The Basic Types Of Golf Clubs
September 6, 2010 by teggis
An average golfer's bag contains a variety of distinct clubs, each designed with a specific purpose in mind for playing. Not only will the newbie to golf need to learn the names of these clubs, but will need to learn how to use each to be able to play effectively. Studying about the different types of clubs, their construction and function will give you a heads start on learning the game.
The names of the typical golf clubs used in the game of golf are: woods, wedges, irons and a putter. Woods are used to hit the ball long distances on the golf course. One of its main features is its deep clubhead which, contrary to its name, is made out of steel or a titanium alloy, not wood. The name "woods" came about because in the past the clubheads were made out of wood and the name stuck.
The woods category of clubs consists of a driver (also called 1-wood) and one or two fairway woods (more commonly a 3-wood and/or 5-wood). The driver is probably the most difficult club for a new golf player to master due to it being the longest of all the clubs (45 inches long) which makes it difficult to control when taking a swing at the ball.
The number given to both the woods and irons (3-wood, 5-wood, etc.) indicate the distance and height a ball can be hit by that particular club. Fairway woods are constructed progressive in nature beginning at 3-wood and continuing upwards to 4-wood, 5-wood, etc. with the 3-wood producing less loft than the number following, hence its projectory would be greater. A 3-wood fairway is the second longest club a golfer will use. The head of the 3-wood is much smaller than a driver head, and the length of the club gets progressively shorter. In fact, it is suggested beginner golfers use a fairway wood when starting the game as opposed to a driver, as the fairways are easier to control. Though all this may sound confusing now, once you are on the fairway and beginning to actually practice with your clubs, it will all come into perspective.
The third club type in your set is called the irons, which coincides with the metal construction of its clubhead. The clubheads of irons today are mostly made out of steel, are thin and have grooved faces. There are various styles of irons you can use depending on whether you are a novice player or a more advanced one. The iron style for beginners is known as cavity back and is designed with features that will benefit beginners as they learn to play the game.
Last but not least are the wedges and the putter. Wedges are specialized irons. They are used mainly to maintain accuracy when hitting shorter shots as close to the flagged pole as you can. Sometimes they are referred to as scoring clubs. Wedges often come as a 3 club set; however for beginners the main club to learn to use is the pitching wedge. The other two clubs in the set - the gap and lob wedges - are geared more for experienced players.
Putters are made to use when the ball is on the green, to attempt to hit the ball into the hole. There are quite a few varieties of putters available on the market, more so than any other club. Choosing a putter is a matter of personal choice and preference. Generally they come in three styles and three lengths. Trying various styles to find one you feel comfortable with would probably be your best bet when deciding on which style to use.
