FROM TEE TO GREEN: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOLF CLUBS
Published: 22/09/2025, by: Dylan Jones
Golf can be an absolute thrill, but let’s be honest – it can also feel a tad overwhelming at times. With so many choices for clubs and what to carry in your bag, it’s easy to get lost in the rough. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through some of the most popular golf clubs in the game, helping you figure out what to use and when. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to shave a few strokes off your handicap, we’ll get you swinging with confidence in no time.
A golf bag can hold up to 14 clubs (that’s the official rule) – but if you’re just getting started, there’s no need to fill every slot right away. In fact, keeping things simple can make learning the game a lot less overwhelming.
That said, it’s still worth knowing what all the different clubs do. From the driver to the putter, each club has a specific role out on the course. Understanding what each club is designed for – and when to pull it out of the bag – is a big step towards improving your game. So, let’s break them down one by one and help you start thinking like a golfer, not just swinging like one.
DISTANCE AND POWER: THE DRIVER
The driver. The big stick. The one we all dream of launching straight down the fairway. It’s the longest club in the bag and designed purely for distance – typically used on the tee for par 4s and par 5s, where covering as much ground as possible is the goal.
Drivers have the largest club head and the longest shaft, which means they can generate a lot of power – but they can also be the hardest club to control. One of the key things to understand is loft,
which refers to the angle of the clubface. A lower loft (around 8 to 10 degrees) can help stronger players get more distance, while a higher loft (11 to 12 degrees) makes it easier to launch the ball into the air – ideal if you’re just starting out or don’t swing as fast as the pros.
Another term you’ll hear is MOI, or Moment of Inertia. Sounds technical, but all it really means is how stable the club head is when you don’t hit the ball perfectly in the middle. A driver with high MOI won’t twist as much on off-centre hits, which means your shots stay straighter – even when your swing isn’t quite like Rory McIlroy’s just yet.
If you’re going to invest in just one club to improve your long game, the driver is a great place to start. You can check out our selection here.
DISTANCE AND FORGIVENESS: THE WOODS AND HYBRIDS
Fairway woods and hybrids are often seen as some of the most beginner-friendly clubs in the bag – and for good reason. They’re designed to give you solid distance with a generous helping of forgiveness, making those longer shots feel far less intimidating.
If you need distance off the tee, go for a fairway wood. They’re numbered like irons, typically ranging from 3-wood to 7-wood. As the number goes up, so does the loft. A standard 3-wood usually has a loft between 14 and 16.5 degrees and is great for long shots off the tee or fairway. A 7-wood, on the other hand, has a higher loft (around 20 to 23 degrees), which launches the ball higher into the air, but with slightly less distance.
And if you’re struggling with your long irons (especially when the lie isn’t too great), a hybrid might just become your new best mate. They’re exactly what they sound like – a cross between a fairway wood and a long iron. They’re designed to replace those difficult-to-hit long irons (like the 3 or 4 iron), giving you similar distance but with far more ease and consistency. They tend to launch the ball higher and
are more forgiving on mishits, which makes them a great option for newer players or anyone looking to add a bit of control to their long game.
Many golfers carry both, and as you develop your game, you’ll figure out which suits your style best.
PRECISION AND CONTROL: THE IRONS
Irons are your go-to clubs for approach shots, mid-range distances, and getting out of tricky lies. They’re the clubs you’ll be using after your hit your first shot and before you get on the green. That’s why, they’re all about control and accuracy – and depending on the type of iron you choose, they can either sharpen your precision or offer a bit more forgiveness when your swing isn’t quite perfect.
When it comes to irons, there are two main types to know:
· Blades – these are slim, sleek irons preferred by lower-handicap golfers. They offer more control and feel, but they’re also less forgiving, meaning you really need a consistent swing and solid ball-striking to make the most of them. In short, they’re going to be your worst enemy if you’re new to the game
· Cavity backs – these are ideal for beginners and mid-handicap players. They have a hollowed-out back, which redistributes weight around the clubhead, giving you a larger sweet spot and making them easier to hit – perfect to help you get the ball in the air, even on less-than-perfect swings.
