Golf Clubs and Equipment
Whether you play golf as for leisure, as a hobby, or in a league, having the right golf clubs will make a big difference in your success and your enjoyment of the game. Golf clubs come in different shapes and sizes and can be made of different materials. The more familiar you are with them, the better your golf game will be.
What golf clubs do you need in your set?Golfing rules dictate that you cannot carry more than 14 clubs in your golf bag. You don’t have to have 14, but you cannot go over this number. A good baseline set of golf clubs include the following:
- Driver: (9.5–13 degrees)
- Fairway Wood: (15–17 degrees)
- Hybrid: (19–21 degrees)
- Iron Set: (4-PW, AW, or SW)
- Wedge: (SW and/or LW)
- Putter: 33 inches, 34 inches, or 35 inches in length.The length is determined by your own preference.
The set of golf clubs that you like and are successful with may not be the same as someone else’s set. Clubs are a personal decision based on your comfort level, how you play golf, and certain physical characteristics. Once you try out all of the different types of clubs, you can select your favorites based on your abilities and on how they feel. You can mix and match what you like, as long as you stay under 14 clubs in your golf bag at all times. You may want to replace your long irons with hybrids or woods or even swap irons for woods.
What are the parts of a golf club?Golf clubs have several different pieces to them. Understanding how each piece works and what your options are will help you when making a purchase decision.
- Grip: This is the rubber cover that goes over the last several inches of the shaft and allows you to grip the club. They should be selected based on your hand size, and they come in standard, midsize, and oversize/jumbo. In addition to size, you can find different designs, textures, and colors.
- Shaft: The end of the shaft is covered by the grip. It is a cylindrical piece of graphite or metal. The length depends on the size of the entire club. Shafts come in different flexes from stiff to very soft.
- Hosel: This portion connects the shaft to the club head. It controls the lie angle of the club, which is the measured angle between the club head’s sole and the shaft. Your lie angle may need to be adjusted due to your height, arm length, or even swing style.
- Clubhead: This is the portion that comes in contact with the golf ball. The height and distance of travel by the ball is determined by this piece. It is the main feature of a golf club and is usually the first and most important factor in purchasing or using a club.