Different Types Of Golf Clubs & When To Use Them

Golf clubs are used to hit the golf ball in order to score a point. There are different types of golf clubs each with their own specific purpose. For example a driver is used to hit the ball long distances while a putter is used for short precise shots. It is important to choose the right golf club for each shot as this can make a big difference in the outcome of the shot.

Golf is a sport that requires precision and accuracy. In order to play the game well, it is important to choose the right golf club for each shot. There are different types of golf clubs, each with its own purpose. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the different types of golf clubs and when to use them.

Different types of golf clubs and when to use them

The driver – for long, straight shots.

The driver is the longest and most powerful club in your golf bag, and is designed for hitting the ball over long distances. It has a large head and a long shaft, and is often used on the tee box to hit your first shot of the hole. Drivers typically have a loft angle between 8 and 15 degrees, and the sweet spot is located on the face of the club. When hit properly, a driver can provide you with amazing distance off the tee.

However, if you don’t make contact with the sweet spot, you will likely see a big slice or hook in your shot.

The woods – for longer fairway shots.

Woods are similar to drivers in that they are designed for hitting the ball over long distances; however, they have shorter shafts and smaller heads than drivers. They also have less loft than drivers, which gives them more accuracy but less distance.

Woods are typically used when you are trying to hit the ball straight down the fairway from a distance of 200 yards or more. Some common woods include 3-woods and 5-woods, which are often used by beginner golfers because they are easier to hit than longer woods like 7-woods and 9-woods.

They are typically used when the ball is lying on the ground in the fairway and they are often used to tee off on par-three holes. Fairway woods have a much larger head than irons making them easier to hit and they also have a lower loft which gives the ball more distance. The most important thing to remember when using a fairway wood is to keep your head down and swing through the ball.

Different types of golf fairway woods and when to use them.

3-wood

It is most commonly used for long, straight shots from the tee or fairway, but can also be used for approach shots and even short chip shots around the green.

5-wood

The 5-wood is similar to the 3-wood, but is slightly shorter and has a more lofted head. This makes it better suited for longer fairway shots, as well as approach shots into greens. It can also be useful for those tricky second shots from the rough.

7-wood

The 7-wood is the longest of the fairway woods and is typically only used by more experienced golfers. It can be difficult to hit accurately, but when it connects well it can produce some of the longest and straightest drives. It is most commonly used off of the tee, but can also be helpful for approach shots into long par 4s and par 5s.

The Irons – for shorter shots.

Irons have shorter shafts than woods and drivers, and their heads are made of metal (hence their name). They also have less loft than woods and drivers, which makes them more accurate but less forgiving if you don’t make contact with the sweet spot on the face of the club.

Irons are typically used when you are trying to hit the ball from a distance of 150 yards or less. Some common irons include 3-irons, 4-irons, 5-irons, 6-irons, 7-irons, 8-irons, and 9-irons; each one gets progressively shorter as it becomes easier to hit (and therefore more accurate).

They are also used to hit the ball in a more controlled manner than woods which makes them ideal for approach shots and shots from the rough.

Wedges are a type of iron that is designed for very short shots around the green (more on these later).

Different types of golf irons and when to use them.

Long irons

The long irons, which include the 1-iron, 2-iron, and 3-iron, are the hardest clubs to hit. They have the smallest clubfaces and the least amount of loft, making them difficult to get airborne. The long irons are typically used by low-handicap golfers who can hit them consistently.

Mid irons

The mid irons, which include the 4-iron, 5-iron, and 6-iron, are slightly easier to hit than the long irons but are still challenging for most golfers. They have slightly larger clubfaces and more loft than the long irons, making them easier to get in the air. The mid irons are typically used by golfers of all skill levels when they need to hit a longer shot that doesn’t require a lot of height.

Short irons

The short irons, which include the 7-iron, 8-iron, 9-iron, and pitching wedge, are much easier to hit than the long and mid irons. They have large clubfaces and high loft angles, making them ideal for getting the ball in the air with a high trajectory. The short irons are typically used by golfers of all skill levels for approach shots and around the green.

