When to use each Golf Club in Golf – 10 Tips
Out of the 14 golf clubs available for use, it can be quite challenging to know the right club to use for each shot. Even the pro golfers at times tend to struggle when trying to choose the right clubs. The different clubs in the golf bag have been manufactured uniquely to offer different performances. The club you will use will be determined by the results you are looking to achieve. Here is a comprehensive guide by RunRex on the various golf clubs that are at your disposal and how to use them.
1. Driver
The driver is also referred to as 1 wood, and it is specifically used for teeing off. Characteristically it is the longest but has the lowest loft. The driver is used when driving the golf ball beyond the 200-yard mark for men and up to 200 yards for women. For beginners, do not be quick with the driver. Most beginners have not perfected their swing and can only hit the ball over short distances. The driver is most suited for players who have advanced in their skills and can hit the ball over long distances comfortably.
2. The Woods
The woods are used when hitting long shots; usually, the first shot after you drive. They serve best when hitting within the 200-yard mark like when hitting the ball for 170 or 180 yards. Most golfers prefer carrying the fairway woods. These are the 3 wood and the 5 wood.
3. The Irons
Another type of golf clubs you will have in the golf bag are the irons. They range from 3 to 6, and there exists a ten-yard gap between them. As such, you can expect a ball hit with a 7 iron to travel 10 yards further than a ball hit with an 8 Iron. The general rule when using the Irons is that you use a higher Iron as you get closer to the green. If you are far from the green, the 3 Irons come in handy.
4. Pitching wedge
This is one of the most versatile golf clubs as it can hit high shots that land perfectly on the green or low chip shots that can let the ball roll close to the hole. While a pitching wedge requires time and practice to master its use, it can greatly improve your short game and, subsequently, result in a drop in your scores.
5. Lob wedge
A lob wedge is also referred to as an L-wedge or lofted wedge. The name gives away its function. It is one of the golf clubs that provide most loft. They are normally used to produce shots with very high arcs, perhaps over a tree, but over short distances. They come in handy when looking to get out of deep trouble like getting over hazards and the various obstacles on the golf course.
6. Gap wedge
A gap wedge is named so because it is a blend of the sand wedge and the pitching wedge. A sand wedge is used when hitting the golf ball out of a bunker. A gap wedge is used when hitting the golf ball with shorter and higher trajectory than that of a pitching wedge and a longer and lower trajectory than that of a sand wedge. The nature of the obstacle you are facing is what determines whether or not to use the gap wedge when taking your shot.
7. Hybrids
Hybrids are characteristically a blend of Irons and Woods. They can be used when hitting the long fairway shots. They can be used by amateurs who have improved their shot skills and pros alike. They can be used as a substitute for the longs Irons that are difficult to use. Hybrids offer you more control over your shot without you having to sacrifice its distance.
8. The Putter
The main aim of playing golf is not just to get the ball to roll into the hole. You should get the ball into the hole with the least amount of shots possible. That would not be easy without the putter. The role of the putter is to roll the ball into the hole. Of the different putters available in your golf shop, pick one that you are most comfortable with.
9. Assess the course conditions
Before you choose the golf club to use, you should assess the condition of the course. Find out the distance of the driving range and the obstacles and hazards you are likely to encounter. Know the club to use based on that assessment.
10. Know your distances
As stated, the different clubs have different characteristics and hence can be used to achieve varied distances. Every golfer is uniquely different and can yield different results with the same golf clubs. It is, therefore, important to know how far you can hit the ball with the different clubs in the golf bag. The best way to know is by practicing. Hit the golf course and test every single club you have to know your range.