Are you planning to start golfing? Before you do, you must know what a full set of golf clubs consists of? This article will provide you with all answers.
If you have watched a golf game, you have certainly seen caddies carrying a bunch of clubs. Have you ever wondered why there are so many things inside a bag? No matter if you are a beginner or a professional, golfers need to have a full set of golf clubs when playing the game.
Golf as a sport can be confusing and tricky to understand for beginners. But, what you are seeing inside a golf bag, is there for a reason. Everything present inside a bag has a purpose to this game. If you are wondering, what does a full set of golf clubs consist of? We are here to tell you what goes inside a golf bag and the purpose behind all of them.
How many clubs are in a full set?
There are 12 to 14 clubs in a full set. The minimum requirement is 12 clubs and the maximum can be 14 according to USGA. These numbers are broken into different parts. Not every club is the same, there are different variations and works differently.
A full set of golf clubs consists of irons, putters, wedges, fairy woods and hybrids. Is it already confusing you? It can, at first. We were discombobulated with all these names and parts.
Do you need all the clubs?
If you are a beginner, then having 14 clubs is a surplus to what you need. You will be using only a few to get a hold of golfing. For advanced players and professionals, a 14 club set is very important. They might need a variant of gears for different shots. This is where a full set comes in handy.
Let’s break the clubs into sections to make things easier for you to understand what they are made for. As we said, there is no other alternative to having a complete set if you are playing on a serious turf.
Irons
Irons mostly complement how skillful you are. Your preference of the game, your swing speed depends on these gears. If you have great accuracy and have speedy hands, you will notice a huge difference between 7 iron and 9 iron. What’s with the number markings? Well, you can get irons ranging from 1-9 numbers. Iron 1 and 2 are not used widely, but that doesn’t mean it is not useful. Most golfers will go for 3-9 irons and wedges according to their preference. Beginners opt to use 5-7 irons. They mostly start with the number 7.
The iron gains more loft as the number increases. For example 9 iron has a higher loft than a 5 iron. The lower the number the further you can hit the golf ball.
Wedges
Wedges fall into the category of irons but vary in terms of the surface on the face. Irons have thinner faces compared to wedges. Wedges can help the ball reach height in a shorter distance.
Pitching wedges can deliver a pitching loft of 44 to 50 degrees. Then there is the gap wedge, when you want to hit the wall and reach more distance for example 90-100 yards, this wedge comes in handy.
Playing a shot from sand bunkers requires a sand wedge. It has a loft angle of 54 to 58 degrees. If you want to make a shot to cover 80 yards or less, then the Lob wedge comes in handy with its high pitch angle of 60-65 degrees.
Putters
For use in the green, a putter is a must-have for any golfer. You have seen players using a putter when performing a shot that covers the shortest distance. Simply close to the hole. Using the putter is fairly easy as it needs to be in the ground to guide the ball. Putters come in different weights and shaft sizes. You must use a putter that complements your shot range.
Hybrids
Hybrid clubs have gained popularity nowadays. It can take the place of long irons and can make your shots easier. Hybrids have shallower faces composed of wood and iron on the end. The centre of gravity is tweaked in a way so that it can be easier to loft and launch the ball. To work on tighter lies, a hybrid is the best choice for beginners mastering a shot.
What clubs do you need in a set?
In most sports shops you will find a set of golf clubs. A basic golf bag must have a driver, a hybrid, 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 numbered irons, a sand wedge, a pitching wedge, and last but not least a putter. Whatever you carry there are few essentials like the PW, SW, putter, irons from 5-9, 1 wood and a driver. You simply cannot miss these clubs no matter your skill rating. Whether you are a noob or a pro, you must have all these in your golf bag.
As your skill level goes up a notch, you can always add extra clubs depending on what you need.
Should you invest in a full set or just a few clubs?
This is the most important question before you start golfing. If you are into recreational golfing, then few clubs can work for you. Check out the list above and determine what you need to make the perfect shot. If you are planning to take golf seriously. Then we recommend you get the full set of clubs.
Final Thoughts
What does a full set of golf clubs consist of? The correct answer is 12 -14. We have discussed the types and numbers of different clubs and why they are necessary. You will find a full set consisting of every essential piece. Or you can opt for a single club or just a few different ones if you are into leisure golfing.
A professional will need a driver, irons, wood, hybrid, sand wedge, pitching wedge and putter at their disposal. What are you waiting for? Now you know what goes inside a golfing bag. Time to put on the gloves and swing at it.