Iron loft and distance – how it works
Irons are numbered from low (like a 3-iron) to high (like a 9-iron), and the number tells you two things:
1. The loft – the angle of the clubface
2. The distance it’s typically used for
As the number increases, the loft gets higher and the ball flies shorter – but with more height and control. Here’s a quick guide:
· 3-Iron – 21° (180–200 yards)
· 4-Iron – 24° (170–190 yards)
· 5-Iron – 27° (160–180 yards)
· 6-Iron – 31° (150–170 yards)
· 7-Iron – 35° (140–160 yards)
· 8-Iron – 39° (130–150 yards)
· 9-Iron – 43° (120–140 yards)
Keep in mind: these are just rough averages – your own distances may vary based on swing speed, technique, and club type. Also, make sure to check out our selection of irons.
SHORT AND PRECISE: THE WEDGES
Wedges are all about finesse. They’re designed to help you with those shorter, more delicate shots around the green – whether you’re chipping from the fringe, escaping a bunker, or lofting the ball over
a hazard. A strong wedge game can shave strokes off your score faster than almost anything else. Most professional golfers carry three to four wedges, covering a range of lofts – usually from a pitching wedge (around 46°) up to a lob wedge (typically 60°). But if you’re a casual or beginner golfer, you really only need one or two to get started.
The most common choice is a sand wedge, which usually has around 56 degrees of loft. It’s a versatile club that works well for bunker shots, chips, and short pitches onto the green.
If you want to take your short game up a notch – especially for higher, softer shots around the green – you might consider adding a lob wedge (around 60°). This club is perfect when you need to pop the ball up quickly and stop it fast.
Another helpful addition is a gap wedge (around 50–54°), which fills the distance gap between your pitching wedge and your sand wedge. If you find there’s a bit of a jump in distance between those two clubs, a gap wedge can give you more control over those in-between yardages.
Quick Wedge Guide
· Pitching Wedge (PW) – ~46°, great for full shots and bump-and-runs
· Gap Wedge (GW) – ~50–54°, bridges the distance gap between PW and SW
· Sand Wedge (SW) – ~56°, ideal for bunkers and short chips
· Lob Wedge (LW) – ~60°, high, soft shots around the green
As you develop your short game, you’ll get a feel for which wedges suit your style and the types of shots you play most often.
Ready to find the perfect wedges for your bag? Check out our wedges.
THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE: THE PUTTER
Now we’re onto arguably the most important club in the bag – the putter. This is the one you’ll use more than any other during a round, so getting the right one (and feeling confident with it) can make a massive difference to your scorecard.
There are two main types of putter: blade and mallet.
Blade putters are the more traditional style, with a slim head and a toe-hang design – meaning the toe of the putter naturally points down when balanced. This makes them better suited to players with a consistent tempo.
Mallet putters, on the other hand, have a larger head with more weight distributed around the perimeter. They’re typically more forgiving, helping to keep your putts on-line even when your strike isn’t perfect. That’s why they’re a popular choice for beginners and intermediate players still working on their putting consistency.
Unlike other clubs in the bag, the putter is all about feel. It’s not just about specs – it’s about what feels right in your hands. Some golfers prefer a heavier putter head for a smoother stroke, while others like a lighter feel for more control. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here – it’s all down to what gives you the most confidence over the ball. Find your perfect putter here.
PRIORITISING FORGIVENESS OVER DISTANCE
As a beginner, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing distance – especially with the driver. But the truth is, hitting the ball straighter and with more control will do far more for your game than simply hitting it further.
You also don’t need to splash out on expensive clubs right away. Once you’ve had a few lessons and you're playing regularly, that’s the time to think about a club fitting or upgrading to higher-end equipment. Until then, build your bag gradually. For example, if you’ve been working on your putting and feel more confident, that might be the right time to invest in a quality second-hand putter. Reliable brands like TaylorMade, Scotty Cameron, and Callaway are widely available on the second-hand market at a fraction of the price of new models.
READY TO GET STARTED?
If you’re just beginning your golf journey, picking up a pre-set starter set is a smart move. These come with all the essential clubs you’ll need to get out on the course and start learning the game. As you improve, you can gradually swap out or add clubs to suit your growing skills and playing style.
Understanding what each club does – and how it can support your game – is the first step to improving faster and enjoying your time on the course even more.
