What Is a Club in Golf?

Understanding the different types of golf clubs is not just about knowing their names and shapes but also grasping the strategic purpose behind each one. Every category—driver, fairway wood, iron, wedge, and putter—comes with specific characteristics for tackling varying game situations, from distance and lie to on-course obstacles.

For beginners, mastering these basics speeds up learning and boosts confidence when choosing a club. For seasoned players, smart club selection often spells the difference between a great score and a forgettable round.

By fully exploiting each club’s potential, you can craft sharper strategies and markedly improve on-course performance. Here is complete guide from GoGolf.

Definition of a Golf Club

A club is the primary tool used to strike the ball toward the hole at the end of every golf hole. Each club is purpose-built—whether to launch the ball long, hit precise shots toward the green, or roll it into the cup. Variations span head shape, shaft length, loft angle, and materials.

Under R&A and USGA rules, a player may carry up to 14 clubs in competition. This range equips golfers to address dynamic course conditions—tee box, fairway, bunker, rough, and putting surface alike.

A club is therefore more than equipment; it is a strategic element that shapes shot quality. Knowing each type’s function and profile is vital for both newcomers and professionals.

Main Club Categories

Driver (1-Wood): The Longest Hitter

Often chosen for the opening tee shot on par-4 and par-5 holes, the driver sports a large head (440–460 cc) and the longest shaft (about 45–48 in). Loft runs 8–13°: lower loft produces a flatter, longer trajectory but demands higher swing speed. Pros favor 8–10°; amateurs tend to benefit from higher loft to help launch the ball.

Because of its length and size, the driver is challenging to master and requires consistent technique for straight, long shots.

Fairway Wood: Blending Distance and Control

Used for long but not driver-long shots—often the second shot on a par 5 or a safe tee shot on a short par 4. Common models are 3-wood and 5-wood (15–22° loft), with 7- or 9-wood as less frequent options. Smaller heads and flatter soles let these clubs strike cleanly from the turf, making them easier to control than drivers.

Irons: Go-To Clubs for Accuracy

The most numerous clubs in a set—typically 3- through 9-iron plus wedges. Lofts rise with the number: a 3-iron (~19°) flies ~200 yd but is harder to control, whereas a 9-iron (~41°) is ideal for short, accurate approaches.

Long irons (3–4) – long range, high skill.
Mid irons (5–7) – versatile, medium distance.
Short irons (8–9) – precision shots into the green.

Irons are relied on for their pinpoint control when targeting specific pin positions.

Wedges: Versatile Short-Game Specialists

With lofts 45–64°, wedges lift the ball quickly for soft landings near the green or out of trouble.

Wedge	Loft	Typical Use
Pitching (PW)	45–48°	100–120 yd approaches
Gap (GW)	50–54°	Bridges PW–SW yardage (≈90–100 yd)
Sand (SW)	54–58°	Bunker escapes, thick rough
Lob (LW)	58–64°	High, short carries over hazards with little rollout

Mastery of wedges greatly influences the short game and final score.

Putter: The Closer on the Green

Exclusively for the putting surface, the putter rolls the ball smoothly into the hole. It does not loft the ball but sets line and pace.

Blade putters – classic, light; suit a straight-back-straight-through stroke.
Mallet putters – larger, heavier heads for extra forgiveness and stability.

Shaft length, grip style, and weight balance are critical; many pros commission custom putters to match stature, stroke, and usual green speeds.