Finding the Right Golf Clubs

Finding the Right Golf Clubs

When you go out to purchase your first set of clubs, don’t succumb to the myth that the higher the price of a club, the better your game will be. The best way to improve your game is to buy clubs that have the best fit – even if they are inexpensive.

Because a set of clubs can cost between $150 and $2,000, it is extremely important to try out clubs before you make the purchase. Most driving ranges have clubs for rent, so you can try out many different types. An even easier option is to borrow a few clubs from a friend to practice your swing.

If you are a beginner golfer, you might want to stick with second-hand clubs at first so you don’t waste money before deciding if you even enjoy the game. Second-hand clubs can be purchased at most pro shops and driving ranges; if you are really eager, check out garage sales or your local Goodwill or Salvation Army.

Club Basics

Golf equipment comes in many varieties – for all golfing types and abilities. A standard set of golf clubs generally consists of no more than 14 clubs. Club sets will vary between golfers, depending on each individual’s preference. The most common sets usually consist of approximately eight irons, three woods and a putter. However, beginner golfers should start off with a half set (approximately five irons, two woods and a putter). Here are the different club types more in detail:

Iron: Any one of a number of clubs with a head made of iron or steel.

Wood: A club made of wood or metal that has a large head and is used for shots requiring greater distance. Usually a numbered set of five or more starting with the driver and proceeding to the five-wood.

Putter: A short-shafted club with a straight face for putting.

Wedge: An iron used for short shots that has a high-loft. Includes pitching wedges and sand wedges.

Driver: The longest-hitting modern wooden club, used primarily from the tee when maximum distance is required. Also called the number one wood.

On each club is a number. This number represents the loft (the degree of the angle on the clubface that controls distance). The lower the number means the lower the loft and the longer the club. Having a club with a low loft and long club generally results in greater distance - but there is a trade-off: The lower the number of the club, the harder it is to hit – often resulting in a loss of accuracy.

All golfers should use standard length clubs unless he or she is particularly short or tall. The standard clubs are designed to allow players to hit the ball on its center a higher percentage of the time – increasing distance and accuracy.

Sources: LearnAboutGolf.com, Golf Digest