Whether you are a novice player or a pro on the golf course, you always want to be sure you’re using the right golf club whenever you step onto the course. Each golf club has a different loft, which refers to the way the club’s face is angled to the club shaft. The loft of your club changes the trajectory of your ball: the higher the loft, the higher the trajectory of the ball.

At New York Golf Center, considered the best golf store in Manhattan, their knowledgeable staff can help you understand the differences between lofts in golf clubs and when to use each one. Although there is no official loft angle for each club — manufacturers can set the angles to whatever they choose — there is a standard loft angle for a set of irons. New York Golf Center has an incredible selection of golf clubs, including high-end, boutique brands, so their salespeople can help you choose what’s right for you.

Here is a simple guide to loft degrees in golf clubs.

• Drivers: Your driver will have the longest shaft and the lowest loft of all of your golf clubs. Depending on the manufacturer, the loft will be between nine and 12 degrees, which makes it the most difficult club to use if you need to hit something accurately.

• Fairway Woods: Most golfers carry the three and five-wood; however, others prefer a seven or nine-wood. A three-wood usually has a loft that ranges from 15 to 18 degrees, while a five-wood has a loft angle between 20 to 22 degrees. Seven and nine-woods are at least 24 degrees.

• Hybrids: A hybrid club has a flat face like an iron and a wide sole like a fairway wood. The loft angle can range anywhere from 14 to 30 degrees. Because they combine the features of woods and irons, hybrids are good to use when you need extreme hitting accuracy.

• Irons: Long irons, which include the two-iron, three-iron, and four-iron, usually have a loft angle between 20 and 25 degrees. Middle irons, which include the five, six, and seven-iron, range from 28 to 34 degrees. Because they have higher lofts, irons are good to use on the fairway when you need to hit long distances.

• Wedges: Depending on the type of wedge you’re using, the loft will range anywhere from 45 and 60 degrees. The loft of a pitching wedge, for example, is usually between 45 and 50 degrees, while the loft of a sand wedge is between 54 and 58 degrees. Which type of wedge is best suited for your needs depends on what kind of game you’re playing. For example, a gap wedge is more than 50 degrees, which means your best bet for using this wedge is to use it close to the green. 

Whether you are a new player or an avid golfer looking for a fresh set of clubs, the passionate staff at New York Golf Center can help you find everything you need for a perfect game. For more information about the best golf store in New York, visit the New York Golf Center website or call (212)  564-0078.