Golf club

A golf club is a specialized club used to hit a golf ball in the sport of golf. The purpose of a golf club is to propel the ball towards the hole, using a variety of clubs suited for different distances and shot types.

Golf clubs are generally composed of three main parts: the head, the shaft, and the grip. The head is the part of the club that makes contact with the ball. Heads are made from various materials, including wood (historically, though less common now), metal (typically steel or titanium), and composite materials. Different head designs, such as drivers, fairway woods, irons, wedges, and putters, cater to specific shot requirements regarding distance, trajectory, and accuracy.

The shaft is the long, slender part of the club that connects the head to the grip. Shafts are made from materials like steel or graphite. Graphite shafts are generally lighter, allowing for greater clubhead speed. The length and flex of the shaft contribute significantly to the performance of the club, influencing factors like distance and accuracy.

The grip is the handle of the club, providing a comfortable and secure point of contact for the golfer's hands. Grips are typically made of rubber, synthetic rubber, or wrapped leather. The size and texture of the grip can be customized to suit individual preferences and improve control.

Golf clubs are categorized into different types based on their intended use. The primary categories include:

• Woods: Used for long-distance shots, primarily from the tee or fairway. Woods typically have larger clubheads. The driver is a type of wood used almost exclusively from the tee for maximum distance.
• Irons: Used for a variety of shots from the fairway or rough, offering a balance of distance and accuracy. Irons have smaller clubheads than woods and are numbered (e.g., 3-iron, 5-iron, 9-iron) to indicate their loft (angle of the clubface), which affects trajectory and distance.
• Wedges: Specialized irons with high loft angles, used for short, high shots around the green or from sand traps. Common types include pitching wedges, sand wedges, and lob wedges.
• Putters: Used on the putting green to roll the ball into the hole. Putters have a flat clubface and are designed for precise, low-speed strokes.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) and The R&A, the governing bodies of golf, establish rules and regulations regarding the design and specifications of golf clubs to ensure fair play. These rules cover aspects such as club dimensions, weight, and adjustability.