Golf Club Components
Golf club components have evolved greatly since the 12th century, when Scottish shepherds are believed to have started the game by knocking stones into rabbit holes with sticks. Today, the components consist of many materials and quality can vary widely. The club consists of the head, which is the portion that strikes the ball, the shaft, which connects the head to the grip, which is where the player holds the club while swinging.
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The Head
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There are three types of club heads depending on the type of golf shot that is required. The driver has the largest head and is used when hitting a tee shot since it results in the ball traveling the greatest distance. Striking the ball for shorter tee shots, intermediate range shots, or when hitting out of a hazard dictates the use of an iron, and putting on a green requires a smaller, flatter metal head known as a putter.
The Shaft
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The shaft connects the club head to the grip. Its length will vary depending on the height of the player, as a taller person requires a club with a longer shaft than a shorter person. It is generally constructed of graphite or steel. Flexibility is important when determining what type of shaft is appropriate for an individual player.
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The Grip
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Choosing the proper grip is important as it aids in gaining the feel and maintaining control of the club, as well as absorbing the shock when striking the ball. The grip is constructed of rubber or thermoplastics. Nontapered wedge grips are often added to clubs used for shorter shots as they allow the player to "choke down," allowing for greater control. Different surface patterns on the grip can provide for a different feel.
Manufacturing
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Drivers and irons are produced by the same two manufacturing processes: casting and forging. Casting is where molten metal is poured into preformed molds, while forging involves the use of machines to hammer the metal into the necessary shape. Using forging is not as common since it tends to be more expensive. It often results in a better "feel" of the club, thus offering the player better control.
Materials
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All clubs manufactured by casting are made from stainless steel, which is a combination of iron, nickel, chromium and other trace elements. The hardness of casted club heads will vary depending on the grade of stainless steel used. Forged clubs are made from carbon steel, a combination of iron and carbon, which is used because its softness is more suitable for the forging process.
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