Golf Clubs
June 6, 2004 12:56 PM Subscribe
Golf question. I am in a position where I will be playing golf quiet a bit and I bought a good starter set based on what my boss recomended. What is the difference between all the clubs?
The posts above answered you question about clubs so I'm going to give you a little free advice about starting to golf...
I only use the odd numbered clubs, and really only use a few of them (5,9,SW, putter.) The lower the number, I find the harder to control. Stay away from the #4 and below.
The best idea is to pick a couple of clubs (a #5 and #7), ONE wedge (Sand wedge is a good starter) and maybe a #9 and MAYBE one wood and go to the range and hit the hell out of balls. Don't worry about the rest of the clubs (except, of course, a putter) and even leave all the others at home-at least for a good long while. Many newbie golfers find the woods hard to control. Focus on getting control of a few clubs and getting consistency.
Another thing, many people think the key is hitting the ball HARD. Acually, unless you're really good, this isn't true. When you start, don't pull the club very far back and hit it nice and easy. The harder you swing, the worse you will do, I guarantee it.
posted by aacheson at 8:33 PM on June 6, 2004
I only use the odd numbered clubs, and really only use a few of them (5,9,SW, putter.) The lower the number, I find the harder to control. Stay away from the #4 and below.
The best idea is to pick a couple of clubs (a #5 and #7), ONE wedge (Sand wedge is a good starter) and maybe a #9 and MAYBE one wood and go to the range and hit the hell out of balls. Don't worry about the rest of the clubs (except, of course, a putter) and even leave all the others at home-at least for a good long while. Many newbie golfers find the woods hard to control. Focus on getting control of a few clubs and getting consistency.
Another thing, many people think the key is hitting the ball HARD. Acually, unless you're really good, this isn't true. When you start, don't pull the club very far back and hit it nice and easy. The harder you swing, the worse you will do, I guarantee it.
posted by aacheson at 8:33 PM on June 6, 2004
Everytime you have an urge to blow a few hundred on a new club or late night golf widget, save the money and take a few lessons.
This is what I've been told anyway. I'm using a hand-me-down set and have not purchased any golf aids but trust me, once you get into the game, you're going to want to. Lessons and practice will probably get you further though and, when I free up some time, I'm likely gonna take a few lessons.
Aacheson is also dead on right: this is not a game of power but control so you'll probably experience better results in the beginning when using your high-numbered irons. I love my 9-iron and pitching wedge. The hardest ones for me to hit are the woods but no matter; most of the game is won or lost at short and medium ranges. Practice with your irons on the chipping range for quick feedback.
Sorry for the long comment: this is the first real sport I've fallen in love with and one of the few where my 70+ year old grandpa can thrash a young 'un like me. Have fun!
posted by Tacodog at 2:33 AM on June 7, 2004
This is what I've been told anyway. I'm using a hand-me-down set and have not purchased any golf aids but trust me, once you get into the game, you're going to want to. Lessons and practice will probably get you further though and, when I free up some time, I'm likely gonna take a few lessons.
Aacheson is also dead on right: this is not a game of power but control so you'll probably experience better results in the beginning when using your high-numbered irons. I love my 9-iron and pitching wedge. The hardest ones for me to hit are the woods but no matter; most of the game is won or lost at short and medium ranges. Practice with your irons on the chipping range for quick feedback.
Sorry for the long comment: this is the first real sport I've fallen in love with and one of the few where my 70+ year old grandpa can thrash a young 'un like me. Have fun!
posted by Tacodog at 2:33 AM on June 7, 2004
Response by poster: Thank you to all who answered my question. I will be going to the driving range shortly.
posted by thebwit at 6:34 AM on June 7, 2004
posted by thebwit at 6:34 AM on June 7, 2004
This thread is closed to new comments.
Your woods (or metals) are for long distances with a low trajectory while your irons move from low loft to high loft.
As in all of the clubs, the higher the number, the higher the loft and therefore shorter distance.
The USGA has a good explainer on the clubs. Also, etiquette is extremely important, so be sure to check it out too.
Have fun!
posted by karmaville at 1:25 PM on June 6, 2004