| Golf is one of the most popular pastimes in this | | | | the golf club number (woods and otherwise), the |
| country, for both young and old. Golfers contentedly | | | | shorter the golf club. This is to minimize the arc of the |
| while away their days on the sunny green talking | | | | swing, thereby slowing its momentum and lessening |
| politics and weather, enjoying the recreation as if it | | | | the distance of the play. |
| were a fine aged whiskey before a roaring fireplace. | | | | Irons |
| Like any sport, however, you must start with the | | | | The eight irons included in your standard beginning golf |
| basics before you enjoy the true benefits of playing | | | | set should be the 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and pitching wedge. |
| with this sort of graceful ease. For beginners, one of | | | | As noted earlier, the higher the club number, the |
| the most important pieces to begin with is the right | | | | shorter the club and the higher the loft. The higher the |
| equipment, and quite arguably the most important | | | | loft, the lower the distance incurred with a swing. The |
| device is the club. The standard beginning golf set | | | | 3-9 irons offer varying distances for your varying short |
| generally includes the following clubs-which as your skill | | | | distance tees. The pitching wedge typically has a loft |
| increases, will alter once you get a feel for what | | | | of 48 degrees for a very close tee. The purpose of |
| works best with your grip, swing and control, but for | | | | irons is generally for distances of less than 200 yards |
| starters-: 3 woods (1-driver, 3, and 5), 8 irons (3, 4, 5, 6, | | | | away. It is useful to add that there are a variety of |
| 7, 8, 9, and a pitching wedge), and a putter. This useful | | | | wedges, besides the standard pitching wedge, that |
| arsenal of 12 clubs will help you make different plays | | | | seasoned golfers employ. As a beginner, a pitching |
| possible, depending on distance and loft (the angle of | | | | wedge will do just fine; but in time, you'll need the rest: |
| the club's face inversely related to the distance | | | | approach wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge, high lob |
| needed). To fully understand the dynamics of each | | | | wedge, and last wedge (with a varying loft of 52-68 |
| club, let's take a look at each one below in detail. | | | | degrees). |
| Woods | | | | Putters |
| The three woods included in your standard beginning | | | | The putter included in your standard beginning golf set |
| golf set should be the 1 wood or driver, the 3, and the | | | | is used simply as the last maneuver, to play the ball to |
| 5 (commonly referred to as Fairway Woods). This | | | | the hole. You are almost on top of the hole at this |
| classification of golf clubs is used for maximum | | | | point, and the putter is used to sink the ball. Though a |
| distance. Typically, the distance to the green should be | | | | standard putter will work for beginner golfers, it is again |
| a minimum of 175 yards or more away from you, | | | | necessary to point out that seasoned golfers carry a |
| when you use a golf wood. The 1 wood or driver as it | | | | variety of golf putters in their bags to deal with varying |
| is most commonly referred to, has the lowest loft of | | | | needs in those final seconds of sinking the putt. Other |
| the woods. The loft or angle of the club's face in | | | | types of putters to learn about in the future include: |
| relation to the ball is between 7 and 12 degrees | | | | short, belly, long, bent, center-hosel, heel-toe, mallet, etc. |
| (depending on skill). Having a low loft will help you send | | | | So there it is: an introduction to what to include in your |
| the ball further (or drive the ball) rather than higher. The | | | | golf set on those first sunny days on the green. More |
| 3 wood has a loft between 15 and 18 degrees, and the | | | | importantly, having discussed how and when to use |
| 5 wood a loft between 20 and 22 degrees; and so | | | | the different woods, irons, and putters you should be |
| you can see that with each successive type of wood, | | | | up to trying your hand at the sport so many call their |
| the loft is higher and the capacity for distance less. | | | | favorite pastime: the age old game of golf. |
| Moreover, it is worthwhile mentioning that the higher | | | | |