While golf can be a fun hobby, it can be intimidating to jump into. Beyond learning the rules of the game, players also need to select the right golf club to use for each stroke. The guide below explains three popular types.  

3 Common Types of Golf Clubs & Their Uses

1. Iron

Made of metal, this golf club is used when trying to send a golf ball to a target 100 to 200 yards away. Iron golf clubs are numbered one through nine. The higher this value, the more loft it has, meaning it will send balls higher and further. Iron clubs either feature a cavity back clubhead that is larger and hollowed out or a muscle back clubhead that is smaller and solid metal. 

2. Woods

This category includes the driver and the fairway woods. These golf clubs launch balls the farthest distance—usually 200 to 350 yards. Their clubheads used to be made of wood, which is how they got their name, but they are now made with metal. These golf clubs have the largest clubheads and the longest shafts of all options. They are meant to be swung fast. 

Golfers will typically carry three different “woods” clubs: a 1-Wood, 3-Wood, and 5-Wood. These numbers represent the length of the shaft and correspond with how far the golf ball can be hit. Beginners should try a 3-Wood first, as the medium size is the most comfortable to handle. 

3. Wedges

A wedge is designed to send the ball high into the air without sending it too far. This makes them ideal for getting out of tricky situations like being stuck in a sand bunker. Their shafts are shorter than irons and woods. Their clubheads are also more extremely angled to give the ball greater lift. Golf sets usually come with a pitching wedge, while other wedges need to be bought separately. 

If your child is interested in golf and wants to learn more about the sport, head to Tee Masters Golf Club of St. Louis in St. Louis, MO. This local community organization has been offering golf lessons to children ages 7-13 since 1982, providing all the skills a budding golf enthusiast needs. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings. Call (314) 748-2111 to speak with an employee.