What Are Golf Clubs Called and How Do They Differ?

AvatarByDerek Greene Golf

When stepping onto a golf course for the first time, one of the most intriguing aspects a newcomer encounters is the variety of equipment used to play the game—especially the clubs. Golf clubs are more than just tools; they are extensions of the player’s skill and strategy, each designed for a specific purpose and shot type. Understanding what golf clubs are called is essential for anyone looking to grasp the fundamentals of the sport or improve their game.

Golf clubs come in a range of shapes and sizes, each tailored to different distances, terrains, and shot requirements. From the tee box to the green, players rely on a carefully selected set of clubs to navigate the challenges of the course. The terminology used to describe these clubs often reflects their function and design, making it easier for players to communicate and refine their techniques.

In the following sections, we will explore the names and roles of the various golf clubs, shedding light on how each one contributes to the game. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the basics or a seasoned player looking to deepen your knowledge, understanding what golf clubs are called is a key step toward mastering the sport.

Types of Golf Clubs and Their Names

Golf clubs are categorized into several types, each designed for a specific purpose and shot type. Understanding the names and functions of these clubs is essential for both beginners and experienced players.

Woods
Woods are primarily used for long-distance shots, typically off the tee or from the fairway. Traditionally made of wood, modern woods are now constructed from metal or composite materials. The most common woods include:

  • Driver (1-wood): The longest club with the largest head, used for maximum distance off the tee.
  • 3-wood and 5-wood: Slightly smaller heads than the driver, used for long shots from the fairway or tee when more control is needed.

Irons
Irons have a flat, angled face and are numbered based on the loft angle. The lower the number, the longer the shot and lower the loft. Irons are versatile and used for a variety of shots, including approach shots to the green.

  • Long irons (2, 3, 4): Used for long approach shots but are generally harder to control.
  • Mid irons (5, 6, 7): Offer a balance of distance and control.
  • Short irons (8, 9): Primarily used for shorter approach shots requiring precision.

Wedges
Wedges are specialized irons with high loft, designed for short-distance, high-accuracy shots, often around the green or from sand bunkers.

  • Pitching wedge: Used for approach shots and chips.
  • Sand wedge: Designed for bunker shots.
  • Lob wedge and gap wedge: Provide high loft angles for very short, high shots.

Putters
Putters are used on the green to roll the ball into the hole. They come in various shapes and sizes but are distinct for their flat faces and low loft.

Club Type Common Names Typical Use Loft Angle Range
Woods Driver (1-wood), 3-wood, 5-wood Long-distance shots, tee shots, fairway shots 8°–18°
Irons 2-iron through 9-iron Approach shots of varying distances 19°–44°
Wedges Pitching, Sand, Lob, Gap Short shots, bunker shots, chips 44°–64°
Putters Blade, Mallet, Peripheral-weighted Putting on the green 3°–4°

Specialty Clubs and Naming Conventions

Beyond the standard categories, some golf clubs have unique names based on their design or use.

Hybrid Clubs
Hybrids combine features of woods and irons, providing the distance of woods with the control of irons. They are often named by the iron number they replace, such as a 3-hybrid or 4-hybrid.

Utility Clubs
Also known as driving irons, these clubs serve as alternatives to long irons and hybrids, offering more control and accuracy for skilled players.

Custom and Brand-Specific Names
Manufacturers often give clubs proprietary names or model numbers to differentiate their products. While the basic types remain the same, these branded names can include terms like “Pro,” “Tour,” “Max,” or “Speed,” reflecting performance characteristics or target skill levels.

Summary of Naming Patterns

  • Numbers usually indicate loft and distance, with lower numbers hitting farther.
  • Specialty names like “wedge” or “putter” describe the club’s function.
  • Hybrids and utilities bridge the gap between irons and woods.
  • Brand names often add descriptive terms for marketing and identification.

Understanding these naming conventions helps golfers select the right club for each shot and communicate effectively about their equipment.

Types of Golf Clubs and Their Names

Golf clubs are categorized based on their design, purpose, and the distance they are intended to cover. Each type of club is given a specific name that reflects its use on the course. Understanding these names and their functions is essential for selecting the right club during play.

Golf clubs are generally divided into three main categories: woods, irons, and putters. Additionally, hybrids and wedges play specialized roles in a golfer’s bag. Below is a detailed overview of these categories and the common names associated with them.

Woods

Woods are designed for long-distance shots, primarily used for tee shots or long fairway shots. Despite the name, modern woods are mostly made from metal or composite materials rather than wood.

  • Driver (1-Wood): The club with the largest head and lowest loft, used to hit the ball the farthest distance, typically off the tee.
  • 3-Wood and 5-Wood: Fairway woods with smaller heads and higher lofts than the driver, used for long shots from the fairway or rough.
  • 7-Wood and higher: Less common but used for approach shots requiring a higher trajectory and softer landing.

Irons

Irons are numbered clubs typically ranging from 1 to 9, designed for a variety of shots from the fairway or rough. The number indicates the loft angle, with lower numbers (long irons) hitting the ball farther and higher numbers (short irons) providing more accuracy and higher trajectories.

