The different clubs used in golf

A set of golf clubs typically includes all the essential clubs needed to play the game effectively across various situations and shot types on the golf course.

While the specific composition of a complete set can vary based on individual preferences, skill level, and playing style, a standard set typically consists of the following clubs:

Driver: The driver, also known as the 1-wood, is used for tee shots on par-4 and par-5 holes. It has the longest shaft and is designed to hit the ball the farthest distance off the tee.

Fairway Woods: Fairway woods, such as the 3-wood and 5-wood, are used for long-distance shots off the fairway or from the tee when the driver isn't necessary. They offer more loft than the driver, making them easier to control.

Hybrids: Hybrids, also known as rescue clubs, combine features of irons and fairway woods. They are versatile clubs used for long shots from the fairway or rough, offering forgiveness and distance. Many golfers use hybrids as a replacement for their long irons (e.g., 3-iron, 4-iron) due to the difficulty of hitting them consistently.

Irons: Irons are used for a variety of shots from the fairway, rough, or around the green. A standard set of irons typically includes numbered irons from 3 to 9.

Wedges: Wedges are specialized clubs designed for shots around the green and out of hazards. A complete set may include several wedges, each offering different degrees of loft and bounce to handle various situations.

Putter: The putter is used for rolling the ball into the hole on the green. It has a flat, angled face and is designed for precision and accuracy on short-distance putts.

back to top

When to use your woods in golf

Wood golf clubs, including the driver and fairway woods, are typically used for long shots when distance is the primary goal. Here are common situations when wood clubs are used:

Off the Tee: The driver (1-wood) is most commonly used for tee shots on par 4 and par 5 holes. Its low loft and long shaft are designed to maximize distance off the tee, allowing golfers to achieve maximum yardage to start the hole.

Long Approach Shots: Fairway woods, such as the 3-wood, 5-wood, and 7-wood, are used for long approach shots from the fairway or rough when the ball is far from the green. These clubs provide distance and loft to help golfers reach the green or position the ball closer to the hole.

Par 5 Second Shots: On par 5 holes, golfers often use fairway woods for their second shots to reach the green in two shots (known as "going for the green in two"). Fairway woods are ideal for these shots because they offer the distance needed to reach the green from long distances while still providing enough loft for accuracy.

Recovery Shots: In some situations where the ball is lying in the rough or in a challenging lie, golfers may choose to use a fairway wood for recovery shots. Fairway woods can help golfers advance the ball a significant distance while still providing enough loft to clear obstacles and reach the fairway or green.

Par 3 Tee Shots: While not as common as irons or hybrids, some golfers may choose to use a fairway wood for tee shots on longer par 3 holes where distance is required to reach the green.

Overall, wood golf clubs are best suited for long shots where distance is the primary consideration. Whether off the tee or from the fairway, wood clubs can help golfers achieve maximum distance while still providing enough loft for accuracy and control.

back to top

A breakdown of your iron golf clubs

Golf irons are numbered clubs designed for a variety of distances and shot types. They are typically used for approach shots from the fairway or rough, as well as for shots around the green. Here are the common types of golf irons:

Long Irons (2, 3, 4): Long irons have lower lofts and are designed to hit the ball long distances. They are typically used for approach shots from the fairway or rough when the ball is far from the green. Long irons require a more powerful swing and are often favored by more skilled golfers.

Mid-Irons (5, 6, 7): Mid-irons offer a balance of distance and control and are commonly used for approach shots from the fairway or rough. They are versatile clubs that can be used for a variety of distances and shot types, making them essential for most golfers.

Short Irons (8, 9, Pitching Wedge): Short irons have higher lofts than long and mid-irons and are used for approach shots from closer range. They provide accuracy and control, making them ideal for shots into the green from shorter distances. The pitching wedge is often used for full shots into the green as well as for pitch and chip shots around the green.

Other Wedges: Golf wedges are a category of clubs designed for specific types of shots around the green and from shorter distances. They feature higher lofts than irons, allowing for higher trajectory and shorter distances. Here are the common types of golf wedges.

back to top

Understanding your wedge golf clubs

Golf wedges are specialized clubs designed for short-distance shots around the green and for specific situations such as bunker play. Golfers often carry a selection of wedges in their bag to provide options for various situations encountered on the course. Each with its own loft, bounce angle, and specialty for different types of shots.

Here are the various types of golf wedges commonly used by golfers:

Pitching Wedge (PW): The pitching wedge is typically included as part of an iron set and has a loft ranging from 44 to 48 degrees. It is primarily used for approach shots from distances where a full swing is required, usually around 100 to 130 yards.

Gap Wedge (GW) or Approach Wedge (AW): The gap wedge fills the gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. It typically has a loft ranging from 50 to 54 degrees. The gap wedge is used for approach shots from mid-range distances, typically ranging from 80 to 100 yards.

Sand Wedge (SW): The sand wedge is designed for shots out of bunkers and other hazards around the green. It has a higher loft than the gap wedge, typically ranging from 54 to 58 degrees. The sand wedge is also useful for approach shots from close range and for pitch and chip shots around the green.

Lob Wedge (LW): The lob wedge has the highest loft of any wedge, typically ranging from 58 to 64 degrees. It is used for short approach shots requiring a high trajectory and for shots around the green that need to stop quickly. Lob wedges are particularly useful for shots over obstacles and for delicate shots around the green, such as flop shots.

High-Lob Wedge (HLW): Some golfers may carry a high-lob wedge, which has an even higher loft than a standard lob wedge. High-lob wedges typically have lofts of 64 degrees or higher and are designed for extreme situations where a very high trajectory and soft landing are required.

Utility Wedge (UW): The utility wedge, also known as an all-purpose wedge or gap wedge, is a versatile club designed to provide additional options for approach shots from various distances. It typically has a loft between that of a pitching wedge and a sand wedge, ranging from 48 to 54 degrees.

back to top

Understanding a golf club's loft

In golf, the loft of a club refers to the angle of the clubface relative to the vertical plane. Loft is one of the primary factors that determines the trajectory and distance of a golf shot.

A club with higher loft will launch the ball at a higher angle and with more backspin, resulting in a higher trajectory and shorter distance. Conversely, a club with lower loft will launch the ball at a lower angle and with less backspin, resulting in a lower trajectory and longer distance.

Understanding the loft of each club in your bag is essential for selecting the appropriate club for each shot based on factors such as distance, lie, and trajectory requirements. Players often use clubs with higher loft for shorter approach shots and shots around the green, while clubs with lower loft are used for longer shots off the tee or from the fairway.

back to top

The lofts and typical use for each golf club

Here's loft ranges and typical use for each type of golf club:

back to top

Average distances based on performance level

Here are the approximate average distances for each club based on typical performance levels:

back to top