Golf Club Sets: What Do You Need?

So it’s time for a new set of clubs, is it? This is one thing that can feel like Christmas to golfers of all experience levels, regardless of when they get it.

But as you gain experience playing the game, you’ll quickly realize that all needs are not the same. However, this may not become immediately obvious when just starting out.

It’s easy to be oversold or fleeced, believing that the most expensive set is the best one for you. It just doesn’t work that way. 

In this blog, we’ll take a look at what a typical golf set contains and what you would need to get your game off the ground.

What Should Your Golf Set Contain?

Understanding what clubs you need and what a typical full set includes is crucial, whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your knowledge.

A standard golf club set consists of a mix of clubs designed for various shots and distances. A full set typically includes 14 clubs, the maximum allowed in a bag during a round as per the rules of golf. Here's a breakdown:

1. Drivers: This is your go-to club for the tee on long holes. It's designed to hit the ball the farthest. Most sets include one driver with a large head and a long shaft to maximize distance.
2. Fairway Woods: These clubs are versatile and can be used off the tee, on the fairway, or even out of light rough. They're designed for long-distance shots where you need more control than with a driver. A set may include a 3-wood and a 5-wood.
3. Irons: The bulk of your set will be irons, ranging from 3-iron to 9-iron. Each iron has a different loft, which affects the trajectory and distance of your shot. The lower the number, the longer the distance the ball should travel. Irons are used for a variety of shots from different distances, especially as you approach the green.
4. Wedges: These are specialty irons with higher lofts used for short-distance shots, typically from 120 yards and in. Common types include the pitching wedge (PW), sand wedge (SW), and sometimes a gap wedge (GW) or lob wedge (LW). They're crucial for shots around the green and bunker shots.
5. Hybrids: A relatively newer addition to many golf sets, hybrids combine elements of woods and irons. They're easier to hit than long irons and are often used as replacements for 3-irons and 4-irons.
6. Putter: The most used club in the bag, your putter is for rolling the ball on the green into the hole. There are various styles of putters, but all are designed to give you control and accuracy on the green.

Remember, while this is considered a typical set, the combination of clubs can vary based on your skill level and preferences. Beginners might opt for more hybrids and fewer long irons, while experienced golfers may prefer a set with a full range of irons and specialized wedges.

Golf Club Selection: Characteristics and Considerations

While it’s common for more experienced golfers to meticulously choose their clubs, you too, can benefit from not going in blind when compiling a set. Let’s check out some unique traits of the clubs you’d find in a set.

The Driver

The driver, often referred to as the "1-wood," is a staple in any golfer's bag and plays a critical role in starting off most holes with a powerful tee shot. It's the largest and longest club in a set, designed for achieving maximum distance. 

Let's look at some of its attributes that are useful when selecting one. 

• Head Size and Shape: The most noticeable feature of a driver is its large head, normally made of titanium or composite materials. The size of the head affects the moment of inertia (MOI), which helps reduce the effects of off-center hits, making it more forgiving. The maximum head size allowed is 460 cubic centimeters, which most modern drivers adhere to. The shape of the head, whether round, square, or elongated, also influences aerodynamics and can affect the swing.
• Loft: The loft of a driver is the angle of the clubface and plays a vital role in determining the trajectory of the ball. Drivers typically range from 8 to 12 degrees of loft. Lower lofts are generally preferred by experienced players with faster swing speeds, as they can achieve greater distance. Higher lofts, on the other hand, help in achieving higher ball flight and are often recommended for beginners or players with slower swing speeds.
• Shaft: The length and flex of the shaft are crucial. Standard drivers are about 45-46 inches long, but shaft length can be adjusted for a player's height and arm length. The flex of the shaft – ranging from extra stiff to ladies – corresponds to the player's swing speed. Matching the right flex to your swing speed is important for optimal distance and accuracy.
• Adjustability: Many modern drivers offer adjustability features, allowing players to change the loft, lie angle, and even the weight distribution. This adjustability can help fine-tune your driver to your specific swing style and preferences.
• Weight Distribution and Center of Gravity: The placement of weight within the head can influence the driver's balance and the ball's flight path. Some drivers have a lower center of gravity to help launch the ball higher, while others distribute weight around the perimeter for increased forgiveness.

Fairway Woods and Hybrids

Fairway woods and hybrids are integral components of a golfer's bag, each offering unique characteristics and benefits. Understanding these clubs can significantly impact your game, particularly for long shots from the fairway or challenging lies.

