Golf is a sport that demands not only technique and precision but also a solid understanding of the equipment used. One of the most fundamental aspects every player—especially beginners—must master is the knowledge of different types of golf clubs. Each type plays a specific role in the game, from long-distance drives to short, precise shots and putts into the hole.
In modern golf, there are six main categories of golf clubs: woods, irons, wedges, chippers, putters, and combination clubs like hybrids. In this article by GoGolf, we’ll explore each category in detail, including their functions, technical specifications, and examples of how they’re used on the course. With this knowledge, players will find it easier to choose the right club for any situation during play.
1. Woods: The Primary Choice for Long-Distance Shots
Woods are designed to hit the golf ball as far as possible and are typically used for the first shot from the tee box. These clubs feature large, lightweight heads and long shafts, allowing players to generate high swing speeds for maximum distance.
Types of Woods:
- Driver (Wood No.1): The driver has the largest clubhead and the lowest loft (usually between 8–13 degrees). It’s primarily used for tee shots on par 4 or par 5 holes. With the longest shaft among all clubs, it can deliver drives of up to 270 meters or more.
- Fairway Woods (Wood No.3 and No.5): These are used for long-range shots from the fairway. With higher loft than the driver, fairway woods make it easier to lift the ball off the ground and are great for open fairway conditions.
- Hybrid / Rescue Clubs: A modern innovation that blends the characteristics of both woods and irons. Hybrids have smaller heads than woods but are larger than irons. They’re often used to replace long irons (like 3 or 4 irons) and are preferred for their ease of use and control.
Most modern golf club sets include a combination of these woods—usually a driver, one or two fairway woods, and at least one hybrid. Selecting the right woods can help maximize distance and positioning on the course.
2. Irons: Versatile Clubs for Mid-Range Shots
Irons are the most commonly used clubs in golf, handling a wide variety of mid-range shots as players approach the green. Iron clubheads are flat and angled at varying degrees of loft, typically numbered from 3 through 9. The higher the number, the greater the loft—resulting in shorter distances and higher ball trajectories.
Iron Categories:
- Long Irons (3–4): Previously favored for long shots but now often replaced by hybrids. These require advanced skills due to smaller contact surfaces and lower forgiveness.
- Mid Irons (5–7): Used for mid-range shots and ideal for beginners. They offer a good balance of control, loft, and distance.
- Short Irons (8–9): Designed for accurate approach shots near the green, offering greater control.
Irons have shorter shafts than woods, making them easier to control and ideal for precise shots. A typical golf bag includes at least 5–6 different irons, depending on course layout and playing strategy.
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3. Wedges: The Precision Tools for Approach and Recovery Shots
Wedges are a subcategory of irons tailored for short, accurate shots—particularly for approaches to the green or escaping difficult lies. They have the highest loft angles among all golf clubs, producing high ball flights with shorter distances.
Types of Wedges:
- Pitching Wedge (PW): Loft of around 44–48 degrees, used for approach shots from about 100 meters. Usually included in standard iron sets.
- Gap Wedge (GW): Fills the loft gap between the PW and SW, typically around 50–54 degrees. Ideal for full shots from 80–100 meters.
- Sand Wedge (SW): Designed to help players escape bunkers. It has a loft of 54–58 degrees and a wide sole for better sand contact.
- Lob Wedge (LW): The highest loft wedge (58–64 degrees), perfect for high, short shots like chips over hazards or delicate shots near the green.
Choosing the right wedge is critical for the short game and can be the difference between scoring a birdie or settling for a bogey.
[ Read Also: Key Golf Terminology Every Golfer Should Know ]
4. Chippers: A Simple Solution for Accurate Short Shots
A chipper combines elements of irons and putters, designed specifically for short shots near the green. With a loft of around 23–27 degrees, chippers help roll the ball toward the hole with a low trajectory. They’re ideal when the ball is close to the green but too far to putt.
The main advantage of using a chipper is consistency, especially for beginners who struggle with wedges. It helps avoid common mistakes like skulling (hitting too hard) or chunking (hitting the ground first). The shape and feel resemble a putter, making it intuitive to use.
