The Basics of Golf Clubs

Many beginners are confused as to what golf clubs they should buy. I don’t blame them. With so many wedges, irons, putters, woods, graphite shafts, steel shafts and hybrid clubs to choose from, it’s easy for a beginner to get lost in a sea of clubs.

There are three basic elements to understanding golf clubs:

• What is a set of clubs? A set of clubs is made up of Woods, Irons, Wedges and Putters. You may have noticed golfers and their golf bags. A golf bag can normally hold 14 clubs. The type of clubs you have in your bag is entirely up to you. Most golfers carry in their bag a Driver, a Wood, Irons, Pitching Wedge, Gap Wedge, Sand Wedge, Lob Wedge and a Putter. Some golfers also have a Hybrid club, which is a cross between woods and irons.
  
  
• Set of clubs for novices. For new golfers, it is usually recommended that you buy a complete set instead of attempting to put one together yourself. Assembling your own set can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know the difference between a wood and iron. So save yourself the trouble and buy a complete starter set.
  
  
  
• A starter set of golf clubs usually consists of 12 clubs, which includes a Driver, 3 wood, 5 wood, 3 thru 9 irons, a pitching wedge and a putter. As your game improves, you may decide to add another iron or wedge.
  
  
  
• New or used clubs? Many golfers starting out in the game make the mistake of buying top of the line, expensive clubs. For novice golfers, it’s a good idea to research first on less expensive clubs or search for used clubs. Once you become more familiar with the game, you may then decide to upgrade your set of clubs. Or if you realise that golf isn’t your sport, at least you won’t feel that you wasted your money on expensive clubs.
  

There are three basic elements to understanding golf clubs. If you are really interested in moving from novice to expert golfer, research the best golf clubs for you. Read your favourite golf magazines or books, research the various golf club models online, and ask fellow golfers about the best clubs out there. But more importantly, go out on the greens and practise your swing. Only you can truly know which golf club best suits you.