The number of golf clubs you need depends on your skill level and budget. As a beginner, you only need a core set of clubs to develop your skills, stance, and swing. A typical beginner set includes a driver, putter, and a sand wedge, as well as a 6-iron, 8-iron, pitching wedge, and a fairway wood or hybrid with 18-21 degrees loft. This set of clubs is enough to get you started and refine your skills. As you improve, you can invest in more clubs later.

The maximum number of clubs allowed under USGA rules is 14, but you might only use 6-8 during a round. Experienced golfers may have a full complement of clubs because they know what each one does and how to use each one. However, for a beginner, a total of 8 clubs is plenty to get started.

In summary, as a beginner, you need a driver, putter, sand wedge, 6-iron, 8-iron, pitching wedge, and a fairway wood or hybrid with 18-21 degrees loft. As you improve, you can invest in more clubs later.