Tour Quality Golf Beginner Tips: When Should You Use Each Golf Club

For first-timers and newcomers, golf seems like a challenging game. It boils down to the fact that they don’t use each golf club properly.

Did you know that USGA allows golfers to have no more than 14 golf clubs in their bag? The rule penalizes golfers with two strokes per hole or a maximum penalty of four strokes each round. If you are an amateur golfer, the 14-club regulation might confuse you. Even professional golfers have to take an educated guess when choosing which clubs to use.  A standard set of golf clubs consists of at least one hybrid, three woods, seven irons, and a putter, which gives you a total of 12 clubs. As a rule, you can fill your bag with 14 clubs, so add another specialty hybrid and a wedge to your bag. Every golf club has unique features and functions. Thus, the more tools you have in the toolbox, the more options you have to make the most out of your game. 

How to Determine the Right Golf Club for a Shot 

Choosing the club to hit the ball is a daunting task for beginners considering hazard placement, endless combinations of distance, and other factors. It will become second nature through practice. 

You can determine which club to use for a specific shot by considering the target distance and how far you normally hit with each club on average. If you want to know your club distances, start on the driving range and let experience hone your skills as a golfer. The most accurate gauge is a launch monitor. It captures the angle and speed of your clubhead on impact and calculates the distance of the ball accurately. Large retail pro golf shops usually have indoor ranges with launch monitors, so you can visit a pro shop if you want to determine how far you hit with different clubs. 

Different Types of Golf Clubs and When to Use Them

You have all the tools you need for a successful round. Knowing which club to use during certain situations is the first challenge you’ll face on the course. Will you go with a 3-wood or a hybrid? Which wedge will get the ball out of the bunker? Which iron will help you produce the best approach shot? To answer these questions, it is a must to learn when to use each golf club: 

Woods

This one is a necessity. You can use wood when you are at least 175 yards from the green. If you’re an experienced golfer, you may hit those long shots off the tee by carrying 3- and 5-woods. But for beginners, a 7-wood and even the 9-wood will help you gain control of your swing, even if they achieve shorter distances. 

Hybrids

Hybrids are a combination of fairway woods and irons, which can give you the best of both worlds. Many high handicappers use this type of golf club instead of 3, 4, or 5 irons since it covers more distance compared to a typical iron shot. Moreover, they have a higher spin rate, which delivers softer landing and less roll so that you can hit a more accurate shot. You can use hybrids on the fairway, to get out of a sand trap, or even shoot out the rough. 

Wedges

These clubs are a subset of iron designed with more angle to produce high-trajectory, low-distance shots. Use wedges when you are within 130 yards from the green. For instance, a sand wedge is a suitable choice when you want to get the ball out of a bunker while a pitching wedge is perfect for shots approaching the green. 

Putters

Putters have a particular purpose on the green – they get the ball into the hole. Once you have hit your drive 250 yards right into the fairway, slammed your second shot into the rough, and wedged out into the green, it is time to send the ball home! Putters come with several styles to suit your game: center-hosel, heel-toe, mallet, short, long, and bent, to name a few.

Irons

Golf club selection gets better with experience. As you spend more time with your clubs, you can take your game to the next level and become more adept at choosing the right stick. But before you hit some balls on your local course and get your hands on as many clubs as you can, get fitted first! Our master fitters from Tour Quality Golf can help you find the right set makeup, shaft type, grip size, and more to fit your body and swing. Call (918) 221-7096 to get started!

Understanding the Types of Golf Clubs

Before diving into when to use each golf club, it’s essential to understand the different types available. Each club is designed for specific purposes and distances. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of golf clubs:

1. Woods: Generally used for long-distance shots from the tee or fairway. They have large heads and are designed to hit the ball far.
2. Irons: Versatile clubs used for various shots, typically from the fairway or rough. They are numbered 1 to 9, with lower numbers for longer shots and higher numbers for shorter, more precise shots.
3. Hybrids: A combination of woods and irons, offering the distance of woods with the accuracy of irons. They are great for long shots from difficult lies.
4. Wedges: Specialized irons used for short, high-accuracy shots. Common types include pitching wedges, sand wedges, and lob wedges.
5. Putters: Used on the green to roll the ball into the hole. They are designed for control and precision rather than distance.

When to Use Each Golf Club

Understanding when to use each golf club can significantly enhance your performance on the course. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the right choices:

1. Woods

Driver (1-Wood)

• When to Use: The driver is typically used for the first shot on par-4 and par-5 holes, where maximum distance is required. It’s designed to hit the ball the farthest.
• How to Use: Place the ball on a tee and take a full swing. Aim for the fairway to set up a good position for the next shot.

3-Wood and 5-Wood

• When to Use: Use these woods for long-distance shots from the fairway or light rough. They are also useful off the tee on shorter holes where accuracy is more critical than distance.
• How to Use: Hit these clubs off the deck (without a tee) for long fairway shots or use a tee for more controlled tee shots.

