With so many brands and types of golf clubs, it can be overwhelming to pick the right ones to use. These tips can help you level up your golf game with the right clubs for your game, skill level, and preferences.
There are many different types of clubs because each one is used for a different shot or to go a certain distance. Understanding the basics of golf and clubs can help you make a more informed decision when choosing the best clubs for your game.
Let’s learn how to pick which golf clubs to use.
Basic Types of Golf Clubs
Golf drivers (1-wood) have the largest clubhead, the lowest loft, and the longest shaft. They’re used for long distances and are typically off-the-tee boxes.
Fairway woods come in 3-wood, 5-wood, 7-wood and 9-wood. They are mainly used on long fairway shots but can also be used on tee shots when accuracy is more significant than distance.
Golf hybrids have clubheads shaped like wood but with lengths and lofts like irons. You can find them in 2-hybrids up to 7-hybrids and higher. Professionals use them as lighter alternatives to 2-iron, 3-iron, and 4-iron. They’re often paired with a tee. They’re easier to hit than long irons because they have a lower center of gravity and a wide sole.
Iron Sets, Wedges & Putters
Iron sets include all the clubs you need based on their make-up. For example, a 4-PW set would have all the irons you need, from the 4-iron to the 9-iron and the pitching wedge.
While wedges are used as an extension of irons, they’re often sold separately. They have more loft, spin, and accuracy than regular irons. The putter is the golf club used to roll the golf ball into the hole. It’s a necessary club in your bag.
Finally, you can buy a golf club set suitable for beginners. It provides you with every club you need for a game, plus a bag.
Check out a golf club trade in
If you’re watching your budget, there’s no need to spring for the pricier golf clubs out there. You’ll find plenty of reasonably priced ones that deliver high performance and are well-made.
A golf club trade in takes the risk out of buying new golf clubs. Not only can you search for and buy a variety of golf clubs from different brands for a fraction of the cost of new clubs you’d purchase in-store, but you can also trade in clubs that aren’t right for you.
Golf clubs can be expensive, so choosing the right ones can feel daunting. A trade in makes it easier to pick the right golf clubs. Just buy clubs, head to your local driving range to test them out and determine if they’re appropriate for you.
If you love them, keep them. If you don’t love them, go back to the trade-in website and trade them in for new clubs to try. Restart the cycle until you find the right clubs based on your game and preferences.
Take Your Skill Level into Consideration
The options for golf clubs are nearly endless, and deciding is harder. The good news is you can narrow your search by understanding your skill and competency level.
You see, the best golf clubs for you will help you improve your game where your skills are lacking.
It’s relatively easy to narrow down your choices by knowing your average score and handicap. If you haven’t played in a while, head to a golf course and play a few games to get an average score.
Average Score
If your average score is under 80 on 18 holes, you’ll want to narrow your search for golf clubs that will increase your control and distance. Typically, this means buying a low-lofted driver and irons with a forged feel. If your score is between 80 and 90, look for clubs in the mid-handicap range, such as higher MOI drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, and irons.
If you score over 90, you’ll need clubs that help you get the ball off the ground and away as quickly as possible. Look for clubs with higher lofts and easier launches. Good options here are clubs with oversized clubfaces/clubheads and lighter-weight construction to improve your game.
Let’s face it, even with the best clubs, some days our scores don’t reflect our skill. Want a way to make those tough rounds a little easier? Check out our article “Why Every Golfer Needs a Golf Cart: Benefits & Reasons“. You might be surprised how it helps your game!
Use a Golf Club Selector Tool
If you’re still struggling to decide which golf clubs to use, let a tool do it. You can find a golf club selector tool online that provides custom recommendations based on your competency level, game, and preferences. Just answer a few simple questions to get a list of golf club options.
This can make the task much easier for you, particularly if you’re a beginner.
Custom Fitting
Many golf stores and brands offer custom fitting, which lets you adjust your golf clubs to fit your unique swing. During these sessions, a pro will examine how fast you swing, how your ball flies, and other relevant factors.
Getting custom-fitted clubs can up your game in terms of distance and accuracy on the course. Playing with clubs that match your swing can bring out your best and overcome any issues with standard clubs right off the rack.
While there might be an extra cost for custom fitting, many players think it’s worth it for their play. Custom fitting makes the game more enjoyable since the clubs feel comfortable in your hands.
Shaft Flex
When picking out golf clubs, it’s worthwhile to consider the shaft flex. Flex refers to the amount of time the shaft bends when you swing. It can affect how the ball flies and how well you play.
You can find shafts in different flex levels like extra stiff, regular, senior, and ladies. Finding the right flex for your club depends on how fast you swing, your rhythm, and when you release the club.
If you end up with a shaft that’s too rigid or too bendy for your style, you might see a drop in how far you can hit, your precision, and how consistent your game is.
We believe you have learned how to pick which golf club works for you at your current skill. Well, I hope you do not miss on How to Start Golfing: A Beginner’s Guide.
Fun Fact: Over 123 Million U.S. population over the age of 5 played golf (on-course or off-course).
