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The basics of golf equipment

FINDING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR GAME

Golf is a precision club-and-ball sport and as such the quality of your equipment and the match of that equipment to the individual’s requirements plays a large part in the player’s success. The basic golf equipment comprises golf clubs, golf balls, golf tees, golf bag and shoes. Then there is golf clothing that makes the game more comfortable and safe and items such as golf umbrellas and other golf accessories that, although not essential, do make a difference to the experience.

Golf clubs are divided into drivers, woods, irons, hybrids and putters. A golf driver is the largest-headed and is a longer club whereas a wood while still large-headed is shorter. A more common term for woods now is ‘fairway metal’ as the club is no longer made of wood. The most versatile club is the iron that can be used for a variety of shots. The hybrid golf club is gaining popularity as it has characteristics of both woods and irons. Golf wedges are irons but are specialised for different situations. Common golf wedges are gap wedge, sand wedge and lob wedge. If you are a beginner, you need only have a pitching wedge. More advanced players use gap and lob wedges. Sand wedges are common for all players. The putter is used to propel the ball across the green and, hopefully into the cup. Popular brands of golf clubs include TaylorMade, Callaway Diablo, Cougar, King Cobra, Titleist and Ping.

The next essential pieces of equipment are golf balls and golf tees. Golf tees are allowed for the first stroke on each hole. Good brands include Bridgestone, Titleist, Nike Callaway, Srixon, Maxfli Pinnacle, and Taylor Made.

Golf bags are obviously an essential also. Golf bags come in styles that allow the player to carry them or pull them on a two-wheeled golf cart or a motorised golf cart. Golf bags have several pockets to house the various golf accessories such as golf balls, tees and gloves. Some of the popular brands of golf buggies are Adidas, Callaway Cougar, Eagles and Birdies and Fortress.

Golf apparel including golf pants, golf shirts, tee shirts, and golf hats are usually made of breathable stretch fabric, often with a high UV rating. Some popular brands of golf clothing are Adidas, Calvin Klein FootJoy Greg Norman Collection and Oakley.

Golf hats need to provide good sun protection while withstanding winds. Popular brands are Callaway, Calvin Klein King Cobra and Greg Norman.

Golf shoes have metal or plastic spikes designed to increase traction. Popular brands are Callaway, FootJoy, and Hi Tec.

Golf umbrellas are particularly useful in inclement weather and on those particularly hot sunny days. Golf umbrellas are either hand held umbrellas that are larger than standard umbrellas or ones that can be mounted on your golf cart.

Other golf accessories include golf grips, golf practice accessories, golf rain covers, golf eyewear, golf gloves, golf GPS and golf books and DVDs.