2. Irons

Long Irons (2-4 Iron)

• When to Use: Use long irons for long-distance shots from the fairway or rough, typically when the ball is 180-220 yards from the green. They are also useful for low shots under obstacles.
• How to Use: Take a full swing, focusing on striking the ball cleanly to maximize distance and accuracy.

Mid Irons (5-7 Iron)

• When to Use: Mid irons are used for moderate distance shots, usually between 130-180 yards. They offer a balance of distance and control.
• How to Use: Use a normal full swing for most shots. These clubs are great for approach shots to the green.

Short Irons (8-9 Iron)

• When to Use: Short irons are ideal for shorter approach shots to the green, typically between 100-130 yards. They provide more control and accuracy.
• How to Use: Take a controlled swing, focusing on accuracy and positioning the ball close to the hole.

3. Hybrids

3-Hybrid and 4-Hybrid

• When to Use: Hybrids are versatile clubs that can replace long irons. They are useful for long shots from the rough, fairway, or even off the tee on shorter holes.
• How to Use: Swing like an iron but expect the distance of a wood. Hybrids are easier to hit than long irons and provide better accuracy.

4. Wedges

Pitching Wedge

• When to Use: The pitching wedge is used for short approach shots, typically between 50-120 yards. It’s also useful for chip shots around the green.
• How to Use: Focus on a controlled swing, aiming for accuracy to position the ball close to the hole.

Sand Wedge

• When to Use: Use the sand wedge for bunker shots and short approach shots from the rough or fairway. It’s designed to lift the ball out of the sand or thick grass.
• How to Use: Open the clubface and swing with a steep angle to get under the ball and lift it out of the sand or rough.

Lob Wedge

• When to Use: The lob wedge is used for very short, high-lofted shots, typically within 30-60 yards. It’s great for getting over obstacles and stopping the ball quickly on the green.
• How to Use: Take a controlled swing with an open clubface to achieve a high, soft landing shot.

5. Putters

Standard Putter

• When to Use: Use the putter on the green to roll the ball into the hole. It’s designed for control and precision rather than distance.
• How to Use: Focus on a smooth, pendulum-like stroke. Aim for the center of the hole and pay attention to the green’s slope and speed.

Tips for Beginners on Using Each Golf Club

As a beginner, mastering when to use each golf club can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Practice Regularly: Spend time on the driving range practicing with each club. Familiarize yourself with the distances and trajectories of your shots.
2. Take Lessons: Consider taking golf lessons from a professional. They can provide personalized guidance and help you develop a solid foundation.
3. Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Pay attention to which clubs you feel most comfortable with and which ones you struggle with. Focus on improving your weaknesses while leveraging your strengths.
4. Use a Golf Club Distance Chart: Create or use a pre-existing distance chart to track how far you hit each club. This will help you make better decisions on the course.
5. Play Smart: Use the right club for each situation. Don’t always go for the maximum distance; sometimes, accuracy and control are more important.
6. Stay Calm and Focused: Golf can be frustrating, especially for beginners. Stay calm, focus on your technique, and don’t get discouraged by bad shots.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make with Golf Clubs

Avoiding common mistakes can help you improve your game faster. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

1. Using the Wrong Club: Choosing the wrong club for a shot can lead to poor results. Make sure to assess the situation and select the appropriate club.
2. Improper Grip and Stance: Ensure you have the correct grip and stance for each club. This is crucial for making consistent, accurate shots.
3. Swinging Too Hard: Trying to hit the ball as hard as possible often leads to poor contact and inaccurate shots. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing.
4. Neglecting Short Game: Many beginners focus too much on driving distance and neglect their short game. Spend time practicing your wedges and putter to improve your overall performance.
5. Not Adjusting for Wind and Terrain: Failing to consider wind direction and terrain can affect your shots. Take these factors into account when choosing your club and planning your shot.

Conclusion

Mastering when to use each golf club is essential for improving your game and enjoying the sport. By understanding the purpose of each club and practicing regularly, you can make better decisions on the course and achieve better results. Remember to focus on both your long game and short game, as both are crucial for a well-rounded golf performance.

At Tour Quality Golf, we are dedicated to helping golfers of all skill levels improve their game. Whether you’re a beginner just starting or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, our expert instructors and top-notch facilities are here to support you. Visit us for personalized lessons, club fittings, and all your golfing needs.

For more tips and guidance on using each golf club, don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule a lesson with one of our professional instructors. Let’s take your golf game to the next level!

Experience the Tour Quality Difference

At Tour Quality Golf, we’re dedicated to helping golfers at every stage of their journey. It is to unlock their full potential on the course. Our state-of-the-art indoor golf simulation facility provides the perfect environment. It is to test out custom clubs and fine-tune your game with expert guidance from our team of professionals.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started on the right foot or a seasoned pro striving for that extra edge. Our custom club fitting services are tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Experience the difference that personalized equipment can make and elevate your game to new heights with Tour Quality Golf.

Ready to take your golf game to the next level? Contact us today at (918) 221-7096 or visit our website to schedule your custom club fitting session. Your journey to better golf starts here.