Golf Club Basics: Understand Each Club and Its Purpose
In almost all sports, there’s just one ball and one primary piece of equipment. Golf, however, is a unique game. A golfer can carry up to 14 clubs in their bag during a round, and they can use any brand or color of golf ball they want. If you are looking for performance accessories to bring with you, check out this article.
In this article, we’ll explain what each type of golf club is and what it’s intended to do (not what it will actually do, that part is up to you). What is a hybrid? Why is it called a wood if it’s made of metal? What’s a utility wedge? Let’s drive in.
What is a Driver?
Let’s start at the top of the bag with the “big stick.” The driver is the longest club in your bag and is designed to hit the ball the farthest. That’s why it’s typically used off the tee box to get your ball out into the fairway as far as possible. Drivers have the largest clubhead in the bag, which helps you generate maximum distance. It’s also usually the only club you’ll tee up in the air.
What is a Fairway Wood?
Despite the name, woods are made of metal these days. A fairway wood looks like a smaller version of a driver. It has a slightly smaller head and a shorter shaft. This club is ideal for long-distance shots off the ground, especially when using a driver is not practical. Most golfers carry a 3-wood and 5-wood. The lower the number, the farther it typically goes.
What is an Iron?
Irons have thin, angled metal heads with grooves to help impart spin. Numbered from 1 to 9, lower-numbered irons are longer and less lofted, meaning they go farther but are harder to hit. Higher-numbered irons are shorter with more loft, which helps get the ball into the air more easily. Irons are mainly used for shots from the fairway or tee shots on par 3 holes.
![Include image of a set of golf irons]
What is a Wedge?
Wedges are a subset of irons, but they’re much shorter and have more loft. They’re designed for high, soft landing shots and are often used around the green. A typical golf bag might include a:
- Pitching Wedge (PW) – 46–48°
- Gap Wedge (GW or AW) – 50–52°
- Sand Wedge (SW) – 54–56°
- Lob Wedge (LW) – 58–64°
The more loft a wedge has, the higher and shorter it will hit the ball.
What is a Putter?
My personal favorite club! The putter is your go-to club on the putting green. It’s designed to roll the ball smoothly on the grass with little or no loft. This is usually the shortest club in your bag and arguably the most important—since it’s used to finish most holes.
What is a Hybrid?
A hybrid club is exactly what it sounds like: a cross between a wood and an iron. It has a smaller head than a fairway wood but is larger than an iron. This makes it easier to hit, especially from tough lies like the rough. Hybrids are great for long shots when a wood is too much and an iron is not enough.
How Can You Tell the Clubs Apart?
Look at the bottom of the clubhead—this is where you’ll see numbers or names. These markings tell you whether it’s a 7-iron, 3-wood, 5-hybrid, etc.
Other Common Questions About Golf Clubs
What is an Attack, Approach, or Utility Wedge?
These are all names for a Gap Wedge (52°), which fills the distance “gap” between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge.
Are Rescue Clubs Real?
Yes! Rescue clubs are another name for hybrids. They’re lifesavers when you’re stuck in the rough.
What’s a Mallet Putter vs. a Blade Putter?
- A blade putter is slim and simple.
- A mallet putter is bulkier, offering more stability and alignment help.
What Do the Numbers on Wedges Mean?
You’ll usually see two:
- The loft (e.g., 56°), which determines how high the ball flies.
- The bounce (e.g., 12°), which affects how the club interacts with the turf or sand.
What Are Blade Irons?
Blade irons are sleek and stylish—but they’re hard to hit. These are typically used by skilled players due to their small sweet spot.
Are Mini Drivers Real?
Yes! A mini driver is smaller than a traditional driver but bigger than a 3-wood. It’s great for players who want more control from the tee.
What Wedge Does Phil Mickelson Use for Flop Shots?
Phil famously uses a 64° wedge for his iconic high flop shots.
Final Thoughts
Golf equipment is a rabbit hole. There are countless variations of drivers, woods, irons, wedges, and putters. Ready to keep going down the gear path? Click here for more in depth content for begin