Irons

A set of irons will comprise the majority of the clubs carried by most golfers. Typically, a bag may contain a driver, fairway wood, perhaps a utility wood or two and a putter. The reminder will be irons; usually 3 to pitching wedge or 3 to sand wedge, though better players sometimes carry a 1 or 2-iron.The 3-iron is the least lofted iron, with a face about 20? from the vertical and is designed for long, low-flighted shots. Conversely, the pitching wedge and sand wedge, with lofts of 50-56?, are useful for high-flighted shots around the green, generally within 100 yards. The remaining irons, (4 to 9) have progressively higher lofts, with each club being able to be hit about 10 yards less than its predecessor. The lower the number, the lower the loft and the lower / further the ball will travel if struck correctly. However, lower-lofted clubs impart more spin on the golf ball, making them more difficult to control. Beginners and novice players should consider eliminating the 3 and 4 irons from their bag, replacing those harder to hit irons with no.3 and no. 5 hybrid clubs. These “utility” clubs are a cross between irons and woods, offering the control of an iron together with the forgiveness of a lofted wood. They are particularly useful from poor lies, as their larger heads prevent twisting, leading to greater control.

Drivers

Modern drivers tend to have oversized heads (460cc) which will lead to a more consistent strike and instil confidence in the new player. Many novice players make the mistake of buying a driver with far too little loft (about 7?). Whilst these are fine for the professional players who can virtually guarantee the same swing path and consistent striking, the amateur may struggle to even get the ball airborne with such a straight-faced club. Good amateurs (single-figure handicappers) may be best suited by a driver with a loft of around 9-10?. However, novice players should look for driver models with a loft of about 11-12?. Whilst this will sacrifice some distance, improved accuracy will compensate. Unless very short all tall, all golfers should use standard length drivers. This will allow the ball to be struck in the centre of the face more consistently, improving accuracy and distance. Modern lightweight materials have allowed driver lengths to be increased up to 46″. Longer clubs promote distance, but are hard to control, resulting in a loss of accuracy. Significant increases in driving distances are achieved with clubs up to 44″ in length, but thereafter, any minimal increase in distance is undermined by a substantial loss of accuracy. For this reason, do not use a drive greater than 44″ in length.

A popular misconception amongst golfers is that the more expensive a club, the more it will improve a player`s game. Many golfers have wasted hundreds or even thousands of pounds of the latest, “cutting-edge” technology, despite limited golfing ability. High prices, in themselves, will not improve a golf game, rather judiciously chosen clubs, taking advantage of the best golf prices.