People who only plan to play a few times a year generally don’t spend a lot of money on clubs. Often, they’ll just rent a set of clubs at the golf course, or borrow a set of clubs from a friend or family member. Some players will even share clubs.
However, if you plan to play often, investing in a good set of clubs is probably a good idea, but this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune, either. There are many good clubs on the market that are priced economically.
If you’re not certain if you’ll take to golf, you can invest in a used set of clubs that will tide you over until you determine if it’s a sport you want to play on a regular basis.
Custom Fitted Clubs
When it does come time to purchase a new set of golf clubs, you are advised to have them “club” fitted. Standard clubs won’t accommodate all body types. Most standard, off the shelf clubs are made for men who are around 5’10”. If you are a female, or you are shorter or taller than 5’10”, it’d be wise to have an in-depth club fitting.
It takes less than an hour to get custom fitted for golf clubs and the result will be a set of clubs that is tailored to your height, body type, strength, and golf swing.
The fee for a club fitting will vary. Some places charge no fee if you are purchasing your clubs through them. However, some clubs will charge a standard club fitting fee of approximately $50, even if you do purchase your clubs through their facility.
Understanding Golf Clubs
Looking at golf clubs can be confusing. Many beginning golfers don’t understand why so many different types of clubs are needed, or when they should use which club. We’ll discuss which type of club to use in particular situations later. For now, here is what you should know about the clubs in general.
There are three major types of golf clubs. They are the woods, the irons, and putters. If you’ve heard the term “wedge” in reference to a golf club, don’t get confused, they are just irons. Here is a rundown of each type of golf club:
Irons
Golf clubs that have club heads made out of steel or iron are known as irons. Irons are generally used for meticulous shots from the fairway and the rough. Irons can be purchased from 1 through 9. In addition to the numbered irons, there are short irons, known as wedges. There are many wedges available, such as the pitching wedge, utility wedge, sand wedge, and more.
- Irons 1-4 are long irons
- Irons 5-7 are middle irons
- Irons 8-through the wedges are short irons
Most golfers will have a 3-9 set of irons, and a pitching wedge. Many golfers liken their pitching wedge to having a 10 iron.
Woods
Golf clubs that have club heads made out of wood are known as woods. However, it is worth noting that many woods are now made out of metal—but they are still referred to as woods.
Woods are generally used for long shots from the tee or fairway, and sometimes they are used to get out of a rough. Woods are numbered the same way as the irons and they are sometimes called drivers.
In addition to their set of irons, most golfers will have a 1, 3, and 5 wood in their set.
14 Golf Clubs
Golfers are allowed to have 14 clubs with them. If you have the irons 3-9, a wedge, the 1, 3, and 5 woods, and a putter, that equals 12 clubs. That still leaves room in your bag for two more clubs. You can choose what they will be, or you can opt to have only 12 clubs. It’s not a law that you have 14. You just have the option of having 14, if you’d like.
Steel or Graphite Shafts?
The only way to determine whether you should opt for steel shafts or graphite shafts on your clubs is to experiment with both before you make a purchase. There are some major differences between steel and graphite shafts and they are as follows:
- A set of steel clubs will cost less than graphite clubs.
- Steel shafts can last a lifetime if they aren’t bent or left to rust.
- Graphite shafts can last a lifetime, too, as long as the laminate seal does not peel or the shaft cracks or gets chipped.
- Graphite shafts don’t vibrate into the golfer’s hands like steel shafts do. Golfers who want less vibration often opt for graphite shafts, while golfers who want to feel more in control welcome the feedback and will opt for steel shafts.
- Graphite shafts are easier on the player’s shoulders, arms, and hands.
- Graphite shafts are lighter and they can help increase your swing speed. According to experts, using graphite shafts can increase swing speed by up to four miles per hour, which results in anywhere from 5-12 more yards.
- Steel shafts are stronger and stiffer than graphite, and graphite shafts have a softer flex.
You should know that there is a difference in golf balls. You should also know that range balls should never be used on golf courses. Here is a rundown of the different types of golf balls:
- Two-piece golf balls are generally less expensive than other golf balls. These balls are hard with a rubber core.
- Multi-layer balls are more expensive than two piece balls. They are softer and they have a soft core that is surrounded by a hard mantle—which is then overlaid with a soft cover.
- Balls that have Surlyn® covers are harder to cut and scuff. Balls that have Surlyn covers will generally go a longer distance and have a lower spin.
- Balls that have urethane covers are softer and easier to scuff and cut, but they have more feel. These balls have a high spin and give extra control.
- Golfers trying to break into the 90s will generally opt for two piece balls because they are fairly inexpensive and it’s no big deal if they become lost.
- Golfers trying to break into the 80s generally will opt for multi-layer balls.
- Golfers trying to get into the low 70s will often invest in more expensive balls.
Beginning golfers are encouraged to purchase used balls, which most golf clubs have available. Not only does purchasing used balls save money, these balls aren’t missed if they become lost and it’ll give you the chance to experiment with different brands and types of balls.