What Types of Golf Clubs Are There?
Woods
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
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
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
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
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.
