Different Types of Golf Clubs

What Are the Different Types of Golf Clubs

The rules of golf state that a player is allowed to carry as many as 14 clubs on the course during a game. But what clubs should you choose? When shopping for clubs, you may be a bit overwhelmed by all of the current choices on the market.

To better decide what you need for the best golf game possible, it is necessary to understand the different types of golf clubs. There are five main categories of clubs available. Below is an explanation of each category.

1. Iron Clubs

What are the 4 main types of clubs in golf?

Iron clubs (also called “Irons”) are commonly used for short shots, as well as shots approaching the greens. Irons typically range in length from 36 inches (90 centimeters) to 40 inches (100 centimeters).

The club heads on irons are usually flat and are completely solid. Lofts range anywhere from sixteen to sixty degrees. “Short Irons” have higher lofts and are typically used for difficult shots or those that are approaching a green.

“Long Irons” have lower lofts and are great for fairway play. A complete set of Irons will consist of a 3-Iron, 4-Iron, 5-Iron, 6-Iron, 7-Iron, 8-Iron, and a 9-Iron. 1-Irons and 2-Irons are also available, but are not generally used due to their low lofts.

2. Wood Clubs

different Types of golf clubs and uses

 Of all the different types of golf clubs, wood clubs (also called “Woods”) are some of the most commonly used. Often used for longer shots than Irons, Woods are generally used for long-distance shots, such as on the fairway or for tee shots.

Woods have large heads and are somewhat rounded in shape.

The bottom of the club head is slightly flat so that it does not dig in to the green. Woods were originally made of wood, however modern day versions are made of hollow steel or titanium, and are often filled with a foam material. Since Woods are designed for long shots, lofts range from six to twenty-six degrees.

There are three main types of woods: drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. Drivers are the largest and most lofted woods, and are typically used for tee shots. Fairway woods are slightly smaller than drivers and have more loft than hybrids, making them better for shots from the fairway. Hybrids are designed to combine the best features of irons and woods, making them ideal for shots from difficult lies, such as in the rough.

How to Choose Wood Golf Clubs

Here are some tips on how to choose a wood golf club:

  1. Decide which type of wood club is right for you. Drivers are best for players with good swing speeds who can hit the ball far. Fairway woods are good for players who want more forgiveness and hybrids are good for players who want more control.
  2. Choose the right  length for you. Most woods are available in standard,  senior and ladies’ lengths.
  3. Choose the right flex. Woods are available in a variety of flexes to accommodate different swing speeds.
  4. Choose the right grip size. Woods are available in a variety of grip sizes to accommodate different hand sizes.
  5. Decide on a head design. There are many different head designs to choose from, so find one that fits your playing style.
  6. Decide on a shaft material. Woods are available with graphite or steel shafts. 
  7. Decide on a price. Woods range in price from $50 to $500.

3. Putters

The putter is the most important club in a golfer’s bag. It is used on the green to sink short putts. The putter is the club used on the green to hit the ball into the hole. It is typically used to make short, controlled strokes to roll the ball into the hole. 

There are many types of putters, each designed for a different type of shot. Some putters have a curved blade that makes it easier to roll the ball over long distances. Others have a flat blade that is better for making short, accurate strokes.

Most golfers use a putter for their first shot on the green, and then use a different club for their second shot. 

Putters are also used to make “layups” on the green. A layup is when you hit the ball close to the hole, but not in it. This allows you to make your next shot from a closer distance. 

Putters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, typically have a very short shaft, and low loft.

How to Pick a Putter

There are a few things you need to take into account when choosing a putter. The first is the weight of the putter. You don’t want something that is too heavy or too light. The weight should feel comfortable in your hands. You also want to make sure that the putter has a good feel. This means that you should be able to control the putter and make smooth strokes.

The next thing to look at is the loft of the putter. The loft is the angle of the blade in relation to the ground. A higher loft will help you get the ball up in the air, while a lower loft will help you get the ball rolling faster. You also want to consider the alignment of the putter. This refers to how straight the putter lines up with your target.

Finally, you need to think about your budget. There are a variety of different putters available, and they range in price from affordable to expensive. You should be able to find one that fits your budget and meets your needs. 

What Type of Putter Should I Use?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best type of putter for you will depend on your own individual putting stroke and preferences. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a putter.

First, you should consider the type of putter head. There are three main types of putters – blade, mallet, and cavity back. Blade putters have a thin head and a rounded sole, whereas mallet putters have a thick head and a flatter sole. Cavity back putters have a larger sweet spot and are more forgiving on off-center shots.

