A 2021 report for the National Golf Foundation found 25.1 million people played on a golf course in the U.S. If you're just picking up the sport, you may find the nuances intimidating. From choosing the right golf clubs to specific types of shots, knowing the basics will help you acclimate to the game significantly more quickly. Here is a guide to the main types of clubs and their differences. 

What to Know About Golf Clubs for Beginners 

1. Driver

The driver produces maximum height and distance with minimum side spin for straighter shots. The longest club in a golfer's bag, this club has a loft that can range from 7 to 11 degrees depending on how much air you need. Made of lightweight titanium, the driver is used exclusively for tee shots. 

2. Woods 

Contrary to their name, woods are made of stainless steel. This club is ideal for fairway shots that are beyond the range of your irons. With a large head, flattened bottom and off-center shaft, this club allows for a smooth slide off the greens with every swing. 

3. Irons

Irons, also known as blades, are used on shorts from the fairway or for tee shots with holes in close proximity. These clubs come in numbered sets, ranging from 3-iron through 9-iron or pitching wedge. With smaller, sometimes hollow, clubheads, and angled faces, this club helps grip and spin the golf ball. 

4. Wedges

Wedges are their own sub-set of irons. This includes a pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge and lob wedge. A wedge is angled for more loft and is used for short-range shots, chips and pitches around the greens or for playing out of sand traps. 

5. Putter

The putter is a golf club you'll use on or around the green, as well as the putting surface surrounding the hole. This club has plastic or soft metal face inserts for a better feel and roll. At 34 to 35 inches tall, a putter has a flat face with about 4 degrees loft to prevent bouncing when hit.

As the second oldest golf course on the big island, The Village Course at Waikoloa’s in Waikoloa, HI, is a golfer's ideal destination. Designed by famous architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course boasts generous fairways and well-guarded greens, all with a view of the Kohala coastline and five volcanoes. Located at approximately 1,000 feet of elevation, with dry playing conditions 365 days per year, this course offers something for every level of golfer. Their newly renovated golf shop sells golf equipment, such as golf clubs, and golf accessories, and apparel, as well as private and group lessons. For tee times or to schedule a lesson, call (808) 883-9621 or visit the website.