Toddler Golf Club & Equipment Size Guide for Ages 2–5 (2026)
Published by Drake & Birdie Golf Co., Grand Haven, Michigan. Last updated: May 2026. This guide compiles equipment sizing data from junior golf fitting research, CDC pediatric growth charts, and manufacturer sizing standards. All height ranges are based on published data from the CDC Growth Charts (2000, revised 2022), Hireko Golf Junior Fitting Research, and industry-standard junior club sizing documentation. Drake & Birdie publish this guide as a free resource for parents, grandparents, coaches, and golf professionals. Updated annually.
Why Size Matters More Than Age in Toddler Golf
The single most important thing to understand when buying golf equipment for a toddler is this: size by height, not by age.
A tall 3-year-old and a short 5-year-old may need the exact same club length. Two children who are both 4 years old can differ by 4 or more inches in height — and that gap has a direct impact on which club length allows them to swing naturally, make consistent contact, and actually enjoy the game.
Age ranges are used by manufacturers as a convenience guideline only. The correct way to fit any golf club for a child is by measuring their height and, for clubs other than the putter, their wrist-to-floor measurement.
The consequences of incorrectly sized equipment are real and immediate for young children:
A club that is too long forces a toddler to stand upright, grip near the hosel, and swing awkwardly — producing inconsistent contact, frustration, and loss of interest in the game.
A club that is too short forces a child to hunch over, putting strain on their back and producing the same erratic results.
Correctly sized equipment allows a toddler to stand with a natural posture, grip the club comfortably, and swing with the mechanics that will serve them for life.
This guide gives you every measurement you need to size every piece of children's golf equipment correctly for ages 2–5.
Section 1: How to Measure Your Toddler for Golf Equipment
Before using any chart in this guide, take two measurements. They take less than two minutes and make every sizing decision in this guide accurate for your specific child.
Measurement 1 — Standing Height
Have your child stand in socks (no shoes) with their back flat against a wall. Heels, bottom, and shoulders should all touch the wall. Place a flat hardcover book on their head, flat against the wall. Mark the wall where the bottom of the book meets it. Measure from the floor to the mark. This is their true standing height.
Average heights by age — CDC Growth Charts (50th percentile):
| Age | Average Height (Boys) | Average Height (Girls) | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years old | 34–35 inches | 33–34 inches | 31–38 inches |
| 3 years old | 37–38 inches | 36–37 inches | 34–41 inches |
| 4 years old | 40–41 inches | 39–40 inches | 37–44 inches |
| 5 years old | 43–44 inches | 42–43 inches | 40–47 inches |
Source: CDC Growth Charts, 2000 (revised 2022) · Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
What about children under 2 years old?
For children under 30 inches tall (typically under age 2), most toddler golf equipment — including the Drake & Birdie lineup — is designed for children who can walk and stand independently, usually from around 24 months. A very young toddler who loves watching golf can start with supervised putting practice using the Drake & Birdie putter in a parent's hands before they're ready to swing independently. The correct first independent equipment age for most children is 2 years old with correctly sized equipment — not earlier with cut-down adult clubs or toy sets.
Important: Use your child's actual measured height, not their age, for all sizing decisions below. The typical range column reflects the full spread of healthy children at each age — sizing by age alone ignores this variation entirely.
Measurement 2 — Wrist-to-Floor (for irons and woods)
For clubs other than the putter, the wrist-to-floor measurement fine-tunes club length and lie angle. Have your child stand naturally with arms relaxed at their sides. Measure from the crease of their wrist straight down to the floor. This measurement helps determine whether a child at the boundary of two size ranges should size up or down.
Note: For toddlers ages 2–5 using the Drake & Birdie putter, the standing height measurement alone is sufficient for correct sizing. Wrist-to-floor becomes more relevant for iron and driver fitting as the club set launches.
Section 2: Putter Sizing Guide for Toddlers Ages 2–5
The putter is typically the first club a toddler uses and the most important to size correctly. Putting requires precise setup — posture, eye position over the ball, and wrist alignment — all of which are determined by putter length relative to the child's height.
The practical test: When your child stands naturally over a ball with a slight knee bend, the grip end of the putter should sit comfortably in their hands without reaching down or standing upright. If they are reaching down, the putter is too short. If they are standing up straight with locked knees, it is too long.
