If you’re new to the game of golf, you might wonder why golfers carry so many golf clubs in their bag. A player uses different types of golf clubs during a round of golf, and each has a specific purpose. Knowing how to pick a golf club can make a big difference in learning how to play and improve your game.
This article will explore the four categories of golf clubs and the different types of golf club heads in each category. Read on and learn which club to use in any situation.
The Woods
The large clubs with the bulbous-looking golf heads are called “woods.” This is because the club heads used to be made out of wood. These days, golf companies make “woods” out of titanium or some other metal alloy.
The woods are numbered 1-4, and each number corresponds to the length each club can hit your golf ball. The 1-wood is also called the Driver, and it propels the ball the farthest from a golf tee. Woods 2-4 are also called Fairway Woods because you can use them anywhere along the fairway to hit the golf ball a long distance.
The Irons
Irons are the clubs with the “metal-looking” club heads or blades. Once made from iron, these are now constructed of steel or other metal alloys. These clubs have the numbers 1-9, and each number represents how far the club can hit the ball.
As with Woods, the lower the number, the farther you can hit a golf ball with an iron. Many people use a 1-iron after their tee shot to continue hitting the golf ball toward the green, but some golfers will use the 1-iron as a driver. A 9-iron will propel the ball the shortest distance, but it is a versatile club that is perfect when you are trying to hit a ball 80-130 yards.
The Wedges (AKA Rescue Clubs)
Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a difficult situation on a golf course. If your ball lands in a sand trap, there is a special club called the Sand Wedge. This club will help you lift the ball out of the sand and back onto the fairway or green.
Typically, golfers use the Pitching Wedge to land a golf ball on the green.
The Putter
Some people consider this the most important club in your bag because it is what you use to finish the hole. Putters come in many different styles, but they are all designed to do the same thing: hit the golf ball into the hole.
Practicing your putt can make a big difference in your golf game. While many golfers focus on driving the ball a long distance, people who are great putters often win the round.
What Types of Golf Clubs Do I Need?
Most golf club sets will have some combination of Woods, Irons, Wedges, and a Putter. Not every golfer needs every wood, iron, or wedge. A basic set of clubs with a 1-Wood (Driver), a selection of irons, a pitching wedge, and a putter are the best golf clubs for a beginner.
Golf is also a game that requires some additional equipment like spiked shoes, tees, and golf balls. Golf accessories like these golf tees can help you improve your game. You insert these tees at different heights in the ground to match the type of club you are using.
Hit the Links
Now that you know all about the different types of golf clubs, you’re ready to start playing the game. Invest in a session with a golf equipment store to find the right clubs that fit your height and swing style. And consider paying for some golf lessons when you first start playing to help you understand the fundamentals of the game.
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