Different Types of Golf Clubs

The sport of golf can be an exciting but challenging pastime, and one of the keys to improving one's game is by learning about all of the different clubs utilized during the course of the game. In order to enjoy success as a golfer, it is important to know when and how to properly use drivers, woods, irons, wedges and putters.

Drivers

The driver, which is also known as the 1-wood, is the longest and lowest loft club utilized by golfers. It sends the golf ball the greatest distance upon contact and is typically used to drive the ball of the tee at the start of a hole.

Fairway Woods

Woods that are higher in number are referred to as fairway woods because they are used following tee shots, when the ball is on the fairway but still a considerable distance from the hole. They have a higher loft than the driver, allowing them to fly over short obstacles, while still sending the ball a solid distance.

Irons

Irons have a flatter club face and a shorter shaft than most woods. They are used to send the ball shorter distances but at higher angles. As such, they are good for overcoming obstacles or hitting the ball out of rough lies.

Wedges

Wedges have been referred to as utility clubs because they serve a special purpose--to hit a short, high-angle shot in order to get out of bunkers and rough lies or avoid obstacles. There are five different types of wedges (the pitching wedge, the gap wedge, the sand wedge, the lob wedge and the ultra lob wedge), each with different angles of loft.

Putters

The putter is a unique golf club used primarily to hit the ball into the hole once it is on the green. The putter does not send the ball into the air; rather, it propels the ball forward on the ground until it reaches its destination, ideally the bottom of the cup.

Brands of Golf Clubs

There are several different brands of golf clubs available. Some of the more popular and highest rated sets of clubs include those from the following manufacturers: Adams, Callaway, Cobra, Cleveland, Mizuno, Nike, Ping, TaylorMade and Titleist.