Golf Clubs
Golf clubs are an essential piece of equipment used to hit the ball in the game of golf. All clubs are constructed with a clubhead at the bottom (for striking the ball) and a grip at the top (for holding the club). When it comes to brands, Ping golf clubs and Callaway golf clubs are the most popular, although many people prefer used golf clubs or discount golf clubs over newer brands.
During a round of golf, players are limited to no more than 14 clubs in their golf bag, and the most common types of clubs include irons (versatile), woods (long-distance), and putters (short game). A typical golf bag might include the following:
- Sand wedge
- Pitching wedge
- Driver
- Fairway woods (3-woods and 5-woods)
- Putter
- Irons (from 3 to 9)
- One other club selected by player (often a hybrid)
The biggest difference between golf clubs is the amount of loft achieved. Loft is how high and how far the ball will travel when struck. Numbered clubs are common with irons and woods, and the higher numbers will produce a high and short trajectory for the golf ball. Just remember:
- High and short = use a high-numbered club
- Low and long = use a low-numbered club
Types of Golf Clubs
While proper technique is one of the top skills required for success in golf, knowing which club to use is also of primary importance. When playing a game of golf, the following clubs will be available to you:
Putters - With very little loft, the putter is most often used once the player’s ball has reached the putting green. A chipper can also be employed, which is a club designed to hit the ball in the range of 25 yards.
Woods - Designed to hit the ball great distances on the course, woods have long shafts and big heads. While originally made from actual wood, modern clubs are now constructed of carbon fiber, titanium or scandium. Ping golf clubs were among the first to make the transition from natural wood.
Irons - Given their name because they were originally made from cast iron, these golf clubs are useful for hitting in the rough or over trees. Irons with a particularly high loft are known as wedges, and they are commonly used for getting out of hazards or laying-up.
Hybrid Golf Clubs - Hybrids are a cross between an iron and a wood. In the modern game of golf, many players use hybrids instead of irons, as they provide the distance of woods with the feel of an iron. Hybrid golf clubs are often referred to as “rescues” because they allow the golfer to escape from many difficult situations on the golf course.
Parts of a Golf Club
Shaft - A tapered metal tube which runs from the grip to the clubhead. Shaft flex is an important element, as it determines how much the club will flex when swung by a golfer. The more flex, the less power generated by the swing. Hickory was originally used for shafts, but it has since been replaced by steel and graphite.
Grip - The part of the golf club which the golfer holds while striking the ball.
Clubhead - The part of golf clubs which actually come into contact with the ball. The area which hits the ball is known as the striking face. Some clubheads have two striking faces, making them useful for left or right-handed players. Most, however, only have one striking face.
Hosel - Where the clubhead and shaft are attached.
Ferrule - Found on top of the hosel on most irons and woods, it is a decorative ring (usually black).