Read: Increase distance in golf Irons

The wedges – for even shorter shots

Wedges have even shorter shafts than regular irons and their heads also have more loft angle, which gives them more height but less distance. Wedges are primarily used around greenside areas such as bunker s or when trying to get out of tough lies in thick rough. There are many different types of wedges available including pitching wedges, gap wedges, sand wedges, lob wedges, etc., each designed for specific situations.

Different types of golf wedges and when to use them.

Pitching Wedge: 46° – 50° (for men), 48° – 52° (for women)

Gap Wedge: 50° – 54° (for men), 52° – 56° (for women)

Approach Wedge: 54° – 58° (for men), 56° – 60° (for women)

Sand Wedge: 58° – 62° (for men), 60° – 64° (for women)

Lob Wedge: 62° – 64° (for men), 64° – 66° (for women)

Sand wedge

The sand wedge is one of the most versatile clubs in a golfer’s bag. It can be used for a variety of shots around the green, as well as from bunkers. The club’s loft and weighting make it ideal for getting out of tight lies and hitting high, soft shots.

Lob wedge

The lob wedge is the highest-lofted club in a golfer’s bag, and is designed for one thing – hitting the ball high into the air. It can be used for full shots into greens, as well as from around the green when you need to stop the ball quickly. The club’s loft makes it difficult to hit long, accurate shots, so it’s usually only used when you’re close to the green.

Ultra Lob wedges / Flop Wedge

Ultra lob wedges, also known as flop wedges, are designed for one thing – hitting extremely high shots that stop quickly on the green. They have very little roll once they land, making them ideal for Shots over bunkers and other obstacles. These wedges typically have 60-64 degrees of loft, making them the highest-lofted clubs in a golfer’s bag.

Pitching wedge

The pitching wedge is one of the most versatile clubs in a golfer’s bag. It can be used for a variety of full shots, as well as from around the green when you need to stop the ball quickly. The club’s loft makes it difficult to hit long, accurate shots, so it’s usually only used when you’re close to the green.

Approach wedge

The approach wedge is one of the most versatile clubs in a golfer’s bag. It can be used for a variety of shots, from full swings to delicate chips around the green. When choosing an approach wedge, it is important to consider the loft, bounce angle, and club head size. The loft should be between 50 and 60 degrees, and the bounce angle should be between 8 and 12 degrees. The club head should be smaller than a standard iron but larger than a pitching wedge.

The putter – for tapping the ball into the hole.

Putter heads come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one purpose: to roll the ball along the ground until it reaches the hole. Putters have very short shafts and are used from anywhere on the green, as well as from off the green when you are within 20 yards or so of the hole.

Putters are designed to have a minimal amount of loft so that they will not “pop” the ball up into the air; rather, they should just barely make contact with the ball in order to get it rolling.

Different types of golf Putters and when to use them.

Blade putter

A blade putter is the traditional type of putter, and features a flat surface with no slope. It is generally considered the most difficult type of putter to use, as it requires a very steady hand and a great deal of skill to keep the ball on course. Blade putters are best suited for experienced golfers who have developed a good sense of touch.

Mallet putter

Mallet putters are larger than blade putters and feature a raised central area, known as the ‘sweet spot’. This gives the golfer more forgiveness if they don’t hit the ball perfectly in the center, as there is less chance of the ball veering off course. Mallet putters are a good choice for beginners or those with a moderate level of experience.

Semi mallet putter

Semi-mallet putters are somewhere between blade and mallet putters in terms of size and design. They usually have a small raised area in the center, like a mallet putter, but not to the same extent. This makes them slightly easier to use than blade putters but still requires a good degree of skill and accuracy. Semi-mallet putters are suitable for those with some experience who want more control than what a mallet can offer without sacrificing too much forgiveness.

Face-balanced Putter

Face-balanced Putter has its weight distributed evenly around the perimeter of the head, making it easier to keep on line during your stroke without twisting at impact. If you have trouble keeping your blade Putter on line because you tend to rotate your wrists through impact, then this type of Putter may help you become more consistent on your strokes. Face-balanced Putters are also better for golfers who make very little arc in their putting strokes (i.e., “straight back and straight through”).

