Golf Club Types

Date Published: 14/10/2024

When you’re just starting out or even refining your game, understanding the different types of golf clubs and their specific uses can be crucial. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right set for your game. This guide breaks down the various golf club types and explains what each one is used for, helping you answer the all-important question: What golf clubs do I need?

The Basic Golf Club Types

There are five main categories of golf clubs that every golfer should be familiar with: woods, irons, hybrids, wedges, and putters. Each category has its own distinct characteristics, designed to perform well in specific situations on the course.

1. Woods
   Woods are typically used for long-distance shots. The driver, is the club most golfers use to tee off because it can hit the ball the furthest. Fairway woods, like the 3-wood and 5-wood, are used for long shots from the fairway when a little more control is needed. Although modern woods are made of metal, the name “woods” persists from the days when they were made of wood.
2. Irons
   Irons are incredibly versatile and are used for a variety of shots, typically when you’re less than 200 yards from the hole. They range from long irons (2-iron, 3-iron, 4-iron) to mid-irons (5-iron , 6-iron, 7-iron) and short irons (8-iron and 9-iron). The lower the number, the longer the shot. Irons have angled clubheads and are designed to hit the ball with precision.
3. Hybrids
   So, what is a hybrid golf club? Hybrids are a relatively new addition to golf and combine the best features of woods and irons. They have a similar shape to woods but the control of irons, making them a great alternative to the more difficult-to-hit long irons. Many golfers find hybrids easier to handle and more forgiving, especially for shots from tricky lies like rough terrain or long distances.
4. Wedges
   Wedges are a type of iron, but with a more lofted clubface, making them ideal for shorter, higher shots. The four main wedges are the pitching wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge, and gap wedge. Wedges are mostly used for chip shots, bunker shots, and shots that require precision and spin around the green.
5. Putters
   The putter is one of the most important clubs in any golfer’s bag, as it’s used to get the ball into the hole. Putters come in a variety of shapes and designs, from traditional blade putters to mallet putters, and are mainly chosen based on personal preference and feel.

What Golf Clubs Do I Need?

A standard set of golf clubs usually includes a combination of the clubs listed above, but the specific mix depends on your playing style and skill level. For beginners, a basic set might include a driver, a 3-wood, a 5-iron through 9-iron, a pitching wedge, a sand wedge, a hybrid (to replace longer irons), and a putter. As you gain experience, you may want to add more specialised clubs, like additional wedges or more hybrid options, depending on where your game needs improvement.

What Are Golf Clubs Made Of?

What are golf clubs made of today? Modern golf clubs are typically made of a combination of different materials to maximise performance. Clubheads can be made of titanium, steel, or other metals. Graphite is often used for shafts, particularly in woods and hybrids, as it is lighter than steel and allows for faster swing speeds. Steel shafts are more common in irons because they provide better control and durability.

Choosing the Right Golf Clubs

Selecting the right types of golf clubs is essential for improving your game and ensuring you have the right tools for different shots on the course. Understanding the roles of each club will help you make more informed choices as you build your set. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your collection, iGolf can help you track your progress as you master each club type.

With iGolf,  progression tracking and obtaining a Handicap Index® is easy,  and you can easily monitor your improvement, ensuring you’re getting the most out of each club in your bag. Ready to improve your game? Sign up today for just £46 a year and gain access to all of iGolf’s valuable features.