Different Types Of Golf Clubs – A Comprehensive Guide

by Alvin Daniel
Types Of Golf Clubs

What Types of Golf Clubs Are There?

Woods

honma fairway wood

Honma Fairway Wood

Woods golf clubs are an essential part of any golfer’s bag. These clubs, including the driver and fairway woods, are often called “woods”. Although the name suggests that the clubheads are made of wood, they are now commonly constructed from graphite, titanium, or stainless steel materials. With their large, hollow heads and lengthy shafts, woods are designed for maximum distance and speed.

They are particularly useful for long shots like those played from the teeing ground. While the strategy for using woods can vary depending on the golfer’s skill level and individual preferences, these clubs are universally recognized as key tools for any player looking to improve their game.

Irons

PXG Iron

PXG Iron

Irons are the commonly used clubs in golf and usually feature shorter shafts and smaller club heads than woods. They are made of either steel or graphite, with the former being a heavier option but providing greater control over shots. Irons range from 2- to 9-irons.

The various numbered irons are used to hit shots of different distances, with higher-numbered clubs generating shorter distances than lower-numbered ones. Irons also offer players more accuracy as they can be manipulated to aim at specific targets more easily than woods can. They are commonly used during mid and short-range shots on the fairway.

Wedges

Wedge golf clubs

Pitching, Gap, Sand & Lob Wedges

Wedges are a special type of golf club designed to help players execute specific shots. They can be divided into four main categories: pitching wedges, sand wedges, gap wedges and lob wedges. Pitching wedges are the most basic and have the shortest shafts, with lofts typically between 45 and 48 degrees.

Sand wedges are specially designed to help players hit shots out of sand bunkers. They typically have higher lofts, wider soles and thicker club heads than pitching wedges. Gap wedges are a hybrid of pitching and sand wedges and usually feature lofts somewhere in the middle (between 50 and 56 degrees). Finally, lob wedges are designed for making high-arcing shots with maximum spin. Their lofts range from 58 to 64 degrees.

Wedges can be used to hit shots from a variety of distances, but they are particularly useful for executing short-game shots such as chips and pitches. They can also be used to hit shots that require a high degree of spin, such as recovery shots from the rough or out of bunkers.

Putters

Putter Golf Clubs

Putter Golf Clubs

Putters are the most specialized type of golf club and are designed for use on the putting green. They usually feature shorter shafts than other clubs, as well as a flat face which helps to ensure more consistent contact with the ball. Putters come in many different styles, from traditional blade putters to modern oversized mallets.

The most basic type of putter is the blade putter, which features a shallow face and rounded heel that allow for easy alignment. Mallet putters are larger than blades and feature various types of alignment aids to help players line up their shots more easily. Other specialized putters include belly putters, long putters and center-shafted putters.

Putters are used exclusively for putting, which is the act of rolling a golf ball along the ground toward the hole. They can be used to hit putts from both short and long distances with great accuracy.

Hybrids

honma hybrid club

Honma Hybrid Club

Hybrids are a type of golf club that combines the features of woods and irons to help players hit shots with maximum accuracy. They typically feature longer shafts than irons, as well as wider soles for increased forgiveness on off-center hits. Hybrids come in different lofts, from 2-hybrid through 4-hybrid, 5-hybrid, etc.

Hybrids are designed to be used from a variety of distances, from tee shots to mid-range approach shots and even some short-game shots. They offer players more versatility than either woods or irons, as their unique design allows for greater control on long distance and higher lofted shots. Hybrids can also be easier to hit for beginners than irons, as their sole design can help reduce side spin and increase distance.

To help you easily distinguish between different types of golf clubs, we have compiled the characteristics of each type in the comparison table below

Club Type Club Face Loft Club Length Club Number Intended Use
Fairway Woods 15 – 25 degrees 43 inches 3,5,7 woods useful for long shots
Driver 9 – 12.5 degrees 45 inches non-numbered used for long shots
Wedges Pitching: 42-47 degrees

Gap or Approach: 48-53 degrees

Sand: 54-59 degrees

Lob: 59-64 degrees

35 inches non-numbered special shots
Putters 3 – 5 degrees 30 – 32 inches non-numbered putting green
Iron 15 – 43 degrees 35 inches 2 -9 irons mid-and short-range shots
Hybrids 18 – 26 degrees 37 – 40 inches 2 – 5 Hybrids design for greater control on long distance and higher lofted shots

Why Are There Different Types Of Golf Clubs?

Golf clubs are designed to help players hit shots with a variety of distances, trajectories and spin levels. Different types of clubs offer different levels of control and performance, enabling players to tailor their shots according to the type of golf courses they are playing or the particular shot they want to execute.

Woods, irons, wedges, putters and hybrids each have their own unique characteristics, making them suitable for specific types of shots or courses. By having a variety of clubs available, players can choose the right tools to help them achieve maximum performance on the course.  Ultimately, different types of clubs allow golfers to customize their game based on their individual needs and preferences.

Author

  • Alvin Daniel

    Hello everyone, I'm Alvin Daniel. I was born in the Philippines and came to the United States when I was 16 years old. I started playing golf at that age and have loved it ever since. I turned professional when I was 21 and have been working as a golf instructor and guide ever since. My goal is to help everyone know more about this great game of golf. And, hopefully, through my instruction, they can improve their skills and enjoy the game even more.

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