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A full set
of clubs will typically consist of a maximum of 14 clubs. The standard
configuration of a set is 3 woods and 10 irons plus a putter. Each club
is designed with unique specifications such as face loft angle, length
and lie angle. Each club is designed to perform a different task.
Numbers
are used to differentiate between clubs. Woods will typically be
numbered 1, 3 & 5. However, many players now carry a 7 wood or utility
woods to replace the 1, 2, 3 & 4 irons, as they are easier to hit.
Irons are
numbered 1 all the way through to 9, plus three specials clubs known as
the Pitching wedge (PW), Sand wedge (SW) & Lob wedge (L).
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Irons |
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Irons
are a very appropriate name for these clubs as the heads are made of
iron. More accurately, they are constructed from stainless steel.
Although when the game was first invented, the same irons took on a
much different feel and appearance. The shafts were made from hickory
wood, the grips were bounded leather and the heads were handmade
pieces of metal.
Each
iron although similar in shape is designed with varying degrees of
length, as well as loft and lie angles. The specifications contained
within each club therefore produce a different trajectory, carry
distance and roll distance.
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Woods |
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In keeping
with the tradition of the game, these clubs have kept their original
name. Before modern technology, these clubs used to be handmade out of a
solid persimmon block. Now these clubs are generally made from either
Titanium or Stainless Steel. The improvement in head design, coupled
with graphite shafts has certainly made them more user friendly.
Woods
usually come in a set of 3, commonly numbered 1, 3 & 5. The number 1
Wood is also known as the Driver, while number 3 & 5 woods can be
categorized as fairway woods. Each has different loft, lie and length.
Since the
turn of the century, Utility, Hybrid or Rescue woods have become
extremely popular. They are very useful when teeing off for safety, and
out of light rough. Loft angles range from approximately 18 degrees up
to 30 degrees.
Unlike the
irons, the bigger the number the smaller the head.
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Putters |
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The putter
is the only club in the bag with no obvious loft on the face. Designed
to roll the ball along the surface of the ground, the putter is most
commonly used but not limited to be used on the green.
The putter
is the single most used club in the bag for most golfers. Therefore, it
is worth the time, effort and money to get the right one. The design
features to look for are:
Correct
Length-
If the club is too long it makes it hard for the body to get properly
over the ball. Too short and you may have to strain your back to get
your left eye over the ball.
Overall
Balance-
How the putter feels in your hand is very important. A good quality
putter should have a feel of overall balance between grip, shaft and
head.
Weight-
Try before you buy and get the putter that feels the right weight for
you. The correct weight will enable you to control the speed of the ball
better. General rule is a lighter putter for fast greens and a heavier
putter for slower greens.
Head
Design-
Choose a head shape that you like the look of. The correct shape should
enable you to line up more accurately to your target. |
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Shoes |
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Golf shoes
are required to be worn while playing golf. They are designed for
walking long distances and to provide stability to the golfer.
Special
features such as rubber spikes provide traction while swinging. Added
features such as Gore-Tex lining make the shoes almost 100% waterproof,
great for that rainy day out on the greens!
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Balls |
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Golf Balls
are all standard size, they are usually white in colour and all have
dimples, which vary in size and number depending on the brand. The
dimple design allows the golf ball to fly in a straight line with
minimal spin.
The
biggest difference between all the golf balls on the market is price,
quality, feel and performance. Golf balls are generally either soft
cover (softer feel) or hard cover (harder feel).
The
majority of the balls you find in pro shops are hard cover balls. They
are more suited to the average player as they are:
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Cheaper to buy
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Last longer
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Go
further and straighter
The softer
covered ball on the other hand is designed with the advanced golfer in
mind. They perform entirely differently to hard cover balls:
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Softer feel off the
club face
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React quicker upon
landing
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Spin more through
the air
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Less distance
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Cost
more to buy
Choose the
ball more suitable to your skill level.
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There are
probably too many accessories on the market to list. Ranging from every
imaginable physical training aid to the beer can holder that sits on
your golf buggy, golf seems to be a game tailored for accessories. As
every golfer is always seeking that small advantage over the
competition.
Here are
some of the more commonly available accessories:
The Glove
Designed to help the golfer grip the club better. Also serves to protect
the hands from blisters, which are very prone to the beginner. Synthetic
gloves are more popular these days as they are washable and cheaper.
Leather gloves are also available.
Telescopic
Ball Retriever
Designed for the fishing balls out of the water. The same length as a
regular driver the telescopic feature allows it to extend out to 3-5
yards. The scoop device at the end allows it to gather up balls on the
edge to the water.
Sun
Glasses
Golf specific sunglasses are designed to protect the golfer’s eyes from
harmful UV rays, and enhance certain colours that make the ball more
visible in bright light. Make sure to get the right tint according to
the brightness of the sunlight in your area.
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