Fairway Woods

Fairway woods are designed to cover long distances, typically used for shots from the fairway or off the tee on shorter par 4s and par 5s. Here are some of their unique traits:

• Head Size and Shape: Fairway woods have a smaller head compared to drivers, but they are still relatively large. This size provides a good balance of power and control. The head shape, often shallower than drivers, helps with hitting the ball off the ground.
• Loft: The loft of fairway woods varies, with the most common being the 3-wood and 5-wood, having lofts of around 15 and 18 degrees respectively. Higher-lofted woods, like the 7-wood, are also available and can be easier to hit than lower-lofted ones.
• Shaft: The shafts of fairway woods are shorter than those of drivers, which offers more control. The flex and material of the shaft (usually graphite) are also important considerations, as they need to match the player’s swing speed and style.
• Versatility: Fairway woods are highly versatile, useful for tee shots, long approaches, and even for getting out of light rough. Selecting the right wood depends on the distances you need to cover and the typical course conditions you encounter.

Hybrids

Hybrids, a cross between irons and woods, are designed to combine the best features of both. They are increasingly popular for their ease of use and versatility. Key characteristics include:

• Head Design: Hybrids have a head design that is a blend of a fairway wood and an iron. This design offers more forgiveness than long irons and is easier to hit from a variety of lies, including rough and sand.
• Loft: Hybrids come in various lofts, replacing the equivalent irons (e.g., a 3-hybrid replaces a 3-iron). They provide higher and softer landing shots compared to their iron counterparts, which can be beneficial on long approaches to the green.
• Shaft: Like fairway woods, hybrids typically have graphite shafts. The length and flex of the shaft are crucial to ensure that they fit the golfer’s swing.
• Ease of Use: Hybrids are especially popular among beginners, seniors, and players with slower swing speeds because they are easier to hit than long irons. Their wider soles help to glide through rough or sand, making them valuable in challenging situations.

When choosing the ideal fairway woods and hybrids, consider factors like the typical distances you need to cover, your swing speed, and your comfort with each club type. Some golfers prefer a mix of both fairway woods and hybrids, while others might lean towards one over the other based on their play style and the courses they frequent. Remember, the right selection can vastly improve your long game and overall scoring.

Irons

The set of irons is a fundamental part of your bag, offering a range of options for various distances and shots. 

Types of Irons

1. Long Irons (2, 3, 4 Irons): These irons have lower lofts and are designed for long-distance shots. They can be challenging to hit due to their smaller clubface and longer shafts. Many golfers replace these with hybrids for easier playability.
2. Mid Irons (5, 6, 7 Irons): Offering a balance between distance and control, mid irons are used for a variety of shots, including fairway shots, approaches, and some tee shots on shorter holes.
3. Short Irons (8, 9 Irons): With higher lofts, short irons are used for shorter, more precise shots, often when approaching the green. They provide greater control and accuracy.

Characteristics of Irons

• Clubhead Design: Irons come in three main designs - blade (muscle back), cavity back, and game-improvement irons. Blades offer more control but are less forgiving, suited for skilled golfers. Cavity back irons have a hollowed-out clubhead, offering a mix of control and forgiveness. Game improvement irons are very forgiving and are a good choice for beginners and intermediate players.
• Shaft: The shafts in irons can be steel or graphite. Steel shafts are more durable and offer better control, while graphite shafts are lighter and help achieve greater swing speed and distance. The choice depends on the player's preference, swing speed, and strength.
• Loft: Each iron has a different loft, which affects the trajectory and distance of the shot. As the number of the iron increases, the loft increases, and the distance the ball travels generally decreases.
• Lie Angle: The angle between the shaft and the ground when the club is in its natural position is crucial. A proper lie angle helps ensure accuracy. It can be adjusted to fit the golfer’s height and swing style.
• Length and Flex: The length of the irons should match the golfer’s height and arm length. The flex of the shaft should correspond to the player’s swing speed. A proper fit is essential for optimal performance.

Considerations When Choosing Irons

1. Skill Level: Choose irons based on your skill level. Beginners might benefit from game-improvement irons, while experienced golfers might prefer blades or cavity backs for better control.
2. Custom Fitting: A professional fitting session can significantly improve your game. Custom fitted irons can match your swing, stance, and grip, leading to better performance.
3. Feel and Comfort: Always try different iron sets to find the one that feels best. Comfort and confidence in your clubs are as important as the technical specifications.
4. Set Composition: Some players opt to mix and match different types of irons in their set, using blades for short irons and game-improvement irons for longer shots. This allows for both control and forgiveness where needed.

Wedges

Wedges are specialized golf clubs designed for specific situations, primarily for shorter shots, shots requiring high accuracy, and playing out of sand or rough. Understanding the various types of wedges can handsomely improve your game.