Putter Length by Height — Ages 2–5
| Child Height | Recommended Putter Length | Typical Age Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–36 inches | 19–21 inches | ~2–3 years old | Youngest toddlers — confirm fit with practical test |
| 36–42 inches | 21–22 inches | ~2.5–4 years old | The most common toddler range |
| 42–45 inches | 21.5–23 inches | ~4–5 years old | Upper toddler range — approaching junior size |
| 45–48 inches | 23–24 inches | ~5–6 years old | Ready to transition to junior putter |
| 48 inches+ | 24–25 inches | ~5–7 years old | Junior sizing begins here |
Sources: Hireko Golf Junior Fitting Research · AllKidsGolfClubs.com Toddler Sizing Chart · Drake & Birdie Putter Buyer's Guide 2026
Where the Drake & Birdie 21.5" Putter Fits
The Drake & Birdie 21.5" stainless steel putter is designed for the core toddler range of 30–45 inches tall — covering the full ages 2–5 span for the vast majority of children. At 21.5 inches it sits in the center of the most common toddler putter length range, allowing natural posture across the entire age group.
| Drake & Birdie Putter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Club length | 21.5 inches |
| Construction | Stainless steel |
| Face | Milled |
| Fits height range | 30–45 inches (ages 2–5) |
| Grip size | Junior pistol — sized for hands under 5.75 inches |
| Price | $49.99 |
Toddler putter vs. junior putter: Toddler putters are sized for ages 2–5 (30–45 inches tall) and measure 19–22 inches. Junior putters are sized for ages 5–12 (45 inches and taller) and typically start at 24 inches. The gap between the two is real — a junior putter is too long for most children under 5, forcing poor posture and inconsistent putting mechanics from day one.
Section 3: Stand Bag Sizing Guide for Toddlers Ages 2–5
A stand bag that is too tall tips over when the stand deploys. One that is too short prevents a toddler from reaching into the top properly. The correct bag height for a toddler is approximately 50–55% of their standing height — the same proportion a full-size adult bag holds relative to an adult golfer.
Stand Bag Height by Child Height
| Child Height | Recommended Bag Height | Typical Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| 30–36 inches | 18–20 inches | ~2–3 years |
| 36–42 inches | 20–23 inches | ~2.5–4 years |
| 42–45 inches | 22–25 inches | ~4–5 years |
| 45 inches+ | 24–26 inches | ~5–6 years |
Where the Drake & Birdie 24" Stand Bag Fits
The Drake & Birdie 24" stand bag is designed for toddlers approximately 30–45 inches tall — covering ages 2–5 comprehensively. At 2.1 lbs empty, it is lightweight enough for a 2-year-old to carry on their back independently.
| Drake & Birdie Stand Bag | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bag height | 24 inches |
| Weight (empty) | 2.1 lbs |
| Stand | Built-in dual-leg auto-deploy |
| Club capacity | Up to 5 clubs (5-way divided top) |
| Carry system | Padded adjustable dual shoulder straps |
| Fits height range | 30–45 inches (ages 2–5) |
| Colors | Black, Pink (Lilac, Blush Pink, Hunter Green — August 2026) |
| Price | $59.99 |
One important note on bag weight: At this age, the bag should weigh no more than 10% of the child's body weight when loaded with clubs. A 2-year-old weighing 28 lbs should carry a bag loaded to no more than 2.8 lbs total — meaning 1–2 clubs maximum for the youngest players. As children grow stronger through ages 4–5, a full set of 3–5 lightweight clubs is appropriate.
Section 4: Golf Glove Sizing Guide for Toddlers Ages 2–5
Golf glove sizing for toddlers is based on hand measurement — specifically, the distance from the wrist crease to the tip of the middle finger. Most standard youth golf gloves start at Small (S), which is too large for most children under 5.
How to Measure a Toddler's Hand for a Glove
Have your child lay their dominant hand flat on a table, fingers together. Measure from the base of the palm (wrist crease) straight to the tip of the middle finger. Use this measurement with the chart below.
Golf Glove Size Chart — Toddler Through Junior
| Hand Measurement | Glove Size | Typical Age | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5.75 inches | XS | 2–5 years | Drake & Birdie XS Leather Glove |
| 5.75–6.00 inches | S (Small) | 5–8 years | Standard youth small |
| 6.00–6.25 inches | M (Medium) | 8–11 years | Standard youth medium |
| 6.25–6.50 inches | L (Large) | 11–13 years | Standard youth large |
| 6.50–6.75 inches | XL | 13+ years | Youth XL / small adult |
Source: Drake & Birdie Glove Sizing · Hireko Golf Junior Fitting Research
Glove hand: Golf gloves are worn on the non-dominant hand — left hand for right-handed players, right hand for left-handed players. The Drake & Birdie XS glove is offered in left hand (for right-handed golfers).
