There are two items that are vital for a golfer to actually golf: a golf ball and the club that gets the ball going, to begin with. Golf clubs are by far one of the most important types of equipment for a golfer to own, and the clubs you purchase and use can make a significant difference in your performance at golf matches.
For the optimal golf experience, you need to first recognize what kinds of golf clubs work for different elements of the game and also understand the qualities you want in the different types of clubs. With enough consideration, you can bring a set of high-quality and versatile clubs to your golfing experience – clubs that will take you step by step toward the hole.
Types of Golf Clubs
You first need to understand that different types of golf clubs were designed for different situations on the golf course. The first main type is the “woods,” referring both to fairway woods and the driver. They are now often made of metal instead, but they still serve as your primary clubs on the fairway and when shooting your ball of the opening tee. Next are the irons, which come in various numbers based on their loft and shaft length. Each type of iron, therefore, has its own speed and trajectory to account for different surfaces outside the main fairway.
Wedges are more specialized clubs for rougher scenarios, such as when you’re trying to get out of a sand trap, and they are generally designed for shorter shots. Putters’ sole purpose is for putting your ball at the putting green into the hole. Also of note are the relatively new hybrid clubs, which act as substitutes for the irons while also having qualities of woods. Since each kind of club has its own design and intent, you need to evaluate their effectiveness through the lens of how they are meant to perform on the golf course.
Golf Club Sets
Since the different clubs serve individual purposes, you will need to bring a set of varying types of clubs with you when you golf to account for the different scenarios. Yet you don’t want to overburden yourself with clubs as you go between holes. Therefore, you need to find an acceptable balance. Golfweek advises that beginners will generally need fewer clubs and not necessarily a full set, so it may be good to gradually work your way up.
In general, a basic set features a driver, a fairway wood, a hybrid, a wedge, a putter, and a set of several different types of irons. Having this variety of clubs should account for most of the challenges on the golf course. Still, that is just the beginning of your selection, as each type of club has many different variants. Compare the different clubs and try to see which ones are most comfortable and fluid with your golfing style.
Buying Golf Clubs
Photo credit to Golf Tips Golf Week
Since the quality of a golf club helps determine its effectiveness in golfing, you will probably want to focus on buying clubs from professional golf manufacturers and distributors. Each company presents its clubs and other equipment in different ways. For instance, Taylormade Golf clubs and other products embody the company’s stated dedication to both authenticity and innovation.
With that in mind, you should look at companies that focus on the elements you value in your purchases, whether it is in customization or in pricing. Use comparison shopping, both between different companies and between different clubs within the same manufacturer, to determine how the qualities of the clubs differ and which ones most appeal to your interests and objectives as a golfer.
Used Golf Clubs
That said, used golf clubs can still be good and often cheaper substitutes to new clubs if you put enough attention into finding the right level of quality. Watch out for rust, dents, and other considerable wear that will hinder the club’s performance. On the other hand, some wear is superficial – for instance, worn-out grips can be replaced without much trouble or cost.
As with buying new clubs, your main focus when selecting used clubs should be whether or not they work for you on a personal level. Your clubs should ideally fit with your body and style of golfing, so make sure you are fully happy with whatever kind you buy. Likewise, if you enjoy having certain features on your clubs such as perimeter weightings, you should try to find clubs with those additions.
Just Getting Started
Photo credit to Escrow
Clubs are not the only kind of golf equipment you should have for your game, and they still won’t reach their potential without skills to match, but they are a welcome start to your inventory, giving you a solid base for your golfing. Picking the right assortment of clubs may seem daunting, but you will be greatly rewarded once you can deploy them on the golf course and use them to grow as a golfer.
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