Every golfer has the discretion to bring the golf clubs they like. It depends on their strategy and preferred club options on the golf course. But for novice players, it’s quite confusing to know which club to bring on specific occasions. In this post, we discuss what clubs to take to the driving range and the role of each one.
A quick look
Are you the golfer who picks a random club and then starts swinging? If so, it’s time to understand how each club works. That way, you’ll have better performance on each match.
In a nutshell, here are the golf clubs on the bag and their ideal uses based on average distances. Still, take note that distances will vary per golfer as well as the suitable club to use. Nevertheless, you can use this guide to have an idea:
What clubs to take to the driving range?
-Irons
Irons are one of the most common and indispensable types of golf clubs. This club has a metal head, which could be solid or cavity back for added forgiveness. Usually, golfers use irons for hits less than 200 yards.
Take note that irons are numbered from 1 to 9, which signifies the loft degree. The irons 1 to 3 have the lowest loft and also called long irons. Take note that long irons can be difficult to swing for novice players, so if you’re a beginner, it’s best to opt for 4- to 6-iron clubs. For the highest level of forgiveness, high handicappers choose 7- to 9-iron clubs.
Knowing which iron to bring to the golf course depends on the distance you can hit. As much as Tiger Woods could send a ball up to 220 yards using a 6-iron, it will not be the same with you. Never force yourself to achieve the same distance if your physique isn’t made for it. Instead, choose the right iron based on the distance you can hit on each one.
Also, it’s common practice to use a tee when hitting the ball with an iron club. Also, most iron shots are done in the fairway.
-Putters
Putters are probably one of the most varied clubs in the bag. It’s used for the putting stroke, a shot where the ball is only a short distance within the green.
Take note that a putter is an indispensable club when hitting the golf course. Although putt is the basic stroke in golf, it requires a special club with a balance that suits the swing of the golfer.
Also, this club is made to roll the ball instead of hit. It produces the least backspin so the ball will stay on its path going to the green.
Moreover, most putters have the same loft of around 3 to 4 degrees. They will only vary on a blade design, which could be a mallet, blade, or peripheral weighted.
-Wedges
Wedges, on the other hand, are used for chips and pitches if the putter doesn’t suit the situation. Unlike putters used for the green, wedges are helpful in getting out of sand bunkers and other unfavorable positions.
Take note that wedges are often regarded as a subset of irons due to their construction. This is the same reason why wedges are sold as end sizes for irons after the 9-iron type. With that, wedges can be considered as the highest lofted irons on the set.
There are four types of wedges: lob wedge, sand wedge (SW), pitching wedge (PW), and gap wedge.
Take note that pitching wedges have the lowest loft and one that can send the ball the farthest. As for sand wedges, it’s used to get out of sand bunkers.
How about the gap wedge? It’s a club somewhat between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge due to its loft angle. On the other hand, lob wedges have the highest loft of all wedge clubs. It’s used for shots that require immediate ascent and very little roll on the green.
-Woods
Next, we have the woods. This golf club isn’t necessarily made of wood but is only called as such due to its initial material. The most common is 1-wood or driver which is the lightest yet longest club in the group. It’s used for driving the ball in the longest distance that any other club can’t reach.
Also, woods have one of the largest clubheads and have a multi-material construction. However, drivers are also one of the most difficult clubs to master due to its length.
If you’re a beginner, you can start with fairway woods between 5- and 9-wood. You can also use this as alternatives to long irons if you find it difficult to master. Also, fairway woods are more forgiving and a great introduction for novice players.
You may or may not use a tee when using woods, depending on the type. Also, modern woods are made with higher forgiveness so beginners can master it easily.
–Hybrids
Hybrid clubs are new additions to the roster of golf clubs available to date. This club shares some attributes of both woods and irons. It aims to reduce mishits and give golfers a customized club that suits their strategy and playing level.
Moreover, hybrids were made to replace long irons that are difficult to use among beginners. Overall, hybrid clubs hit the ball with the same distances as their iron counterparts, but with more forgiveness.
Hybrid models have a larger sweet spot and other features that help tighten and fix the swing of golfers.
However, since hybrids are specialized clubs, it also comes with a hefty price tag. But for a golfer who doesn’t mind splurging, it’s a great addition to the golf bag.
So do you really need a hybrid golf club in the course? It depends on your needs. If you want the features of long irons, but in a model that’s easier to swing, hybrids will be a great investment.
Additional Golf Tips for Beginners
*Prioritize learning, not buying
Sure, a bagful of clubs is a great sight, but ask yourself this: do you know how to use each one? If not, it’s time to prioritize learning instead of buying more. Don’t get too hooked with the latest clubs in the market. Start with the basics before you consider investing a large sum on a new set. That way, your money will be worth every swing.
*You don’t have to buy a whole set at once
As a beginner, you don’t really have to purchase a complete set right away. Although you can stash up to 14 clubs on the golf course, you can start with a few staples if you’re new to the sport.
A putter, a driver, a sand wedge a pitching wedge, a fairway wood, and a 6- or 8-iron are more than enough for beginners. From there, you can expand your collection once you discover the feel and configuration that will improve your plays.
*Start with a high loft
For beginners, a high loft offers better forgiveness and easier swing. Clubs with high loft reduce sidespin plus it launches the ball higher and it allows straighter flight.
*Consider game improvement clubs
Game improvement clubs are made for beginners and aging golfers. It has a larger sweet spot, large sole, weighting, and other features that give players more edge on the golf course. This type of club also compensates for the slowing swings of senior golfers.
*Ask someone to teach you
Playing golf on your own is a great experience, but for you to be better, you need a mentor to watch over. That way, someone can check what’s wrong with your swing. It’s also a great way to get feedback to improve your game.
*Dedicate your time learning short shots
You might be dreaming of acing the best hole-in-one, but you should also pay attention to short shots. These are the hits within the 50-yard radius from the green, which will consist of a large chunk of your game. Also, this will teach you distance control, precision, and utilizing various clubs.
Golf Club Etiquette to Keep in Mind
*Carry more than one club per shot
Your fellow golfers will hate you for wasting their time as you run back and forth the cart to get a new club. So if you’re not sure which of the two clubs you’re going to use, then you might as well bring both. Don’t be the guy that slows things up. If you keep doing it, you’ll never be invited for a match again.
*Take it easy with your practice swing
Yes, you want to make the best shot out of your next ball, but don’t consume too much time on your practice swings. Just utilize the short time as other players are preparing their tee.
*Mind where your golf club bag is
Don’t get lost with playing that you forgot where your golf clubs are. Place your bag in a safe spot where you can retrieve it easily. That way, other golfers won’t have to wait until you’re all set.
*Don’t bang the clubhead on the ground
As much as a mishit can be frustrating, don’t vent the anger on your expensive golf club. If you notice it, golfers will slide the clubhead to the top of their hands after swinging. This is to protect the clubhead from damages.
Final words
So what clubs to take to the driving range? Above, we discussed the basics together with additional tips for beginners. Again, you don’t need an elite club set right away. Start with a few practice pieces and learn from there.
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