Types of Wedges

1. Pitching Wedge (PW): With a loft typically between 45-50 degrees, the pitching wedge is the least lofted wedge. It's used for a variety of shots, including full shots from the fairway, chip shots near the green, and long bunker shots.
2. Sand Wedge (SW): Usually lofted between 54-58 degrees, sand wedges are designed to escape from bunkers. Their wider soles help glide through the sand without digging in, and they are also effective for short approach shots and chips.
3. Gap Wedge (GW): Also known as an approach wedge, it fills the 'gap' between the pitching and sand wedges, typically lofted around 50-54 degrees. It's used for distances that are too long for a SW but too short for a PW.
4. Lob Wedge (LW): With the highest loft, usually between 58-64 degrees, the lob wedge is used for shots that require a high trajectory and minimal roll, such as shots over hazards or when the green is closely guarded.

Characteristics of Wedges

1. Loft: The key characteristic differentiating the various types of wedges. Higher lofted wedges are used for shorter, higher shots, while lower lofted wedges are for longer, lower shots.
2. Bounce: The angle between the leading edge and the lowest point of the sole. High bounce wedges are suitable for soft conditions or sand, while low bounce wedges are better for hard ground or tight lies.
3. Sole Grind: This refers to the additional shaping of the sole of the wedge, affecting how the club interacts with the ground. It allows for more versatility in shot-making, especially on uneven lies and different turf conditions.
4. Grooves: The grooves on the face of wedges are important for creating spin and control. Regulations limit groove size and depth, but variations exist to optimize spin for different conditions.

Considerations When Choosing Wedges

1. Gapping: Ensure your wedges are evenly spaced in terms of loft to avoid significant distance gaps.
2. Playing Conditions: Consider the typical course conditions you play in. Softer, sandier courses might require wedges with higher bounce, while firmer courses might benefit from lower bounce wedges.
3. Your Skill Level: Higher handicap golfers might prioritize wedges that offer more forgiveness, while lower handicappers might prefer wedges that allow more precision and shot shaping.
4. Feel and Comfort: Like all golf clubs, the feel is subjective but crucial. The weight, balance, and overall feel of the wedge should instill confidence and comfort.

Properly selected wedges can significantly improve scoring by providing better control and versatility around the greens.

The Putter

The putter is arguably the most personal and varied club in a golfer's bag, crucial for those final strokes on the green. Its primary purpose is to roll the ball along the ground with precision and control. Understanding the traits of putters is essential, as putting can significantly impact your overall score.

Types of Putters

1. Blade Putters: Traditional and straightforward, blade putters offer a classic design favored for their feel and accuracy, especially on faster greens.
2. Mallet Putters: Larger and more forgiving than blades, mallet putters provide better alignment aids and a higher Moment of Inertia (MOI), making them popular among players seeking consistency.
3. Perimeter-Weighted Putters: These combine elements of both blade and mallet designs, distributing weight around the edges to increase MOI and forgiveness.

Characteristics of Putters

1. Head Design: The shape of the putter head affects balance and MOI. Larger heads (like in mallet putters) tend to be more stable and forgiving, while smaller heads (like in blade putters) offer more control and feel.
2. Face Technology: The putter's face can be solid, grooved, or insert-based. Solid faces offer a consistent feel, while grooved or insert faces can help reduce skidding, promoting a smoother roll.
3. Length: Standard putter lengths range from 33 to 35 inches, but the choice depends on your height and putting style. Belly and long putters are alternatives for those seeking different anchoring points and stroke styles.
4. Loft and Lie: A slight loft (typically around 3-4 degrees) helps lift the ball out of its small indentation on the green for a smoother roll. The lie angle should match your stance to ensure accurate alignment.
5. Grip: Putter grips vary in size and shape. Larger grips can help reduce wrist action and improve stability, while traditional thinner grips offer more feel and wrist flexibility.

Considerations When Choosing a Putter

1. Personal Comfort and Feel: Since putting is so reliant on feel, the putter must feel comfortable in your hands. The weight, balance, and overall feel should inspire confidence.
2. Putting Style: Your putting stroke - whether straight-back-straight-through or with an arc - should influence your choice of putter. Mallets are often better for a straight stroke, while blades can suit an arcing stroke.
3. Alignment: Choose a putter that helps you align easily and accurately. Many putters have visual aids to assist in lining up your putts.
4. Experimentation: Try different putters to see what suits you best. Putters are highly personal, and what works for one golfer may not work for another.

Given that putts account for roughly half of the strokes in a round of golf, investing time to find the right putter for your game is well worth the effort.