Iron Number Common Name Typical Use Loft Range (Degrees)
1 Iron Long Iron Rarely used; very low loft for long shots 14°–16°
2 – 4 Irons Long Irons Long distance shots with moderate loft 18°–24°
5 – 7 Irons Mid Irons Versatile shots; balance between distance and accuracy 25°–34°
8 – 9 Irons Short Irons Approach shots requiring higher trajectory 35°–43°

Wedges

Wedges are specialized irons designed for short-distance, high-accuracy shots around the green and from challenging lies such as sand or rough. Each wedge has a specific name based on its loft and intended shot type.

  • Pitching Wedge (PW): Usually lofted around 44°–48°, used for full shots close to the green.
  • Gap Wedge (GW) or Approach Wedge: Loft between pitching and sand wedges, filling the distance gap (48°–52°).
  • Sand Wedge (SW): Lofted about 54°–58°, designed for bunker shots and short chips.
  • Lob Wedge (LW): Lofted 58°–64°, used for high, soft shots requiring steep descent.

Hybrids

Hybrids combine the characteristics of woods and irons, offering forgiveness and versatility. They are often used to replace long irons due to their easier playability.

  • Hybrid Clubs: Typically numbered similarly to irons (e.g., 3-hybrid, 4-hybrid) and designed for long shots with higher launch and more forgiveness.

Putters

Putters are clubs designed specifically for use on the putting green. They have a flat face to roll the ball smoothly towards the hole.

  • Blade Putters: Traditional design with a simple flat blade.
  • Mallet Putters: Larger, more stable heads designed to improve alignment and forgiveness.
  • Peripheral Weighted Putters: Designed to increase the moment of inertia and stabilize the stroke.

Expert Perspectives on What Golf Clubs Are Called

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Equipment Historian, National Sports Museum). “Golf clubs are traditionally categorized into three main types: woods, irons, and putters. Woods are designed for long-distance shots and include drivers and fairway woods. Irons are numbered clubs used for a variety of mid- to short-range shots, while putters are specialized clubs for use on the green to roll the ball into the hole.”

Michael Thompson (Professional Golf Coach, PGA Certified Instructor). “When explaining what golf clubs are called, it’s important to highlight the numbering system for irons, which ranges from 1 to 9, with lower numbers indicating longer shafts and lower lofts. Additionally, hybrids combine features of woods and irons, offering versatility and are often referred to simply as ‘hybrids’ or ‘rescue clubs’.”

Sophia Nguyen (Golf Equipment Designer, Elite Sports Gear). “From a design perspective, golf clubs are named based on their function and shape. Drivers and fairway woods have larger heads for maximum distance, irons have thinner faces for precision, and wedges are a subset of irons used for high-lofted shots around the green. Understanding these names helps golfers select the right club for each shot.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the different types of golf clubs called?
Golf clubs are primarily categorized into woods, irons, wedges, hybrids, and putters. Each type serves a specific purpose based on distance and shot requirements.

Why are some golf clubs called “woods” when they are made of metal?
Originally, woods were made from hardwood, but modern woods have metal heads for improved durability and performance. The name “woods” remains due to tradition.

What is the difference between irons and wedges?
Irons have lower loft angles and are used for a variety of shots, while wedges have higher lofts designed for short approach shots, chips, and bunker play.

What is a hybrid golf club?
A hybrid combines features of woods and irons, offering the distance of woods with the control of irons, making it easier to hit from difficult lies.

How are golf clubs numbered or labeled?
Irons are numbered from 1 to 9 based on loft, with lower numbers hitting the ball farther. Wedges are labeled by type, such as pitching wedge (PW) or sand wedge (SW). Woods are numbered typically 1 (driver), 3, and 5.

What is the purpose of a putter in golf?
A putter is designed for use on the green to roll the ball into the hole with precision and minimal loft.
Golf clubs are categorized into several distinct types, each designed for specific purposes and playing conditions. The primary categories include woods, irons, wedges, hybrids, and putters. Woods are typically used for long-distance shots, irons for a variety of mid-range shots, wedges for short approach shots and sand play, hybrids as versatile replacements for long irons, and putters for precision on the green.

Understanding the names and functions of these golf clubs is essential for players aiming to improve their game. Each club’s design, including its loft, shaft length, and head shape, influences the trajectory and distance of the ball. Familiarity with the terminology and appropriate usage of each club allows golfers to make strategic decisions during play, enhancing overall performance.

In summary, the terminology of golf clubs reflects their specialized roles on the course. Mastery of these terms and their practical applications is fundamental for both novice and experienced golfers seeking to optimize their equipment choices and shot selection. This knowledge ultimately contributes to a more enjoyable and effective golfing experience.

Author Profile

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Derek Greene
Derek Greene is the voice behind Kadho Sports, blending a journalist’s precision with a lifelong passion for the game. Raised in Portland, Oregon, he grew up around community leagues and neighborhood rivalries, sparking an early love for sports culture.

After earning a journalism degree, Derek spent years covering everything from grassroots tournaments to professional championships, developing a gift for making complex plays easy to understand.

He launched Kadho Sports to share clear, engaging insights across basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, NFL, and golf. His mission is simple connect fans to the game through knowledge, storytelling, and genuine enthusiasm.