Yamato Golf Mini Class-Introduction to Golf Clubs for Beginners

According to the rules of golf, each player can carry a maximum of 14 clubs during a round. A typical set usually includes: three wood clubs (1, 3, 5), nine irons (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, P), and one putter. Depending on personal needs, an additional wedge or hybrid club may be included.

Golf clubs consist of three main parts: the grip, shaft, and clubhead. They can be divided into wood clubs, iron clubs, wedges, and putters.

1. Golf Club Components

· Grip: Made of rubber composite materials and leather.

· Shaft: Typically made of wood, steel, graphite, titanium, or a mix of steel and graphite.

o Steel: Strong, durable, less prone to breakage, and more affordable.

o Graphite: Lighter, more flexible, offers greater distance but less control compared to steel.

· Clubhead: The face of the club is relatively flat. In official tournaments, the clubhead must be no larger than 460cc, but amateurs can use oversized clubheads.

2. Golf Club Types

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Wood Clubs (Driver): These clubs have a long shaft and lightweight clubhead, designed for long-distance shots off the tee. Wood clubs are divided into:

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o Driver: The 1-wood club used for teeing off.

o Fairway Woods: The 3-wood to 9-wood, which are used for fairway shots. The main difference between them and the driver is the clubhead size and face angle.

The term "wood" comes from the historical use of wood to construct these clubs, originally made from persimmon wood, though this term is still in use today.

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Iron Clubs: Mainly used for shots on the fairway or for teeing off on par-3 holes. They prioritize control and consistency. Irons are numbered based on the loft of the face, with higher numbers having a greater loft and shorter distance:

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o Long Irons (2–5): Distance range from about 250–140 yards.

o Mid Irons (6–8): Distance range from about 170–100 yards.

o Short Irons (8, 9, P, S, A): Distance range under 120 yards. Women typically start with the 4- or 5-iron.

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Hybrid Clubs (Utility Clubs): A hybrid is a blend of an iron and a wood, combining the feel of an iron with the forgiveness of a wood. These are designed for golfers who like the feel of an iron but want the versatility and forgiveness of a wood. Hybrids come in two forms: one similar to an iron with a longer shaft, and another similar to a fairway wood for use from the fairway.

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Wedge Clubs: These include the pitching wedge (P), sand wedge (S), and approach wedge (A), which are used around the green or in bunkers. Their shafts are shorter, and they have higher loft angles (45°–60°) to help lift the ball:

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o Pitching Wedge (PW): Typically has a loft of 45°–49°. It is used for high, controlled shots near the green. Distance: Men around 110 yards, women around 90 yards.

o Gap Wedge (GW): Loft typically 49°–54°. Distance: Men around 100 yards, women around 85 yards.

o Sand Wedge (SW): Loft typically 54°–57°. Distance: Men around 90 yards, women around 80 yards.

o Lob Wedge (LW): Loft typically over 57°. Distance: Men around 65 yards, women around 60 yards.

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Putter: Used for rolling the ball into the hole. Putters have shorter shafts and a clubhead face angle of no more than 5°. Once the ball is on the green, only a putter is allowed for putting. The putter is a key factor in professional tournaments. Common putter types include T-shaped, L-shaped, mallet, and blade putters.

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o T-Shaped Putter: The shaft and clubhead connect in the middle, making it easier to align the shot.

o L-Shaped Putter: Similar in shape to an iron, easier to handle.

o Mallet Putter: Heavier clubhead, helping the ball roll smoothly.

The use of putters is highly personal, and there is no fixed "style" for holding or using it. Grip, stance, and stroke technique vary by individual preference.

This basic information will help beginners understand the differences between golf clubs and how to choose the right equipment. Understanding the function of each type of club is essential for making smart decisions on the course. The next post will guide you on how to select your personal golf clubs!