Whether you’re new to the game of golf or a seasoned veteran, having the best possible golf clubs in your bag is a must. Finding the best golf clubs on the market is vital, because it’ll make a noticeable difference to your game. What does the average golf bag contain? Woods, irons, hybrids, putters, wedges, drivers… So what are the best golf clubs, and how many should you have of each? When it comes to picking the best rated golf clubs, there are certainly lots to choose from.
For all the beginners, let’s first take a look at the different types available to choose from, before we give you some helpful tips on picking the best ones for your game.
The best golf clubs in the world come in all shapes and sizes
There are lots of types for players to choose from, whatever the skill level. Each is designed to hit the ball differing distances, and have varying degrees of loft. A typical set of golf clubs will contain a combination of different clubs, giving the player a wide range of choices depending on the shot. There are numbers on the clubs, lower numbers allow players to hit the ball a longer distance.
Irons
These particular clubs are used by players more than any of the other types, so there are usually more of these in a set. Irons have metal clubheads and are usually used when a ball is less than 200 yards from the green. They are numbered 1 to 9 and have a higher degree of loft than a wood, with a number 9 having the most. Long irons are numbered 1, 2, or 3, and have little loft. In other words, they send the ball farthest. 4,5, and 6 are the middle irons, for when the ball is between 150 and 170 yards from the hole. The short irons are number 7, 8, or 9 and get the ball in the air quicker because of their higher degree of loft. 1 – and 2-irons are very difficult clubs to master, so most sets contain a range between 3 and 9.
Woods
When used correctly, a wood can propel a ball the farthest, from 200 to 350 yards. This particular club got its name because they used to be made of wood, usually hickory or persimmon. More modern woods are actually made using metal, often steel or titanium, but also other alloys. Woods have a large, rounded head, and a flat bottom, allowing the club to glide over the ground when making a shot. This particular type of club has a big face and the degree of loft is lower than any other clubs. A 1-wood, or driver, has the least loft of all and can be used when hitting the ball a long way. The higher the number of the wood, the more loft. They can be used on the tee or in the fairway.
Putters
This club gets the most action. It’s used when the ball needs to roll along the green toward the hole. The standard putter is between 34 to 35 inches tall, but they do come in a range of other sizes. Taller clubs include those with the names belly putter and broomstick putter, and are used most when a player has difficulty using a standard putter. Putter heads come in two forms, a mallet shape with a flat surface or a flat blade.
Wedges
If you want the ball to fly way up in the air before landing on the putting surface, then a wedge is what you’ll need to make the shot. Wedges are lofted much higher than any others. A lob wedge, for example, can have a loft as high as 64 degrees, whereas the loft of a pitching wedge is between 46 and 51 degrees. There are different types of wedges to suit a variety of shots. A lob wedge can be chosen when the ball needs to rise quickly in order to clear a hazard, but not travel too far. And a gap wedge allows a full swing to be taken, and the ball will travel around 110 yards. If you’re purchasing a set of the best golf clubs brands, it will usually include a pitching wedge. If you want any others they will have to be bought separately.
Hybrids
Hybrids are a relative newcomer to the world of golf clubs, and are actually the best of two worlds. Combining the qualities of both irons and woods, they are becoming increasingly popular with newbies and professionals alike. Long irons have often been difficult clubs to use, and the idea behind hybrids was to give players a more forgiving option. The best hybrid golf clubs are a great combination that is much easier to hit, and can be used in the execution of a number of different shots, such as out of the rough, out of sand, off the fairway, and in other poor lies.
What to look for when choosing the best golf clubs for your game
Should you worry about what the pros are using? Or should you tailor your selection to your own playing needs? Buying the best golf clubs brands professional players are using is a common trap to fall into. After all, they’ve mastered their game and fine tuned their golf sets for optimum results. However, it’s vital to remember all golfers are different, and there is no one set fits all solution. The best rated golf clubs for a professional may not be yours as well. When it comes to sporting equipment used by professionals, not just in the game of golf, it’s designed to cater to the needs of highly skilled individuals. And if this is your first time on the green, a professional set of clubs means you’ll be hitting out of your league.
Tips on selecting the best golf clubs on the market for you
The trick when choosing the best rated golf clubs for your game, lies in finding those that match your level of play. Here on this site, we’ll be looking at a number of the best golf clubs in the world today, and providing you with lots of valuable information. Every model and type we look at will come with a description of the materials used, the loft and angles you can expect to achieve, their volume, and the pros and cons of their performance.
There are certain things you should consider before you start shopping for your first set of golf clubs.
- Identify your goals – Before you start shopping for the best rated golf clubs you should spend some time thinking about why you’ve decided to start playing. Are you just planning to play a few rounds with your dad once or twice a year, or are you planning to make more of a regular thing of it? If you’re planning on becoming a serious golfer then you’ll want to set your sights higher than if you were only planning on playing a few times. You’re also going to need to be honest with yourself and think about your dedication to the sport. Are you thinking about taking golf lessons? Do you plan to practice at every opportunity? If your answer is yes, then you want to be looking for something in the more expensive bracket. Unsure about your dedication? Second-hand golf clubs might be the best choice to make, until you’ve made up your mind about how serious you are.
- Stick to a budget – There’s no denying that taking up golf can be an expensive hobby. If there is no limit to your budget, then go for top-of-the-line equipment. However, for those working with a limited budget an inexpensive first set will be better. Should you decide that golf is not for you then you won’t have wasted too much money.
- Understand your options – Questions are often raised about the type of shaft to choose. For beginners, there are two points to consider. The composition of the shaft, for example graphite or steel, and the flex of the shaft, as in how much it bends during a swing. Steel is durable, cheaper, but heavier. Graphite is much lighter, which helps to generate good swing speed. Senior players and women tend to go for graphite shafts with a softer flex. Younger, stronger men tend to pick regular or stiff shafts. We feel it’s worth mentioning here that many teaching pros say players tend to use shafts that are too stiff for their game. It’s certainly a point worth bearing in mind.
- Clubfitting is a worthwhile option – Just like golf clubs, we humans come in all shapes and sizes too. Being professionally fitted for your first set of clubs is definitely worth the expense, especially if you’re planning to get serious. Teaching pros often offer clubfitting sessions, or a similar service is offered in the best golf stores.Don’t be afraid to ask people for advice when choosing your first set of clubs. Even the pros probably asked that all important question “What are the best golf clubs for me?”, when they started. We’re here to offer as much friendly advice as possible. Here’s hoping you’ll soon be enjoying the game like a pro.
