Junior Golf Set Review: A Decent Starter Kit for Young Golfers

Buying a golf set for kids can be a bit of a gamble, but I recently got my hands on the Junior Golf Set designed for kids aged 9–10 years, and I have been putting it through its paces. The set comes from La Jolla Club, and while the brand isn't a household name, they seem to know what they're doing. Out of the box, it includes a driver, some irons, a putter, and a stand bag, all tailored for young right-handed golfers.

The first thing that stood out to me was the dual-strap stand bag. It’s designed to make carrying clubs easier for kids, and I could immediately see how the lightweight build would benefit a young golfer. Kids at this age are still developing their coordination, so having something easy to manage can make a big difference in their experience on the course.

After two weeks of sessions, I have seen my kid actually enjoying the golf outings more. This might be due to how the clubs are made to fit their size and strength. The design seems to focus on making the game fun and accessible, which is definitely something any parent can appreciate.

But let's not get too carried away; there are a few things to talk about that aren't all sunshine and rainbows, especially when it comes to performance and durability. So, let's break it down further.

The design of the Junior Golf Set is fairly straightforward. The clubs are built with a lightweight alloy for the driver and hybrid, while the irons are made of stainless steel. The putter is zinc, and these materials seem to be chosen for durability and ease of use. The dual-strap stand bag, which is part of the package, does stand out with its blue color and practical design.

In terms of how they look, the clubs are pretty standard. There's nothing too fancy going on here, but that might actually be a good thing. Kids need functional over flash, and these clubs deliver on the basics. The stand bag is also well-designed, making it easier for kids to handle and carry on their own, which is a good step towards building their independence on the course.

After using it for a couple of weeks, the one thing I liked is how the Progressive Flex System seems to adapt as kids grow. This tech sounds a bit fancy, but in practice, it feels like it does give them the control they need without making it too complex. My kid seemed more confident swinging these clubs, which is a big plus in my book.

However, the aesthetics won't wow anyone, and the lack of any standout features in the design department means it’s not something you'll brag about. But again, for the price and what it's meant for, it gets the job done.

When it comes to comfort, the dual-strap stand bag is a highlight. The dual-strap design is a great touch for balance and ease of carrying, which is crucial for kids who are still building their strength. My kid had no issues carrying the bag around the course, which definitely made the experience more enjoyable.

The clubs themselves are lightweight, which helps with comfort. The grips are decent and provide a good feel, although they're nothing to write home about. My kid did mention that the clubs felt good to swing, which is encouraging because comfort can directly impact their enthusiasm for the game.

One aspect I noticed is that the clubs are easy to handle and swing, thanks to their lightweight construction. This is a big plus because kids at this age are still developing their motor skills, and having clubs that aren't too heavy makes a big difference.

Overall, the comfort level of this set is pretty satisfactory. There are no glaring issues, and the positives like the lightweight build and dual-strap bag make it a user-friendly choice for young golfers.

The materials used in this junior golf set are pretty much what you'd expect at this price point. The driver and hybrid are made from a lightweight alloy, which makes them relatively easy for young golfers to handle. The irons, which include a #7 and a pitching wedge, are made from stainless steel. This choice of material is known for its durability, and it does provide a decent feel when hitting the ball.

Now, the putter is made from zinc, which is not exactly premium material, but it offers a balanced feel that should help kids get the hang of putting. My kid found it easier to line up putts and improve accuracy with this putter, which is a win in my book. The shafts are graphite, contributing to the overall lightweight nature of the set.

While these materials aren't groundbreaking, they do the job. If you're looking for high-end craftsmanship, this isn't it. But for a junior set that lets kids enjoy the game without breaking the bank, the materials used here are more than adequate. It's all about setting realistic expectations, and in that regard, I think this set is pretty solid.

That said, be aware that these clubs, while durable for young users, might not withstand too much rough handling. If your kid is one who tends to be careless with their gear, you might need to keep an eye out for wear and tear more frequently.

Durability is something you naturally worry about with kids' sports equipment. This junior golf set holds up pretty well under normal use. The alloy and stainless steel materials are robust enough for kids who are just learning the ropes and aren't exactly gentle with their equipment.

Over the two weeks I’ve had it, the clubs have shown no signs of significant wear. However, this is a short amount of time, and given how kids can sometimes treat their gear, it's worth keeping an eye on. The stand bag, on the other hand, seems sturdy enough to last a while, and the straps show no signs of fraying as yet.

While the set seems durable, it's important to note that it's still a beginner set. The materials, while decent, aren't designed to take the kind of beating that might come from more advanced play. So, if your kid starts to really get into golf and play more frequently or competitively, you might find yourself needing an upgrade sooner than later.

For a starter set at this price range, the durability is pretty solid. Just remember, it's built for beginners and occasional play, not for rigorous daily use.

Performance-wise, this junior golf set is a mixed bag. For a starter set, it does what it's supposed to do: get kids into the game and help them learn the basics. The lightweight alloy driver and hybrid allow for easier swings, which is great for kids who are just learning how to generate distance with their shots.

The stainless steel irons provide a decent feel and accuracy, which can help kids build real swing fundamentals. My kid found it easier to make solid contact with the ball using these irons, which is an encouraging sign for their development. The zinc putter, while basic, does promote smoother strokes, and my kid actually showed improvement on the greens after a few rounds.

On the downside, don't expect these clubs to perform like high-end gear. They are designed for beginners, and while they get the job done in terms of introducing kids to golf, they won't blow anyone away with performance metrics. If you're looking for precision and advanced features, you'll have to look elsewhere.

In summary, for what it is—a beginner's set—the performance is adequate. It meets the basic needs of young golfers, but experienced players or those looking for a competitive edge might find it lacking.