Looking to invest in a set of golf clubs?
As a beginner, knowing which ones you need to add to your golf bag can be tricky – especially when there are so many options available, all intended for different purposes.
That’s why we thought we’d outline the main types and their uses, so you can (hopefully) make an informed decision when purchasing new golf clubs.
4 types of golf clubs
1. Irons
With their grooved heads helping to give the ball a little extra spin, irons are one of the most popular types of golf clubs, used for a variety of shots.
There are two main types:
- Long irons
- Short irons
Long irons are numbered 3 to 6 and are typically used for shots that are less than 200 yards away. When compared to short irons (numbered 7 to 9), they are typically harder to hit as they provide less loft – meaning they often cause the ball to bounce more.
Short irons, on the other hand, are ideal for approach shots and hitting the ball close to the pin.
2. Woods
Despite their name, woods are made from metal (usually titanium or steel) and are renowned for being hollow, having longer shafts and larger clubheads.
These golf clubs are particularly useful for long-range shots, such as tee shots. They’re lightweight and easy to swing, allowing you to hit the ball hard.
There are two types of clubs within the woods family:
- Drivers
- Fairway woods
Drivers have the longest shafts and biggest clubheads, which makes them perfect for hitting the ball far. Often, golfers with a faster swing speed will require a stiffer driver.
Although fairway woods can also be used for long shots, they offer greater control over where you send the golf ball. This is mostly down to them having a flat-faced clubhead that simply glides over the grass.
3. Wedges
If you find yourself close to the green in the rough or stuck in the bunker, the wedge is the one to take out of your golf bag.
Whilst they closely resemble irons, wedges have more of an angled clubface – generally between 46 and 64 degrees. This makes them ideal for getting the ball airborne, as opposed to covering huge distances.
There are four types to choose from:
- Pitching wedge
- Sand wedge
- Gap wedge
- Lob wedge
The pitching wedge is the most basic and can send the ball much further than any other type of wedge, thanks to its low loft.
The sand wedge (SW) makes the ball easier to hit in the sand, covering shorter distances.
A gap wedge has a loft angle greater than the pitching wedge but less than the SW, covering more distance.
The lob wedge has the highest loft of all – helping to get the ball up in the air quickly and over obstacles.
4. Putters
The putter is the last club you will use on every hole. It has a flat clubface and no loft, and rolls the ball smoothly on the ground until it reaches the hole.
There are two types of putter:
- Blade putters
- Mallet putters
Blade putters tend to be the most common, but they have smaller heads which makes them better suited to professional players.
Mallet putters have bigger and heavier heads than their blade counterparts – reducing the risk of mishits and making them a fantastic option for beginner golfers.
Invest in new golf clubs today
Now you know a little more about the different types of golf clubs on offer, you should have a better idea of which ones you need to put in your golf bag.
As a leading golf superstore, we provide an extensive range of golf clubs from well-known brands – including (but not limited to) Callaway, Cobra, Evnroll, Scotty Cameron and TaylorMade. With ladies’ golf clubs, left-handed clubs and junior package sets available, we have everyone covered at Clarkes’ Golf Centre!
Whilst we’re confident you’ll find all the clubs you need on our website, we also pride ourselves on offering some of the most competitive prices in the industry – allowing you to stock up on top-quality golf clubs without spending a fortune!
For more information about the products we supply, or help choosing the best clubs for your needs, give us a call on 01744 419 914.
