You play football - you need just one ball.

Tennis, and a single racket will do.

With golf it's different.

There are 14 clubs - and chances are you'll lose the ball!

But don't let this put you off.

Fifteen-year-old Zach Gould didn't.

Now he's widely acknowledged as Britain's best young golfer by far for his age group.

He is also considered one of Europe's most promising juniors.

The Academy asked him for his guide to choosing the right set of clubs.

I started playing golf with an old discarded club I found in the local park.

It was fine to start off with - but I soon wanted a proper set.

Your local golf pro is the best person to help you choose a suitable set of clubs.

Standard sets have 14 clubs, but you don't really need that many when you're starting out.

Five or six clubs should be enough to begin with - maybe a five iron, seven iron, nine iron, a putter and a wood.

Most shops sell junior-sized clubs which are ideal if you're under 15 years of age.

Shop around

Pick out a club you like the look of and practice a few swings.

A club has got to feel good in your hands when you hold it.

The more comfortable you are, the more confident you'll be.

Don't rush out to buy the first club you like.

Do a bit of research, shop around to see what's available.

If you're thinking of taking the sport more seriously you could look into the possibility of getting some clubs made specially for you.

That way you can make sure they fit perfectly.

Most sets off the rack are designed to fit the average person.

But few of us have an average profile. We all have our own unique shape and size.

Microchips in golf balls

The clubs I have now were customised for me by the manufacturers.

The way they do it is all very hi-tech.

They use golf balls with microschips inside and cameras that pick up the flight, spin and speed of the ball as you hit it.

The experts analyse all the computer data and then work out the exact length, weight, grip and loft you need.

Remember though - the best set of golf clubs don't necessarily make the best player!

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