However, chippers are not standard in every golf set and are usually purchased separately. Some competitive tournaments limit their use, so they are more commonly used in casual or recreational play.
5. Putters: The Final Scoring Tool on the Green
Putters are arguably the most important clubs in a golfer’s bag, used to roll the ball into the hole once it reaches the green. They feature flat faces designed for clean contact with the ball without lifting it.
Types of Putters:
- Blade Putter: A traditional, slim design offering great control and feel. Ideal for faster greens where precision is key.
- Mallet Putter: Larger and heavier clubheads provide greater stability and forgiveness. Available in various shapes—rounded, square, or semi-circle.
Putters come with different shaft configurations, such as center-shafted or offset, depending on player preference. Mastering the putter is essential for consistent scoring, as putting accounts for more than 40% of strokes in a typical round.
6. What’s Included in a Full Golf Club Set?
For beginners, buying a full golf club set is a practical starting point. A complete set usually includes a variety of clubs that cover all aspects of the game:
- Woods: 1 Driver, 3 and 5 Fairway Woods, and a Hybrid
- Irons: Typically 5 to 9, including Pitching and Sand Wedges
- Putter: Often a blade-style putter
Some sets also come with a golf bag, headcovers, and accessories like gloves or tees. A popular beginner-friendly set in Indonesia is the PGM RIO 3 Series, known for its high-quality build, titanium driver heads, and well-balanced club configurations—suitable for all skill levels up to intermediate.
With 11–13 clubs, a full set equips players for every situation on the course, from tee shots to final putts.
FAQs About the Types of Golf Clubs
Understanding the different types of golf clubs is essential to building a solid foundation in the game. Each club is tailored for specific situations on the course. Knowing when and how to use them improves game strategy, avoids common mistakes, and speeds up the learning process.
1. How many types of golf clubs are there?
There are five main types of golf clubs every player should know:
- Woods – for long-distance shots
- Irons – for mid-range shots and accuracy
- Hybrids – a mix of woods and irons, easier to use
- Wedges – for short, high-precision shots around the green
- Putters – for rolling the ball into the hole on the green
Each is designed for a specific use on the course.
2. What club is used for driving in golf?
For tee shots (driving), most golfers use:
- Driver (Wood No.1): Models like the Callaway Big Bertha or TaylorMade SIM2 Max are built for maximum distance and control.
- Alternatives: Fairway Woods (No.3 or No.5) are often used by beginners as they’re easier to control than drivers.
3. How many clubs are in a full set?
A full golf set can include up to 14 clubs, according to official USGA rules. These typically include:
- Driver
- Fairway Woods
- Hybrid
- Irons (usually 3 to 9)
- Wedges (e.g., pitching wedge, sand wedge)
- Putter
Beginner or junior sets may have fewer clubs depending on needs.
4. What is a golf stick called?
In golf, a “stick” is called a golf club. It is a specialized tool with a metal head used to hit the ball. Each type of club has a distinct head and shaft design tailored for specific shot types and distances.
5. What is a hybrid golf club?
A hybrid club combines the best features of fairway woods and long irons. Hybrids feature:
- Slimmer yet larger heads than irons
- Lighter weight
- More flexible shafts
They’re easier to hit from rough or uneven terrain and ideal for those who struggle with long irons.
6. How much does a golf club set weigh?
A full set of golf clubs typically weighs between 3.2 to 5.6 kg (7–12 lbs). Factors affecting weight include:
- Brand and model
- Shaft material (steel vs. graphite)
- Number of clubs in the set
Graphite shafts are generally lighter than steel ones.
7. What are the best golf club brands?
Top recommended golf club brands include:
- TaylorMade Sim Max Irons – Known for distance and accuracy
- Mizuno MP-20 Irons – Smooth and responsive, ideal for advanced players
- Ping G400 – Versatile and beginner-friendly
- Titleist Vokey SM7 Wedges – Top choice for precision short-game shots
- Ping G400 Hybrid – Stable and easy to use
- Callaway Mavrik Irons – Advanced technology for distance and control
- Cobra King Speedzone Irons – Modern design with high performance
The best brand depends on your playing style, budget, and personal preference.
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