Beginners often wonder whether trying out a new type of club can help or hinder their golf game, and what type of clubs are allowed on the course. It can be difficult to know exactly which clubs to carry and if you need to add any to your bag.
In many ways, the rules of golf can be very complicated, especially if you happen to glance at the book of decisions, which is based on the golf rule book. While the rule book isn’t very long, the book of decisions is, and it can be very confusing to newbies and even seasoned golfers. But one of the rules of golf is very clear: you’re only allowed to use a total of fourteen clubs on the course. So, which golf clubs to carry? Ultimately, this can be a matter of your golfing style and the type of course you normally play on.
Key Takeaway: There are no rules that govern the type of clubs you can carry, just the total number you’re allowed to carry in your bag.
Do you want to carry all drivers? You can. Need more than one putter? Go for it. You’re free within the rules of golf to organize your set in any manner you see fit, just as long as the total doesn’t exceed fourteen.
Read on to learn more about the best clubs on the market and how to choose the best clubs for your bag.
Choosing Your Clubs Wisely
Of course, a seasoned golfer would never play with all drivers or more than one putter. Most players tend to use some type of variation of the standard set of clubs, including one putter, a set of irons, and one driver. In fact, if you look in a golfer’s bag, you’ll probably find a set that’s rather traditional. But is using a traditional set the best for you and your golf game?
The clubs you choose can go a long way when it comes to determining the shots you’re able to hit on the green. Consequently, the clubs you use will also determine what scores you’re able to shoot. If you often find that you’re hit with countless shots that you don’t have the right club for, then it’s time for a change.
The only right set of clubs is one that will work for you, while the only wrong clubs to use are the ones that won’t help to improve your game. Your golfing skills, including your weaknesses and strengths, are what should determine the type of clubs you carry. Play your strengths but practice your weaknesses.
The needs of a seasoned golfer are much different than those of a beginner. There are some clubs that are easier to control compared to others, and a seasoned golfer should focus on the easiest to hit clubs, such as hybrids instead of long irons or using three or five wood.
A skilled golfer is able to carry a more specialized club and can play a wider variety of shots.
Clubs Based on Skill Level
Our list of the clubs to choose based on skill level are generalities. If there’s a specific club that you hit well with but it’s not on our list, make sure you keep it in your bag. The results are what really matter, and results should always determine what type of clubs you should use. There are no essential or must-have clubs that every golfer should use.
A seasoned golfer will typically carry the following clubs:
- Four, five, and six hybrids
- Three wood
- Seven, eight, and nine irons
- Pitching wedge
- Putter
Moderately skilled golfer’s club set:
- Three wood
- Driver
- Sand wedge
- Pitching wedge
- Four and five hybrids
- Six, seven, eight, and nine
- Putter
Many intermediate golfers tend to be better off hitting a three wood off the tee instead of a driver, but they usually have a better chance of controlling the driver compared to a beginner. Golfers at this skill level are often strong in their short game and should consider adding a gap or lob wedge. They will also be better off using hybrids instead of long irons.
Beginner’s golf bag:
- Two hybrids or three wood
- Three iron through nine iron
- Gap wedge
- Pitching wedge
- Putter
- Lob wedge
- Driver
The beginner will probably want to use the fourth wedge instead of a hybrid or three wood.
The gap and lob wedges will increase a player’s options on the course. The best golfers usually change up their set from week to week or even between rounds, in order to continue to challenge their golf game and work on their weaknesses. This is what can truly help you to become a better golfer. Continue to work on certain areas in which you struggle. Of course, continue to play to your strengths as well. Over time, you’ll find that you’re able to play like a solid golfer.
Why the Hybrid and the Fairway Woods Should Earn a Spot in Your Bag
While golfers mainly choose fairway woods or hybrids to help get them out of tight spots, the key is finding one that can add some serious distance to your swing.
But not every golfer is eager to add a hybrid to their bag. In fact, many tend to prefer using a regular three wood or they choose to stick with a more traditional choice such as a long iron. But the high handicap golfer will be impressed with what a hybrid can do for their game.
If you’re a beginner, then a hybrid should definitely take up a spot or two in your golf bag. Hybrids tend to look similar to small woods, but compared to a long iron they offer a better sweet spot and are incredibly versatile.
Yet, there’s still room in your bag for a fairway woods as well. If you need a club that can offer more accuracy off the tee, then this club has a lot to offer.
The hybrid club should be thought of as a club that combines the best features of both the irons and the woods. A hybrid has a much lower center of gravity compared to a long iron. It also features a wider sole. The hybrid’s design makes it much easier to hit with. Their shorter length also makes it easier for the golfer to control their swing. Compared to the iron, the hybrid’s shaft is about three inches shorter.
Golfers that do decide to add some hybrids to their setup often do so in order to replace the long irons. Certain popular brands on the market have designed hybrids that offer the same type of loft and distance that irons do, making hybrids one of the most versatile clubs you’ll find on the green.
These days, hybrids are more popular than ever, with more than fifty percent of pro golfers replacing one or two of their long irons with hybrids.
Fairways Versus Hybrids
Before the rise of the hybrid, the fairway woods took the lead. Most golfers still consider carrying at least one fairway a must, simply because this club can do what a hybrid can’t.
Most newer models are made out of titanium or steel. These materials allow the club to deliver less weight than wood, which equals an increase in swing speed.
Other models feature a design that’s similar to a driver. This design allows the fairway to provide better accuracy and also offers more distance on your swing.
Ultimately, you may need to do a little experimenting with each style of club to determine which type works best for you and your golf game. Some golfers choose to go with one or two of each, in order to diversify their clubs and for use when they need help with difficult shots that require accuracy and range.
The Perfect Clubs for the Job
Choosing the right club often depends on the player and the course. There’s no ideal set of clubs, no universal club set that will work for everyone. The standard clubs that come in a set can be a great starting point, but the clubs we’ve mentioned can help to cultivate your game, challenge how you play, and essentially make you a better player.
Customizing Your Clubs
Are you a lefty and have trouble playing with right-handed clubs? That’s because left-handed golfing requires clubs specifically designed for left-handed players. Are you new to golf and find yourself struggling with your new hybrid? Hybrids are more directed toward skilled golfers who can take a great shot with pretty much any club, they’re not exactly beginner friendly. In fact, many pros claim they’re a terrible club to use for beginners. If you’re uncertain which clubs will work the best for you, don’t be afraid to talk to other players on the course and find out what they have to say regarding the best rangefinder for golf, what club works best for their short game, and whether or not hybrids are worth the higher price tag. Add one or two new clubs to your bag at a time and see if they help your game. Remember, which golf clubs to carry is all a matter of what works the best for you.