Toe-hang putter

A toe hang putter is a type of golf club designed to help golfers create a more consistent putting stroke. It has an unusual shape, with the shaft attached to the head of the putter at a 90-degree angle and the toe of the club pointing up towards the sky. This design helps golfers keep their wrists in check as they swing back and through, resulting in a smoother, more controlled stroke. Toe hang putters are ideal for players who struggle with controlling their wrists and want to improve their accuracy on short puts.

Read: Can you change putter insert?

The Hybrids

A hybrid is a cross between an iron and a fairway wood. It has the head of an iron and the body of a fairway wood. The idea behind hybrids was to give golfers a club that was easier to hit than an iron, but with more control than a fairway wood.

You can use a hybrid in any situation where you would use an iron, but they are especially useful when you are hitting from the rough or from the tee on a par 3.

Hybrid clubs are typically used for shots that are too long for an iron but too short for a fairway wood. They can also be used for approach shots or even tee shots on shorter holes.

The best way to choose the right hybrid for you is to go to your local golf shop and get fitted. The professional there will be able to help you find the right club for your swing.

The Chippers

A chipper is a short-handled, high-lofted club that is used to chip the ball onto the green.

You should use a chipper when you are just off the green and need to get the ball up in the air quickly so it lands softy on the green and stops close to the hole.

Again, the best way to choose the right chipper for you is to go to your local golf shop and get fitted by a professional. They will be able to help you find the right club for your swing.

Golf Club Constructions

Shaft

The shaft is the long, thin part of the club that extends from the grip to the club head. Shafts are usually made from steel or graphite, and they come in a variety of lengths, diameters, and flexes (how much they bend when you swing). The type of shaft you choose should be based on your height, strength, and swing speed.

There are different types of shafts available in the market. Each type of shaft is designed to provide a different level of performance. The three most common types of shafts are steel graphite and titanium.

Steel shafts are the heaviest and most durable type of shaft. Graphite shafts are lighter than steel and are designed to provide more power and distance. Titanium shafts are the lightest type of shaft and are designed to provide the highest level of performance.

Read: How to bend a putter shaft?

Grip

The grip is the part of the club you hold onto while swinging. It’s usually made from rubber or synthetic material, and it can have different textures (smooth, ribbed, etc.) to help you keep a firm grip on the club. The size of the grip should be based on the size of your hands – if it’s too small or too large, it will be difficult to control your shots.

Hosel

The hosel is the part of the club where the shaft attaches to the club head. The design of the hosel can affect things like how far the ball flies and how much spin it has when hit.

It’s also sometimes called the “neck.” The hosel plays a major role in how the club will perform. It affects the club’s weight distribution which in turn affects the club’s balance swing weight and moment of inertia. It also determines the club’s lie angle and loft. In short the hosel is a very important part of the golf club!

Club Head

The club head is the heaviest part of the club, and it’s where most of the mass is concentrated. The weight of the club-head is what gives the golf club its power. It’s important to choose a club head that’s well-balanced and aerodynamic so that it doesn’t slow down your swing speed too much. The size and shape of the club head can also affect things like trajectory and forgiveness (how likely it is for shots to go off-course).

Ferrule

The ferrule is a small ring that joins together two pieces of metal or composite material in order to create a stronger connection. In golf clubs, ferrules are often used to join together the shaft and club head.

Types of golf clubs according to Manufacturing Process and when to use them

Casting – Cast clubs

Casting golf clubs is the most common manufacturing method used today. In this process, molten metal is poured into a mold, which shapes the club head. Once the metal has cooled and hardened, the club head is then removed from the mold.

The advantages of casting are that it is less expensive than other methods, and it allows for more intricate designs. Another advantage of casting is that it allows for complex shapes to be made with relative ease.

The downside to casting is that there can be imperfections in the club head, which can affect its performance. Another downside of casting is that the finished product is not as strong as a forged club.

Some popular types of cast clubs include:

• Driver
• Woods
• Irons
• Wedges

When deciding which golf clubs to use, it is important to consider the type of shots you will be taking. If you need more distance, then cast clubs are a better option.

