Golf is a popular and relaxing sport, but to play the game well, you need the right golf equipment. This buying guide will take you through the different types of golf equipment available, from balls and bags to clubs and clothes.
What equipment do I need to play golf?
Golf Clubs:
Usually a golfers bag contains fourteen or more clubs. Select golf clubs based on your ability. A half set combination of clubs is ideal for a novice and will help a beginner develop a better swing. You need a good variety of clubs with the right combination of shafts and club heads for different shots around the course. For left-handers, there are specially designed sets of clubs. The most common types of golf clubs are drivers, irons, woods, wedges and putters.
Drivers:
You can choose from steel, titanium or composite drivers. The head of a golf driver comes in different shapes like squares, triangles and scoop backs. Golf drivers are made of different metals and vary in weight according to the material used. Heavy headed golf drivers are preferred by many players. Steel shafts are typically used by experienced golfers while lighter graphite shafts are used mostly by beginners. Graphite shafts can be rather expensive and are best for beginners who are serious about improving their game. Cheap golf sets with graphite shafts are readily available.
Woods:
Woods are made from either titanium or stainless steel. Titanium woods are pricier of the two. If you prefer a classic look, then opt for stainless steel woods. They are heavier with a more traditional design. A 2, 3 or 4 wood can be used in place of a driver or long iron for tee shots. Woods numbered 5 through 11 are best used to get your ball out of the rough.
Irons:
Iron clubs are great for shots when you are 125 to 200 yards from the green. They are a staple among clubs and can be made of forged or cast iron. High handicap players should opt for cavity back irons which are designed to improve your game. Mid handicap golfers are better off experimenting with hybrid irons and low handicap players should use blade irons.
Wedges:
There are several different types of wedges, such as the pitching wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge and gap wedge, all of which have different lofts. They have different finishes like chrome, nickel and beryllium copper. These scoring clubs are a vital part of game and should be used when you are 120 yards or less from the hole.
Putters:
Once you hit the green, it is time to pull out your putter. A putter is the shortest golf club of any set and generally the most used. You have many options to choose from. Peripheral weighted putters are better for players with an in and out stroke while mallet headed putters can be used by players with a straight through and back stroke. The traditional blade putter, however, is always the safest design as it is the easiest to use.
Golf Balls:
Golf balls are classified as one-piece, two-piece, three-piece or four-piece based on their construction. Beginners should use one-piece balls. Two-piece balls are more commonly used by the average player for every day golfing. Three-piece balls give seasoned players more control. Four-piece balls are much rarer. Their four layer construction makes them the softest feeling golf ball you can play with. If you are a hard hitter, you will most likely prefer a heavier ball. Soft balls spin well whereas hard balls cover more distance.
Golf Bags:
Just like any other golfer, you will need a bag to store your clubs, shoes and balls as you go back and forth from home to a golf course. The most common types of golf bags are stand bags, cart bags and staff bags.
Stand Bags:
A stand bag has legs which keeps it upright while you golf. Select a lightweight stand bag with two wide straps rather than one so that the weight gets evenly distributed.
Cart Bags:
Cart bags have many pockets and are more rigid than stand bags. They are made for golfers who use carts and buggies to get around the course. Female golfers and older players tend to prefer cart bags. However, they usually are quite expensive.
Staff Bags:
Staff bags can get very heavy, as they have numerous pockets and enough space for a full set of fourteen clubs. They are modeled after professional golf bags and are often made from leather. If you use a caddy and have the money, nothing else comes close to owning a staff bag.
Golf Gloves:
Golf gloves help you get a good grip on your golf clubs to provide better control over your game. Although some prefer to play without gloves, they are highly recommended for novice to intermediate players. There are leather, synthetic, all-weather and winter gloves that you can choose from.
Golf Shoes:
You can wear classic golf shoes, sandals or golf boots when you are out on a course. Look for shoes that can withstand the wear and tear of walking all eighteen holes and are waterproof. Shoes that let your feet breathe are ideal for summers and provide the most comfort.
Golf Clothes:
Your golfing wardrobe should contain outerwear for every season. If you are the kind of golf lover that plays no matter what the weather is like, you will need waterproof, rainproof and windproof golf clothes. Take care that you are comfortable with your apparel during a swing. There are now many outlets to buy golf equipment online if you want to keep up with the trends.
Mildred
Men have so much choice when it comes to golf clothing, and as a young woman golfer I cannot find anything other than middle-aged frump wear!
Does anyone in the UK, or via the internet in the USA cater for younger women golfers?
Claudia
Most of my colleagues skip wearing an American flag pin if they are not wearing a suit/sport coat. However, I prefer to wear the flag on all my clothing. With that said, where is the proper place to wear an American flag pin on:
1) a golf (Polo) shirt
2) a button down shirt (with pocket)
Thanks.
[political comments are not needed]
Amy
I LOVE the clothes that Gabriella wore during High School Musical 2. Expecially the pink dress when they had a picnic on the golf field, the shirt during ‘Gotta Go My Own Way’, and the dress she wore during “All For One”.
Does anyone know where I can get clothes like these? I was thinking Forever 21, but are there any other places?
Much appreciated! Thank you!
Ted
Cart golf bags are designed to fit onto a golf cart so that you do not have to carry the bag and so can conserve all your strength for the game. They are different to normal carry bags in that they tend to be larger and bulkier, made from stronger material to give added protection and can carry a wider range of accessories and golf clothing. They also carry a full set of 14 clubs.
Cart Golf Bags Are Heavy - They Are Not Carry Bags!
These types of golf bags are normally a bit too heavy and bulky to lug around the golf course, and have to be used with a golf cart, so if you normally carry your bag do not be attracted by the fabulous designs and capacity, thinking it would be just the thing for you, even if you normally have a caddy, since neither you nor your caddy will appreciate that decision once you get onto the course.
That is why they are called CART golf bags. They are intended to be used with golf carts. Although they can be pretty heavy you should check that you can at least lift it when it is fully loaded. After all, you have to get it from your home to the car, and the car to the golf cart. You have to be able to lift it and secure it the cart. So don’t go wild and purchase the biggest golf bag for your cart you can find without trying it first.
Keep Up With The Fashion
Another point to consider is that these bulky bags can come with designer umbrellas and other accessories for the lady golfers. You can keep up with the latest fashion by purchasing a bag in the latest color and materials and buying matching handbag and accessories. This, of course, should not be your main consideration, but if you regard your golf accoutrements as making a fashion statement, then the field is open.
Do not, however, make the mistake of neglecting the functionality of cart golf bags. You should choose one which also meets your golfing needs. Perhaps you require a golf bag that holds a full set of 14 clubs, and you may want a locking system with individual compartments which holds each club securely, thus avoiding them moving around in the bag and getting damaged.
Make Sure Your Bag Is Functional
You should also make sure that your choice of the cart golf bags on the market has enough pockets for your needs. You may need pockets for your spare golf balls, tees, accessories such as divot tools, golf gloves, rainwear and an umbrella fastener.
All of these, of course also apply to your choice of any type of golf bag, but cart golf bags are especially suitable for customization due to the fact that weight is not so much of an issue. So choose wisely, and enjoy owning a piece of golfing equipment that you feel proud of.
Joe
Im goig to meet a professional golf player in England ,July 2008.What kind a clothes i have to wear?
Terri