips!
While there are a plethora of options to choose from in golf, we hope this starter pack helps you begin your collection. Have a suggestion for the group? Let us know on Instagram!