Forging – Forged clubs

Forging golf clubs is a more labor-intensive process than casting, but it results in a higher quality product. In this process, a piece of metal is heated until it is malleable, and then pounded into shape by hand. This creates a denser club head that is less likely to have imperfections.

Forging is a manufacturing process in which metal is heated and shaped using tools. The advantage of forging is that it produces a stronger club than casting.

The downside to forging is that it is more expensive and time-consuming than casting, and not all designs can be achieved through this process. Some popular types of forged clubs include:

• Irons
• Wedges
• Putter

When deciding which golf clubs to use, it is important to consider the type of shots you will be taking. If you need more accuracy, then forged clubs are a better choice.

Cast clubs vs Forged clubs

Cast clubs are made by pouring molten metal into a mold. Forged clubs are made by taking a piece of metal and pounding it into shape. The advantage of forged clubs is that they can be made to tighter tolerances so the weight and balance of each club can be more precisely controlled. This gives the golfer more consistency from one club to the next. Cast clubs are generally less expensive to produce so they are usually less expensive for the consumer.

What Golf Club to Use for Each Shot?

Now that we know the different types of golf clubs, it’s time to learn when to use each one. Depending on the shot you’re trying to make, you will need to select the appropriate club. Here is a guide on what golf club to use for each shot.

The driver, also known as the number 1 wood, is the longest and most powerful club in a golfer’s bag. It is used to hit the ball the farthest off the tee. The driver is made of a large head and a long shaft, which makes it difficult to control. For this reason, it is important for golfers to use a driver that fits their swing.

The woods are also known as fairway woods because they are designed for shots from the fairway or rough. They have shorter shafts than drivers and are more forgiving, making them easier to hit. Woods are available in different loft angles, which determines how high or low the ball will fly. Golfers should carry at least one wood in their bag (usually a 3-wood or 5-wood) to use for longer shots.

Irons are clubs with metal heads that are used for shots from the fairway or rough. They have shorter shafts than woods and come in different loft angles to produce different shot heights. Irons can be categorized by their number (3-iron, 4-iron, etc.) or by their function (driving iron, approach iron, etc.). Most golfers carry several irons in their bag to use for different situations.

Wedges are specialized irons that are used for short shots around the green. They have higher loft angles than other irons, which causes the ball to stop quickly when it hits the ground. Wedges are available in different types, such as pitching wedges and sand wedges. Golfers usually carry two or three wedges in their bag to use for different situations.

The putter is the club that is used to tap the ball into the hole on the green. It has a flat face and a short shaft, which makes it easy to control. Putters come in different designs, such as blade putters, mallet putters and two-way putters. Many golfers have multiple putters so they can choose one that fits their stroke best.

Essential golf clubs to have in your bag

Driver

The driver is the longest and most powerful club in the golfer’s bag, and is used to hit the ball the farthest. A good drive can leave the ball in position for an easy approach shot, or even a chance at birdie.

Fairway woods

Fairway woods are slightly shorter and lighter than drivers, and are used for shots from the fairway or rough. These clubs are designed to be more forgiving than drivers, making them a good choice for golfers who are just starting out.

Irons

Irons are shorter than woods and are used for a variety of different shots, from approach shots to tee shots. They vary in loft, which determines how high or low the ball will fly. Golfers typically carry 3-9 irons in their bag, depending on their skill level.

Wedges

Wedges are shorter than irons and have more loft, making them ideal for shots around the green. They can also be used for tee shots on short holes or for approach shots on long holes. Golfers typically carry two wedges in their bag: a pitching wedge and a sand wedge.

Putter

The putter is the shortest club in the golfer’s bag and is used exclusively for putting. It is important to find a putter that feels comfortable in your hands, as this will help you make smoother strokes and improve your accuracy on the greens.

Selecting Golf Clubs Based on Loft

The loft of a golf club is the angle between the club’s face and the horizontal plane. The loft angle determines how high the ball will travel and how much backspin it will have. Higher lofted clubs are used for shorter shots, while lower lofted clubs are used for longer shots. There are many different factors to consider when selecting golf clubs based on loft, including the type of shot you want to hit, the lie of the ball, and the wind conditions.

