Golf clubs are the tools of the trade in advancing a golf ball on the course. Three components make up a golf club: the head, the shaft and the grip. The current rules that govern golf do place constraints on the design of clubs; however, the makers try to maximize the physics of a golfer’s swing, while at the same time allowing for some range of error on each shot attempt. The better the swing, the less need for forgiveness.

A standard set of golf clubs consist of three woods, seven irons, a putter, and one hybrid club. This will give you 12 clubs, and the rules state that each golfer can carry 14 clubs in their round’s golf bag. More experienced golfers will add another wedge and hybrid club to their bag depending on the terrain of the course.

Here are the basics of golf clubs:

Woods

Wood clubs are designed to hit long shots off the fairway, especially if the hole is 450 yards from the tee to the green. It would be wise to use a wood club away from the tee box.

Usually, a wood is used when the distance is approximately 175 yards or more away from the flag. The reason is they have the lowest loft capacity of any club inside the golf bag. The loft is the angle of the club face that controls trajectory and distance. Most golfers prefer 7 and 9 woods in their bag because of the design technology that has created a larger sweet spot on the club face. The low center of gravity increases the height of the ball after launching off the club.

Hybrids

Hybrids are a combination of a fairway wood and an iron shaft that has caught the eye of every pro and amateur golfer. Hybrid clubs have quietly replaced the long distance irons, which have become more difficult to hit a desired target consistently.

The idea of the hybrid club was created to give a golfer a more forgiving option after a bad tee-shot. None are more popular than hybrids, as most golfers have replaced their 3 and 4 irons with hybrid clubs in their golf bag.

Irons

Irons are generally used when the distance is 200 yards away from the green, so the closer you are to the pin, the higher the iron needed on a shot attempt. A standard set of irons consist of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and a pitching wedge. Inexperienced golfers should replace their 3 and 4 irons with a club that has a larger loft capacity. Many are choosing 4 and 9 wood clubs because they’re better option to hit a golf ball for longer distance.

Wedges

Wedges are specially-designed irons that are very useful in shots near the green. Often in these situations, a golfer needs better control to get loft on the ball and not distance. Wedges come in various degree lofts that range from 48 to 64.

Putters

A putter is a golf club that is specifically designed to put the ball into the hole. There are many styles to choose from, and it’s importance is to select a model that is comfortable in your hands.