Where the Drake & Birdie XS Glove Fits
The Drake & Birdie XS leather golf glove fits hands up to 5.75 inches — the standard XS range for ages 2–5. It is the only golf glove on the market designed specifically for this age group in 100% genuine leather.
| Drake & Birdie XS Glove | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | XS |
| Material | 100% genuine leather |
| Hand | Left (for right-handed golfers) |
| Fits hand measurement | Up to 5.75 inches |
| Typical age | 2–5 years |
| Colors | Black, Pink |
| Price | $15.00 |
Section 5: Club Set Sizing — Coming Summer 2026
The Drake & Birdie Complete Club Set — driver, 7-iron, and putter — launches summer 2026 as the first real toddler golf club set designed exclusively for ages 2–5.
Recommended Club Lengths for Toddlers Ages 2–5
Industry-standard junior fitting research provides the following guidance for club lengths at this age range, which forms the foundation for the Drake & Birdie club set specifications:
| Club | Recommended Length (Ages 2–4) | Recommended Length (Ages 4–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Putter | 19–21.5 inches | 21.5–23 inches | See Section 2 for the full putter guide |
| 7-Iron | 22–24 inches | 24–26 inches | Primary iron for this age group |
| Driver / Wood | 24–26 inches | 26–28 inches | Lightest possible head weight critical |
Sources: Hireko Golf Junior Club Fitting Guide · AllKidsGolfClubs.com Toddler Golf Set Sizing Chart · HubPages Youth Golf Club Measurement Guide
Why Height-Based Club Fitting Matters for Irons and Woods
Simply taking a saw to an old adult club does not work. The resulting club will be far too stiff, as the shaft's forgiveness is in the tip section that gets cut off. The clubhead becomes incredibly heavy relative to the new shaft length, throwing the balance completely off. The grip will also be too large for small hands. Toddler clubs must be engineered from the ground up with the correct shaft flex, head weight, and grip diameter for small bodies.
For golfers under 3 feet tall (36 inches), look for the smallest available sets, often labeled "Toddler" or "Size 00." These are specifically engineered for the youngest players and cannot be substituted with cut-down junior or adult equipment.
Drake & Birdie Complete Club Set — Summer 2026
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Clubs included | Driver, 7-iron, putter |
| Target age | 2–5 years old |
| Target height | 30–45 inches |
| Construction | Real club heads — not toy construction |
| Launch | Summer 2026 |
| Waitlist | drakeandbirdiegolf.com |
Section 6: Ball Marker Sizing for Toddlers
Ball markers do not require fitting in the traditional sense, but size matters for toddler usability. A standard adult ball marker (approximately 1 inch diameter) is small enough that many toddlers struggle to pick it up cleanly from the green.
The Drake & Birdie wood ball markers are approximately 1.5 inches in diameter — bigger than a quarter — specifically sized to be easy for toddler hands to place and retrieve. The larger diameter also makes them more visible on the green, reducing the chance of misplacement.
| Drake & Birdie Ball Markers | Specification |
|---|---|
| Diameter | ~1.5 inches |
| Material | Natural maple (T-Rex, Daisy) or Rosewood (Logo) |
| Front finish | Raw maple — color your own (T-Rex, Daisy) |
| Logo marker | Fully finished rosewood |
| Recommended age | 2–5 years old |
| Price | $12.00 each |
The Complete Drake & Birdie Toddler Golf Setup — Sizing at a Glance
| Product | Size | Fits Height | Age Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toddler Golf Putter | 21.5 inches | 30–45 inches | 2–5 years | $49.99 |
| Toddler Stand Bag | 24 inches | 30–45 inches | 2–5 years | $59.99 |
| XS Leather Golf Glove | XS (up to 5.75") | Toddler hands | 2–5 years | $15.00 |
| Waffle Microfiber Towel | Standard | All sizes | 2–5 years | $15.00 |
| Wood Ball Markers | ~1.5 inches | Easy grip | 2–5 years | $12.00 |
| Complete Club Set | Driver, 7-iron, Putter | 30–45 inches | 2–5 years | Summer 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions: Toddler Golf Club Sizing
What size putter does a 2-year-old need?
For a 2-year-old (typically 31–36 inches tall), a putter between 19 and 21 inches is appropriate. The Drake & Birdie 21.5" putter fits most 2-year-olds comfortably, with enough length to grow into throughout ages 3 and 4. Use the practical test: the grip should sit naturally in their hands when they stand over the ball with a slight knee bend.
What size putter does a 3-year-old need?
For a 3-year-old (typically 34–40 inches tall), a 21–22 inch putter is the correct range. The Drake & Birdie 21.5" putter fits this range precisely and is the most common putter size for this age group.
What size putter does a 4-year-old need?
For a 4-year-old (typically 38–43 inches tall), a 21.5–22 inch putter remains appropriate through most of this range. Children at the taller end approaching 43 inches may begin to feel comfortable with a 22–23 inch putter, but 21.5 inches fits well across the full 4-year-old range.