Teeing off

When teeing off, you will want to use a club with less loft to maximize distance. If you are looking to hit a straight shot, then choose a club with more loft. The increased loft will help keep your ball on target.

Approach shots

Approach shots are typically played from within 100 yards of the green. For these shots, you will want to select a club with more loft in order to get the ball up in the air quickly and stop it close to the hole. Wedges are often used for approach shots as they have high lofts and can create a lot of backspin.

Putt

When putting, you will want to use a club with very little loft in order to minimize sidespin on your ball. A blade putter is often used for this as it has very little offset and creates less friction with the turf when striking the ball.

Selecting Golf Clubs Based on Club-head

Choosing the right golf clubs is a delicate balance of selecting the ones with the best club-head design for your swing, as well as considering the overall weight and size of each club.

When selecting based on club-head design, it is important to consider features such as head shape and size, face angle, loft angle, and kick point. It’s also important to take into account how each of these features will affect your swing dynamics and ball flight. Taking all these factors into consideration can help you determine which clubs are best suited for your game.

Selecting golf clubs based on club-head can be an important part of your golf game. The club-head is the part of the club that strikes the ball, so it’s important to choose one that fits your playing style and swing. When choosing a club-head, look for one with the right size, weight, and material to suit your game.

Smaller heads are great for distance control while larger ones provide more power. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you select a head made from a durable material that won’t crack or bend over time. With careful consideration and practice, you can find the perfect club-head for your game.

There are many other factors that go into making this decision, including your budget and level of experience. You’ll want to evaluate the materials used in the club-head construction such as titanium, steel or graphite, as well as the weight, size and loft of each club.

Additionally, consider what type of face design works best for you: a shallow or deep face, or an offset-style head. Once you’ve narrowed down these factors and chosen a club head that appeals to your needs, you can begin looking for clubs that fit within your budget.

The type of club-head you choose will determine the trajectory, spin, and distance of your shots. For example, a driver club-head has a large head that provides more power and distance but less accuracy than an iron or wedge. Meanwhile, an iron has a smaller head that provides more accuracy than a driver but not as much power and distance. When selecting golf clubs based on club-head, it’s important to consider what kind of shot you want to make before making your purchase.

Selection of Golf Clubs Based on 3 Basic Shots

Teeing Off

The best golf club for teeing off is a driver. The driver has the longest shaft and the largest club head, making it the most powerful club in your bag. It’s also the most difficult to control, so it’s important to practice with it before using it on the course. When teeing off, you should aim for the fairway, and try to hit the ball as close to the center of the club face as possible.

Just make sure that you tee the ball up high enough so that the club can reach it. If you are having trouble hitting the ball with your driver, try using a 3-wood or 5-wood instead. These clubs are slightly shorter and easier to hit than a driver.

Approach Shots

Approach shots are shots that are made from the fairway towards the green. Approach shots are typically made with an iron, although a wood or hybrid can be used if you’re hitting from further away. The key with approach shots is accuracy, so choose a club that you’re confident you can hit well. If you’re unsure, err on the side of a shorter club rather than a longer one. You don’t want to end up in a hazard because you were too ambitious!

If you are close to the green, you will want to use a short iron like a 9-iron or pitching wedge. If you are further away from the green, you will want to use a long iron like a 2-iron or 3-iron.

Read: Why do you hit your 3-wood further than a driver?

Putt

The putter is the only club that is meant specifically for putting, and there are many different types to choose from. It’s important to select a putter that feels comfortable in your hands, as this will help you make a smooth stroke. Face-balanced putters are good for beginners, as they’re easier to control than toe-hang putters. Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference – experiment with different types of putters until you find one that works for you.

To make a putt, simply line up your putter with the ball and tap it lightly so that it rolls into the hole. Remember, take your time with this shot and don’t hit too hard!

