Although, the game of golf appears relaxing and gentle, the fact is, it requires immense concentration, strength and strong understanding of landscape. Each shot which is played is well thought, in terms of distance and accuracy. These shots are typically played by clubs. Different shots need different types of clubs and a player has to carry all of them. A professional golfer is allowed to carry a set of 14 clubs.
Golf clubs are broadly categorized as:
1. Woods - This club is used for long distance shots; 250 yards or more, typically with a 3-wood or 5-wood club.
2. Irons - An iron club is used for a variety of shots. While iron offers better accuracy, a wood offers flight and distance.
3. Hybrid - As the name suggests, hybrid club is a cross between a wood and an iron. Hybrid clubs are more forgiving than iron, especially when a player misses the sweet spot.
4. Wedge - A wedge is built with high loft angle; often 45-64 degrees. It is suitable for short distance shots, generally from the rough or close cut grass turf.
5. Putter - A flat club suitable to roll the ball into the cup.
Hybrid golf clubs are unique. Due to their slightly offset CG (center of gravity), a hybrid is much easier to use than an iron with the same loft.
A golf club is assembled from three components; grip, shaft and a club head. All the three golf components have a definite role to play.
A grip essentially provides tack or traction. It allows the golfer to swing the club with confidence. Grips are available in many colors, designs and these are made of high quality neoprene.
A shaft on the other hand is a complex engineering product, which uses state of the art technologies, innovative composite materials, layering techniques etc. which allows manufacturers to offer an array of custom properties in terms of flex, torque and twist. Steel and graphite are the two popular materials that offer a range of flex and weight options.
Club head is the third component, which actually hits the ball. It has a hosel to which a shaft is fitted. The club head is measured in terms of volume and the biggest size which is legally allowed is 460cc. Modern days club heads are either made of titanium or carbon composite.
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