A great driver is essential, as it is one of the only clubs (besides the putter) that you will use on virtually every hole. Club technology has exploded in the past few years, and we've seen an increase in club and face size, increasing power and accuracy. A great driver can cost hundreds of pounds, so make sure you choose the right one for you! Depending on where you are in your game, you will require a different driver. In general, however, drivers are great for all golfers, and offer a spectrum of designs to accommodate all styles,

For beginners, you will want a flexible shaft to give you more power, a large club head for a bigger sweet spot, and a minimum 10.5º loft angle.

For the mid-level and advanced players, titanium shafts and heads are ideal. You will want a stiff shaft, and a loft angle of 9.0-9.5º.

Since each club manufacturer usually produces lines of drivers to suit almost anyone's need, there is no one club to pinpoint. Instead, browse through some options of these top-tier manufacturers and find the one that will best suit your style and game (oh fine...some helpful hints too): Adam's Insight  (XTD ), Callaway  (FT-5 ), Cleveland  (XLS ), Nike  (Sasquatch Sumo --the widest club head in 2007), Hippo Hex ,Ping  (Rapture ), Taylormade  (r7 ), King Cobra  (for those with faster swings), Titleist  (Pro Titanium 905R ), and Wilson .

For the truly classy, check out the Louisville Thumper Max .

Your Wood clubs are important for fairway shots, as well as working off the tee should you suddenly feel uncomfortable with your driver. Therefore, you'll want your 3-Wood to be as user-friendly as possible, so that when that time comes where your driver has failed you, you'll have a trustworthy option. The 5 and 7-Woods are also useful, though not wholly necessary.

Changes in golfing technology have created a new line of clubs that fall into the 'woods' category. They are the rescue club. a wedge/wood hybrid, these clubs are ideal for long distance rough shots, as well as any number of peculiar lies.

You should try to find a set of irons instead of buying them individually. It will take time to get used to new clubs, so having a variety of designs can make it difficult to keep your consistency. Not only that, but buying a set will inevitably save you money. The one and two irons are not necessary for most golfers, so find a set that includes the 3 through 9-Irons, with a sand and pitching wedge to boot.

Most companies offer wedges ranging from 48º to 64º, so you should be able to find the wedges that suit your game best. The higher the degree, the greater the loft. Alongside the loft, the grooves on the club are essential for creating the proper spin. The various types of wedges include:

• Pitching Wedge--usually comes with your set. Ranges from 46º to 50º. Distance wedge, from up to 125 yards out.
• Gap Wedge-- typically sold separately; ranges from 51º to 54º
• Sand Wedge--should come with your set. Ranges from 55º to 59º. Usef in sand traps and green-side bunkers.
• Lob Wedge-- 60º-64º. Used for a more controlled, up-close shot that will stop quickly upon impact.

In general, you should try to have 4º of separation between each of your wedges.

TaylorMade's r7 quad driver 
Nike's Ignite 
Callaway's Fusion FT-3 
Cleveland's Launcher Comp 
Bobby Jones Players Series 
King Cobra HS9 
Wilson Dd6 
Wilson Drivers 

Your putter is the most personal club in your bag. There is no real strategy behind buying a putter. If you have a soft touch, a putter with a heavier head may suit you. If you are heavy handed, then a lighter head might be better. Test out as many putters as you can before you buy (most golf shops have faux-greens to give you an opportunity to test their putters).

Scotty Cameron by Titleist Tiger putter 
Scotty Cameron by Titleist GSS putter 
Odyssey Tri-Hot 2 putter 
Odyssey White Hot 6 putter 
Scotty Cameron Detour Putter 
Scotty Cameron Detour Putter 
Odyssey White Steel Putter