Gender Factors For Choosing Golf Clubs

When choosing golf clubs, it is important to take into account the different physical characteristics of men and women. Women are typically shorter and have less upper body strength than men. This means that they will need clubs with shorter shafts and lighter clubheads.

They also tend to have higher swing speeds, so they will need clubs with more loft to get the same distance as a man with a slower swing speed. In general, women should choose clubs that are one or two degrees higher in loft than the equivalent club for a man.

Golf club Regulations

Golf clubs are regulated by the USGA and have certain specifications that they must meet in order to be used in competitive play. The regulations governing golf clubs are intended to ensure that all players have a fair chance of success and that no single player has an unfair advantage over another.

There are several key aspects of golf club regulation, including:

The size of the club head: The maximum allowable size for a club head is 460cc. This rule was put in place to prevent manufacturers from creating driver heads that were excessively large and would give players an unfair advantage.

The weight of the club: Clubs must weigh no more than 1.62kg (3.5 pounds). This rule is in place to ensure that clubs are not too heavy or too light, as either could give a player an unfair advantage.

The length of the shaft: The maximum length for a golf club shaft is 48 inches (122cm). This rule exists to prevent players from using excessively long clubs, which would give them an unfair advantage over shorter players.

The flexibility of the shaft: Shafts must have a minimum flexibility of 55 on the stiffness scale. This rule is in place to prevent manufacturers from making excessively stiff or flexible shafts, which would give players an unfair advantage.

Golf clubs must also conform to other rules regarding their construction, such as the use of certain materials and the allowed dimensions of various parts of the club. These rules are designed to ensure that all clubs are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and that they meet the same standards regardless of who manufactures them.

Golf Club Manufacturing Process

Different golf clubs are manufactured using different processes. The two main methods are casting and forging.

Casting is a process where molten metal is poured into a mold and allowed to cool. This method is typically used for irons and woods. Forging is a process where the club head is hammered or pressed into shape. This method is typically used for wedges and putters.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. Cast clubs are typically less expensive to produce, but they can be more prone to flaws and inconsistencies. Forged clubs tend to be more expensive, but they offer better performance and feel.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference which type of club you prefer. If you’re just starting out, cast clubs may be the way to go. But if you’re looking for the best possible performance, forged clubs are the way to go.

How long should my golf clubs be?

The length of your golf clubs is an important factor in your game. The wrong length can lead to inconsistency and a loss of power. The right length, on the other hand, will help you get the most out of your swing and improve your accuracy.

There are a few things to consider when choosing the length of your golf clubs.

• First, you need to take into account your height and build. If you are tall or have long arms, you will need longer clubs.
• Conversely, if you are shorter or have shorter arms, you will need shorter clubs. Second, you need to consider your swing. A powerful swing requires longer clubs, while a more controlled swing requires shorter clubs.
• Finally, you need to consider the type of shot you want to hit. Longer clubs are better for straight shots, while shorter clubs are better for shots that require more control.

Now that we’ve gone over the factors to consider when choosing the length of your golf clubs, let’s talk about how to choose the right length for each club.

• For driver and fairway woods, it is generally recommended that you use a club that is 1-2 inches longer than your normal club length.
• For irons, it is recommended that you use a club that is 1/2 inch longer than your normal club length for each additional iron (so 2 inches longer for a 3-iron, 2 1/2 inches longer for a 4-iron, etc.).
• For wedges, it is generally recommended that you use a club that is 1/2 inch shorter than your normal club length for each additional wedge (so 2 inches shorter for a pitching wedge, 2 1/2 inches shorter for a gap wedge, etc.).
• And finally, for putters, it is recommended that you use a putter that is the same length as your normal iron length.

Keep in mind that these are just general recommendations. Ultimately, the best way to determine the right lengths for your golf clubs is to get fitted by a professional at a local golf shop or driving range. They will be able to take into account all of the factors mentioned above and find the perfect lengths for your game.

Conclusion…

As you can see, there are many different types of golf clubs available, each designed for a specific purpose. When choosing which clubs to use, it is important to consider the type of shot you want to make, as well as your own personal strengths and weaknesses. With a little practice and experimentation, you will soon find the perfect set of clubs for your game.