Second, you should think about the weight and length of the putter. A heavier putter will typically be more forgiving than a lighter one, and a longer putter will give you more control over your shots.

Finally, you should try out different types of putters to see which one feels the most comfortable and  accurate for you. 


4. Wedges

Wedges are Irons that have a loft of more than fifty degrees. There are many different types of wedges in golf clubs. The most common wedges are the pitching wedge, the sand wedge, and the lob wedge. Wedges are designed to help players get out of difficult situations and to improve their accuracy around the green.

  • Pitching wedges are very much like other Irons and have lofts of forty-five to forty-eight degrees. It is a versatile club that can be used for a variety of shots. It has a wide sole that helps it to glide through the turf and a high degree of loft that helps to lift the ball into the air. 
  • Sand wedges have special undersides for hitting shots from bunkers and roughs, and have lofts of fifty-four to fifty-eight degrees. The sand wedge is perfect for getting out of bunkers and other sand traps. It has a wide sole that helps to spread the impact over a large area, and a high degree of bounce that helps it to stay in contact with the ground.
  • Lob wedges have very high lofts to hit shots directly from sand, and have lofts of fifty-eight to sixty-two degrees. The lob wedge is ideal for hitting short shots over obstacles and for landing the ball softly on the green. It has a  low degree of loft  that helps the ball to stay low to the ground.

Wedges are an important part of every golfer’s bag, and it is important to choose the right wedges for your game. Be sure to experiment with different wedges to find the ones that work best for you. 

What degree is an attack wedge?

Many golfers use a wedge with a degree of around 50-52 degrees as their attack wedge. This wedge is designed to help them get the ball up in the air quickly and easily, making it perfect for attacking the green. If you are looking to improve your golf game, then consider using an attack wedge to help you reach the green more easily. 

What is Bounce on a Golf Wedge Club ?

The bounce on a golf wedge club is the angle at which the face of the club meets the ball. The bounce helps players to hit the ball higher and farther, and also helps reduce the amount of spin on the ball. Most golfers prefer a wedge with a higher bounce angle, as this allows them to play shots from a wider variety of lies. 


5. Hybrid Golf Clubs

Hybrid golf clubs are a combination of a wood and an iron. They have a larger head than an iron and a smaller head than a wood. This makes them easier to hit than an iron and more accurate than a wood. 

Hybrid golf clubs are a great option for beginner golfers because they are easier to hit than regular irons. They are also a good choice for golfers who have difficulty hitting their woods. 

If you’re looking for an edge on the golf course, using a hybrid golf club may be the answer. hybrids are also great for hitting shots from difficult lies. This is because hybrids have a wider sole that can help them glide through the grass more easily. So if you’re looking for an all-around club that can help you improve your game, consider using a hybrid golf club. 

Some of the benefits of using a hybrid golf club include:

  • Increased accuracy
  • Easier to hit than regular irons
  • Good for beginner golfers and golfers who have difficulty hitting their woods 

If you are looking for an easier to hit alternative to your regular irons, or if you are a beginner golfer, then hybrid golf clubs may be the right choice for you. 

A cross between a long iron and a fairway wood these clubs bring the best of all categories into one convenient tool. Hybrids have a flat face, no bulge, and bottoms that resemble runners. These clubs give a player more control and accuracy, maximize spin, and allow for faster ball stopping.

When should you use a hybrid golf club?

A hybrid golf club can be used in place of a long iron, and is perfect for those who don’t have the distance to hit a long iron. A hybrid golf club is also good for those who want more forgiveness on their shots. If you are playing in windy conditions, or you are not comfortable with your long irons, then you should use a hybrid golf club. 

When to use a hybrid golf club can also depend on the type of course you are playing. If you are playing on a course with tight fairways, then you may want to use a hybrid golf club instead of a wood. A hybrid golf club is also good for getting out of trouble, so if you find yourself in the rough, you may want to consider using a hybrid golf club. 

If you are still not sure whether or not you should use a hybrid golf club, then you should ask a professional. They will be able to help you determine which club is best for your game. 

About The Author
Patrick Mahinge is a golf enthusiast and the chief editor of Golf Pitches, a website that delivers innovative and data-driven golf product reviews. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for the sport, Patrick has transformed Golf Pitches into a trusted source of information for golfers worldwide. Patrick's expertise lies in his ability to dissect complex golf equipment and present his findings in an engaging, easy-to-understand manner. His reviews are not just informative, but they are also backed by rigorous data-driven methodologies, making them a trusted resource for golf enthusiasts and professionals alike.