by Matthew Adams

Created on: November 02, 2008   Last Updated: November 06, 2008

The maximum number of golf clubs a player can take onto the course, are 14 in total. For players new to the sport, identifying the characteristics of these clubs, or perhaps which best to use, is something that will assist them in playing the sport.

Let us begin with the basics (and obvious), the putter is the one club you must have in your bag. You cannot play without it, and likewise, it will be your most used golf club. You can expect at least a third of your shots to be with your putter on the green, if not more. As such, selecting a putter you are comfortable with is important.

After the putter, however, other essential clubs are the wedges. The wedges are clubs that has a large amount of loft, usually required to make a pitch shot, or a bunker shot. There are a few different types, from pitching wedges, usually with fewer lofts to sand wedges, which have the most degree of loft, and are used in bunkers. There are variations in this, and the degree of loft is not always the same from wedge to wedge with some falling in-between the sand and pitching clubs.

Ultimately, you will have to take one, two or possibly more out onto course with you. For their loft, is necessary to make pitch shots on the fairway and out of longer grass. In addition, the sand wedge is usually now considered essential also.

These clubs are very important, due to there part in short play. For longer play, there is a little more scope for club selection. Distance clubs, irons and woods all offer something for the golfer in this department. For beginners, it is recommended not to use the longest clubs available. While they may boast distance, they require more accurate swings, without which could leave some players with inaccurate shots in the trees!

As such, using shorter woods off the tee is a better bet. The woods are clubs that can be used off the tee and fairway and usually have somewhat more loft, than the longest distance clubs; something like a 7, or a 3 Wood will give new players a reasonable clubs to use for distance shots.

Iron clubs, are a flexible friend. Ranging from 2-9, the numbers relate to their length, distance and loft. The longest distance iron clubs are the lowest numbered, while the shortest are the highest numbered clubs like eight and nine, which have the most degree of loft.

Again, it is best to use the shorter irons to start with. As they will provide better accuracy for golfers. Try the nine down to a six, to begin with. Remember also, that higher lofted clubs are more susceptible to wind, which can effect play.

Ultimately, start by using a smaller number of clubs. Use a maximum of seven clubs in total, which will give you some variety of choices without limiting your options too much. Avoid using the longer clubs, and stick to the shorter ones, and you will get round the course more effectively.

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