Golf Clubs 101: The Basics for First-Time Golfers
By John Callahan, Keiser University College of Golf Professor and PGA Professional
While walking my dog last year, I met my neighbor as he was mowing his front lawn. We introduced ourselves (his name is Mike) and exchanged pleasantries. Upon learning that I was an instructor at Keiser University’s College of Golf, he told me he often watched golf on TV, considered taking up the game, and asked me what clubs he needed to get started. The following is what I told Mike.
The players you see on TV have 14 clubs in their bag because, by rule, that is the competitive limit. The makeup of the 14 clubs varies, but the typical set consists of a driver, a fairway ‘wood,’ 7 irons ranging in order from 3 through 9, a pitching wedge, a gap wedge, a sand wedge, a lob wedge, and a putter. In the order listed above, this usual configuration allows for a vast range of distances and trajectories, from the longest (the driver) to the shortest (the lob wedge). The putter is designed to roll the ball into the hole when the player reaches the ‘green’ (the short grass around the hole). The specifications of these highly skilled players’ clubs vary significantly based on each individual’s body type, swing speed, and preference.
However, you don’t need as many clubs to get started, only what is typically called a ‘starter set.’ Price is one consideration, but more importantly, you will only need a complete set of 14 clubs once you have attained a fundamental skill level and are sure you are ready to commit more. When that time arrives, getting a fitting from a qualified golf professional is crucial to ensuring that the equipment you choose matches your body type, swing speed, and preference, leading to a more enjoyable and successful golf experience.
Besides price, a starter set has other advantages. Most importantly, the standard starter set consists of the clubs that are easier to hit. For example, here is the makeup for a ten-club starter set:
- A driver with added loft to help get the ball airborne
- Two hybrids, which consist of a #4 and #6 (note: hybrids are a forgiving alternative to fairway woods and the longer irons, such as the 3, 4, and 5, which are harder to hit than their shorter counterparts. The clubhead shape of the hybrid is a crossroads between an iron and a fairway wood)
- Six irons: a six iron, seven iron, eight iron, nine iron, pitching wedge, sand wedge
- A mallet putter (a large-headed putter with a line on the top to help with aim)
I’m glad to report that Mike purchased a starter set, was recently fitted for a complete set of clubs matching his current specifications, and is now a happy camper shooting consistently in the mid-eighties.
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Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, we can elevate your game to new heights together. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.
