A golfer’s bag is typically home to a quintet of club categories: woods, irons, hybrids, wedges, and putters. Each club type has distinct features and is tailored for specific tasks on the course.
Woods
Golfers can find the driver and fairway woods in the ‘woods’ category. Despite their name, modern woods are not made of wood but have large, often hollow heads to maximise distance. With the longest shafts in the golf bag, these clubs are swung with speed and are perfect for hitting long shots from the tee.
Irons
Irons, which usually include a 3-iron to a pitching wedge, have smaller heads compared to woods and are characterised by their thin faces and engraved grooves. These grooves help improve grip on the ball, allowing for better control over spin. As the numbers go up, irons have higher lofts and shorter shafts, which results in increased accuracy for shots taken at shorter distances.
Hybrids
Hybrid clubs combine the features of both woods and irons to provide golfers with a versatile playing experience that offers the advantages of both types of clubs. Becoming popular in the early 2000s, hybrids are numbered similarly to irons, making them a convenient and user-friendly option for replacing long irons due to their ease of use.
Wedges
Within the wedge group, you’ll find the pitching, gap, sand, and lob varieties. Despite being classified as irons, these clubs feature higher loft angles, which are ideal for delicate shots, whether you are near the green, getting out of a bunker, or manoeuvring around obstacles.
Putters
Putters are considered the specialists in the field of golf clubs, specifically designed for vital shots on the green. They provide a greater range of designs compared to other types of clubs, making the search for the perfect putter a personal journey to discover the perfect feel and confidence that aligns with your individual style. Putters are typically categorised into three groups based on their clubhead design—traditional blade, heel-toe, or mallet—and are available in standard, belly, and long lengths.
Choosing Your Putter
When it comes to putters, it’s all about what feels right. Confidence on the green often stems from a putter that appeals aesthetically and physically to the golfer. While most putters feature a bit of loft, they aim to produce a smooth roll with minimal backspin, crucial for consistent putting.
Understanding these clubs’ purposes and characteristics can shape the way you play each hole and is key to a golfer’s success on the course. Whether you’re driving down the fairway or aiming for the cup on the green, choosing the right club is an art form honed through experience and practice.
For those new to the game or for any golfer looking to travel light, golf club hire services offer a practical solution. Instead of investing in a full set, or lugging your clubs through airports and across continents, hiring clubs at the course can simplify your game. These services often provide a selection of high-quality, well-maintained clubs, allowing players to try different brands and find the right fit for their style. Club hire can be especially beneficial for those testing the waters of this storied game, offering a taste of the experience without the commitment of a purchase. Next time you’re planning a round, consider the convenience of hiring clubs to enhance your play and perhaps discover a new favourite among the woods, irons, hybrids, wedges, and putters.