Golf clubs are an integral part of the game of golf. However, they can also confuse beginners and intermediate players who aren't familiar with the different types available on the market today. These clubs all have different functions and uses, making them perfect for golfers at different skill levels and playing in different conditions. Understanding these three categories will help you choose which clubs to use and how best to use them on the course.

Whether you're new to the game or a pro player looking to try something new, this article will help you understand the different types of golf clubs and how each one can benefit your game.

Putters

You might think putting is a simple skill, but there are two basic types of putters. If you're right-handed, you use your dominant hand for putting (in which case, choose a right-handed putter). If you're left-handed, pick a left-handed one. Putting helps get more accurate drives from tee to green because it gives golfers more practice with their short game.

Driver Sets

Although drivers can be a costly investment, they're easily one of golf's most important pieces. Drivers are meant to send golf balls longer distances than any other club in your bag, resulting in a much greater chance for that birdie putt on hole 18. If you're an avid golfer, investing in a driver set might be smart.

Pitching Irons

When you're just learning how to play golf, you'll rely on your pitching irons. These clubs (also known as wedges) have a loft between 50 and 64 degrees, which can bounce higher off the ground than other clubs in your bag. Pitching irons are also well-suited for making accurate shots around obstacles such as trees or sand traps.

Gap Wedges

These wedges, which typically have club heads with a gap between them and a more rounded sole than other wedges, are designed to get underneath golf balls on steeply sloped fairways. With these clubs, one must often hit upwards to strike down. The resulting shot is powerful but has limited accuracy. In addition to gap wedges, many professional playersalso use lob wedges on occasion.

Lofted Wedges

Wedges with different lofts are used for different shots. The loft refers to how high off the ground a wedge sits, so a wedge with more loft will launch higher but fall more slowly, meaning you can hit it closer to your target without as much loft if you take two swings. If you don't have much room between yourself and your target, a lofted wedge should allow you to keep your shot in play.

Iron Sets and Hybrids

Hybrid clubs combine aspects of woods and irons. Hybrids generally have shorter shafts than irons and lower centers of gravity, making them ideal for players who want more accuracy with their shots. They are most often used when hitting out of sand or heavy rough. Hybrids also offer more forgiveness on off-center hits than other clubs, meaning they're excellent choices for beginners, senior golfers, or those who struggle to keep their ball in play.