Buying a Standard Set: What To Think About

When buying a golf club set, several important considerations come into play. These factors determine not only the quality of your equipment but also how well it suits your individual game and style. Consider the following:

1. Skill Level and Goals: Your experience and aspirations in golf are crucial in selecting the right set. Beginners might opt for sets that offer more forgiveness, while experienced players may choose clubs that provide more control and feel. Consider how the set will align with your skill development over time.
2. Club Composition: A standard set includes drivers, woods, irons, wedges, and a putter. Beginners might prefer sets with fewer clubs, focusing on those that are easier to hit, like hybrids instead of long irons. More experienced players might opt for a full set with a variety of irons and specialized wedges.
3. Shafts: The shafts' material (steel or graphite) and flex (stiff, regular, senior, ladies) play a significant role in your performance. Graphite shafts are lighter and can help increase swing speed, ideal for players with slower swings. Steel shafts offer more precision and are often preferred by players with faster swing speeds. The flex should match your swing speed for optimal results.
4. Length of Clubs: Club length is essential for comfort and effectiveness. Clubs that are too long or too short can lead to poor posture and swing mechanics. Getting fitted by a professional can ensure that your clubs are the appropriate length for your height and arm length.
5. Grip Size and Feel: The right grip size helps prevent excessive hand action during the swing. Grips that are too large or too small can affect your ability to control the club. The feel of the grip is also a matter of personal preference, with options ranging from soft and tacky to firm.
6. Golf Bag: The type of bag you choose (cart bag, stand bag, carry bag) should reflect how you typically play. Cart bags are larger and designed for use with a golf cart, while stand bags are more versatile and lighter, suitable for golfers who prefer to walk the course. You should also ensure your set actually includes a golf bag, since some stores tend to cheap out on this!
7. Clubhead Design: For irons and wedges, choose between blade or cavity back designs. Blades offer more control but are less forgiving, while cavity backs are more forgiving and might be better for less experienced players.
8. Loft Angles: Pay attention to the loft angles of the clubs, especially in woods and wedges, to ensure you have a good range of distance options.
9. Set Versatility: Consider if you need to add or remove certain clubs to suit your style of play. Some golfers might add additional wedges or specific hybrids, depending on their strengths and weaknesses.
10. Budget: Golf clubs can be a significant investment. Determine a budget that allows you to get the best quality you can afford without overspending. Remember, the most expensive set isn't always the best choice for every golfer. 
11. Brand and Aesthetics: While the brand doesn't necessarily dictate the quality, some brands specialize in certain types of clubs or technology. Aesthetics, while not impacting performance, can boost your confidence and enjoyment of the game.
12. Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations. Feedback from other golfers, especially those with a similar skill level or style, can be invaluable. Just like how Whole In One Bars are highly reviewed, you know when something is of good quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in a complete golf club set?

A complete set typically includes 14 clubs: a driver, one or two fairway woods (like a 3-wood and 5-wood), hybrids (often replacing long irons), a range of irons (usually 4-iron through 9-iron), at least one wedge (commonly a pitching wedge), and a putter. Some sets also include additional wedges like a sand wedge or lob wedge.

How important is club fitting, and do I need it?

Club fitting is highly beneficial as it tailors the clubs to your specific swing characteristics, body type, and playing style. It's particularly important for players who take their game seriously or those who have unusual physical characteristics (like being exceptionally tall or short). However, beginners just trying out the sport can start with standard off-the-shelf clubs.

Can I mix and match clubs from different brands?

Absolutely. Many golfers mix and match clubs based on personal preference and performance. It's common to have a driver from one brand, irons from another, and a putter from a third. The key is to ensure that the clubs complement each other and suit your game.

What's the difference between steel and graphite shafts?

Steel shafts are heavier and offer more control, making them a good choice for golfers with a strong swing. Graphite shafts are lighter, helping to increase swing speed and distance, which can be beneficial for players with slower swing speeds, seniors, or juniors.

How often should I replace my golf clubs?

There's no set rule for how often to replace clubs as it depends on the frequency of play and care of the clubs. Generally, a good quality set can last several years. It's more about the condition of the clubs and technological advancements that might improve your game than a specific timeframe.

Are expensive golf clubs worth the investment?

This depends on your level of play and commitment to the game. Higher-end clubs often offer better materials and more advanced technology, which can improve play. However, for beginners or casual players, mid-range clubs are usually sufficient.

How do I choose the right club length?

Club length is determined by your height and the distance from your wrist to the ground. Getting fitted by a professional is the best way to find the right length for your clubs.

What should I look for in a putter?

The key factors in choosing a putter are its length, balance, head design, and feel. It's a very personal choice, as the putter is all about precision and comfort.

Final Words

Now that you know more about golf club sets, you’re well-poised to make better decisions about your playing future. Just remember that two playing sets are scarcely identical; so just because a colleague swears by a particular club you might find it strange to get no use out of it. Golf might just be one of the most personal games out there.