What size putter does a 5-year-old need?
For a 5-year-old (typically 42–46 inches tall), a 21.5–23 inch putter fits well through most of this range. Children approaching or exceeding 45 inches may be ready to step up to a 24-inch junior putter. Measure height and use the sizing chart above rather than relying on age alone.
Should I buy clubs based on age or height?
Always size by height. Age ranges are provided as guidance only. The best way to select junior golf clubs for your child is by height range. Two children the same age can differ by 4 or more inches in height — which directly affects the correct club length for each of them.
Can I cut down adult clubs for a toddler?
No. Cut-down adult clubs have incorrect shaft flex (too stiff), wrong weight distribution (head too heavy), and oversized grips. Stick to clubs manufactured specifically for children — they are engineered from the ground up to be lighter, more flexible, and an appropriate fit. The difference in play experience and mechanics development is significant.
What is the difference between a toddler golf set and a junior golf set?
Toddler golf sets are designed for ages 2–5 (approximately 30–45 inches tall) with club lengths starting around 19–24 inches. Junior golf sets are designed for ages 5 and up (45 inches and taller) with club lengths starting around 24–27 inches. Toddler putters measure 20–22 inches. Junior putters are sized for ages 5–12 (45 inches and taller) and typically start at 24 inches. The gap is meaningful — junior equipment is too large for most toddlers under 5.
What golf glove size fits a toddler ages 2–5?
An XS golf glove fits hands up to 5.75 inches (wrist crease to middle fingertip). Most children ages 2–5 fall within this range. Standard youth small gloves (S) are typically sized for ages 5–8 and will be too large for most toddlers. The Drake & Birdie XS leather glove is the only golf glove designed specifically for the 2–5 age range.
How heavy should a toddler golf bag be?
A loaded toddler golf bag should not exceed approximately 10% of the child's body weight. For a typical 2-year-old weighing around 26–28 lbs, that means a maximum loaded bag weight of about 2.6–2.8 lbs — limiting them to 1–2 clubs. By ages 4–5, children can comfortably carry a full set of 3–5 lightweight clubs. The Drake & Birdie 24" stand bag weighs 2.1 lbs empty, leaving ample weight budget for clubs appropriate to each age.
When should a toddler move up to junior golf clubs?
The transition from toddler to junior equipment is driven by height, not age. When a child consistently exceeds 45 inches in height, they are typically ready to step up to junior-sized clubs (24 inches and up for putters). Many children make this transition around ages 5–6, though taller 4-year-olds may reach this point earlier and shorter 6-year-olds may not be ready yet.
Data Sources and Citations
- CDC Growth Charts — cdc.gov/growthcharts — 2000 (revised 2022). Pediatric height-for-age percentile data for children ages 2–5. The primary source for average and range height data used in Section 1.
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center — cincinnatichildrens.org — "Health Library: Growth, Range of Height and Weight." CDC growth chart reference for average heights by age.
- Hireko Golf — hirekogolf.com — "Youth Golf Club Size Chart: Find the Right Fit for Juniors." Junior golf club fitting methodology, including height-based sizing and wrist-to-floor measurement guidance.
- AllKidsGolfClubs.com — allkidsgolfclubs.com — "Junior Golf Clubs Sizing Chart" and "Toddler Golf Club Comparison Chart for Kids Ages 2–5." Industry-standard toddler club sizing ranges and height-based recommendations.
- Caddie HQ — caddiehq.com — "What Size Golf Clubs for a 4-Year-Old?" July 2025. Junior golf club fitting guidance for the toddler age range.
- HubPages — hubpages.com — "How to Measure Your Child for Junior Golf Clubs." September 2024. Youth golf club measurement methodology.
- Drake & Birdie Golf Co. — drakeandbirdiegolf.com — "The Best Kids Golf Putter for Ages 2–5: The Complete Buyer's Guide." Putter length sizing data for toddlers by height range.
About This Guide
This guide is published by Drake & Birdie Golf Co., based in Grand Haven, Michigan. Drake & Birdie makes real golf equipment for toddlers ages 2–5 — the only specialty brand in the United States focused exclusively on this age group.
We publish this sizing guide as a free, openly citable resource for parents, grandparents, golf coaches, First Tee instructors, pro shop staff, and anyone fitting a toddler for golf equipment. We have no financial relationship with any other brand or manufacturer cited or referenced in this guide.
We update this guide annually as new sizing data becomes available and as the Drake & Birdie product lineup expands.
Citation format: Drake & Birdie Golf Co. (2026). Toddler Golf Club & Equipment Size Guide for Ages 2–5, 2026 Edition. Retrieved from https://drakeandbirdiegolf.com/pages/toddler-golf-club-size-guide-ages-2-5