What Golf Clubs to Use for Each Shot

Golf can be a confusing sport, especially for those who are relatively new to the game. There is an endless array of golf gear on the market, featuring everything from hybrid clubs to high-tech equipment, which can make it intimidating to even get started. If you find yourself asking, “what golf clubs do I need” or "what golf club to use for each shot" than this is the guide for you. Here we’ll cover how to know which golf clubs are best for you and which club to grab when you’re out on the green, giving you a variety of tips to help you navigate your next tee time.

What Golf Club Do I Need?

The average golfer carries between 12 to 14 different clubs, but to get a better answer, you need to think about how much you want to spend and what your level of skill requires. Beginners will need fewer clubs to get started than an expert who has honed in on their golf abilities over the years. If you’re just starting out, you’ll likely want to add a driver, pitching wedge, sand wedge, a 3-wood, putter, and a 5, 7, and 9 iron to your bag.

What Golf Clubs to Use for Each Shot

Learning what golf club to use for each shot takes time. Your own personal strength and ability have a huge impact on just how far you’ll lob the ball with each club, but there are some general guidelines to keep in mind the next time you play a round.

Driver - Most likely the first club you’ll grab on the golf course, the driver is used for hitting the ball off the tee. The shape and design of these clubs helps to “drive” the ball into the distance toward the pin.

Pitching Wedge -  Once you make it within 50-120 yards of the green, you’ll want to take out this club. It will help you hit the ball onto the green and close to the pin. 

Sand Wedge - Every golf course has a number of bunkers, or sand pits, which are meant to trap your ball. If you find yourself in a bunker, grab your sand wedge to get out. 

Putter - Learning how to use the putter is likely the most important part of your game because it is the club you’ll use once you’re on the green. Avoid adding strokes to your score by putting the ball with precision into the hole in as few shots as you can. 

Fairway Woods - When it comes to woods, the larger the number, the shorter the distance you’re likely to hit the ball. A 7-wood, for example, will usually allow you to hit the ball 90 to170 yards away, while a 3-wood will give you a range of 125-240 yards. These clubs are used for when you’re on the fairway, but they can also be used for hitting off the tee or when you’re in the rough.

Irons - Learning how to know which golf clubs are best for you is probably most important when you’re buying irons for your bag. Irons differ a lot and the distance you can hit with each is just as varied. Much like that of fairway woods, the larger the number the shorter the distance they cover. Use irons to drive the ball further toward the green. 

Hybrids - The ideal blend between an iron and a wood, hybrids are the perfect option for those trying to figure out what the best golf clubs are because they give you distance without compromising your control.

What are the Best Golf Clubs for Me?

Figuring out what the best golf clubs are can be extremely difficult, especially because there are so many products on the market and everyone’s skill level, stance, swing, and strength is different. If you are looking for the best clubs, visit your local pro shop and have someone who knows what they are doing fit you for clubs. They’ll be able to recommend the ideal clubs for your unique situation.