What is the difference between a driver and a fairway wood?

Driver: The driver is the longest club in your bag (typically 43-46 inches) with the largest club head and lowest loft (usually 8-12 degrees). It's designed for maximum distance off the tee and is used primarily on par 4s and par 5s to hit the ball as far as possible.

Fairway Wood: Fairway woods (3-wood, 5-wood, 7-wood) are shorter with smaller heads and higher lofts (15-21 degrees). They're more versatile and can be used off the tee, from the fairway, or even from light rough. They're easier to control and more forgiving than drivers.

When to use each: Use a driver when you need maximum distance off the tee. Use fairway woods for tee shots on tight holes, long approach shots from the fairway, or when you need more accuracy than a driver provides.

How many clubs should I have in my bag?

According to golf rules, you can carry a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag during a round. A typical set includes:

• Driver (1 club)
• Fairway woods - 3-wood and/or 5-wood (1-2 clubs)
• Hybrids or long irons - 3H, 4H, or 3-iron, 4-iron (1-2 clubs)
• Irons - 5-iron through 9-iron (5 clubs)
• Wedges - Pitching wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge (2-3 clubs)
• Putter (1 club)

Beginners often start with fewer clubs and add more as they improve their game.

What's the difference between regular and stiff flex shafts?

Shaft flex refers to how much the shaft bends during your swing:

• Regular Flex (R): Best for swing speeds of 75-95 mph. Provides more flex for players with moderate swing speeds, helping generate more distance.
• Stiff Flex (S): Best for swing speeds of 95-110 mph. Less flex provides more control for players with faster swing speeds.
• Senior Flex (A): For swing speeds under 75 mph. Maximum flex for slower swingers.
• Extra Stiff (X): For swing speeds over 110 mph. Minimal flex for very fast swingers.

How to choose: If you're unsure, regular flex is a safe choice for most recreational golfers. Get fitted at a golf shop if you want the perfect match.

What are hybrids and do I need them?

Hybrids are clubs that combine the best features of irons and fairway woods. They have a larger, more forgiving head than long irons but are easier to hit than fairway woods.

Benefits of hybrids:

• Much easier to hit than long irons (2, 3, 4-irons)
• More forgiving on off-center hits
• Better from rough and difficult lies
• Higher launch angle for better distance
• Great for beginners and high-handicap players

Do you need them? Yes! Most golfers benefit from replacing their 3, 4, and sometimes 5-iron with hybrids. They're easier to hit and more versatile.

What golf clubs should a beginner buy?

As a beginner, you don't need a full set of 14 clubs. Start with these essentials:

• Driver or 3-wood - For tee shots (3-wood is more forgiving)
• 5-hybrid or 5-iron - For longer approach shots
• 6, 7, 8, 9-irons - Your main scoring clubs
• Pitching wedge and sand wedge - For short game
• Putter - Essential for every round

Our recommendation: Look for a complete beginner set that includes these clubs plus a bag. This is more affordable than buying individually and ensures all clubs work well together.

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Should I buy new or used golf clubs as a beginner?

New clubs are recommended for beginners for these reasons:

• Modern technology: New clubs are more forgiving and easier to hit
• Proper fit: You know the exact specs and condition
• Warranty: Protection against defects
• Confidence: Starting with quality equipment builds confidence
• Affordable options: Many quality beginner sets are reasonably priced

Used clubs can work if: You're on a tight budget, buying from a reputable source, and the clubs are less than 5 years old with minimal wear.

Do I need a golf practice net at home?

A home practice net is one of the best investments for improving your game:

Benefits:

• Practice anytime: No need to drive to the range
• Save money: No range fees add up quickly
• More practice time: Convenient = more reps = better game
• Work on specific shots: Focus on problem areas
• Year-round practice: Even in bad weather

What you need: A practice net, hitting mat, and enough space (10ft x 10ft minimum). Our golf practice cages include everything you need to get started.

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What's the difference between a putting mat and a putting green?

Putting Mat:

• Portable and easy to store
• Usually 8-10 feet long
• Flat surface with alignment guides
• Great for practicing stroke mechanics
• More affordable ($50-$200)

Putting Green:

• Larger surface area (5x10 feet or bigger)
• Contoured with breaks and slopes
• More realistic to actual greens
• Can practice different putt types
• Higher investment ($200-$1,000+)

Recommendation: Start with a putting mat for stroke practice, upgrade to a green when you want to practice reading breaks.

Do I really need a golf rangefinder?

While not essential, a rangefinder can significantly improve your game:

Benefits:

• Accurate distances: Know exact yardage to the pin
• Better club selection: Choose the right club every time
• Faster play: No more pacing off distances
• Confidence: Commit to your shot knowing the distance
• Lower scores: Better distance control = better scoring

Who needs one: If you're serious about improving and play regularly, a rangefinder is worth the investment. Even mid-handicap golfers benefit greatly.

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What's the difference between laser and GPS rangefinders?

Laser Rangefinder:

• Point and shoot at any target (flag, tree, bunker)
• Extremely accurate (within 1 yard)
• Works on any course without downloads
• Requires line of sight to target
• Better for precise yardages

GPS Rangefinder:

• Shows distances to front, middle, back of green
• Displays hazards and layup distances
• Works without line of sight
• Requires course downloads
• Better for course management

Our recommendation: Laser rangefinders are more popular and versatile for most golfers. They're tournament-legal and work on any course.

Is it better to buy a complete set or individual clubs?

Complete Sets are better if you:

• Are a beginner or high-handicap player
• Need to replace most/all of your clubs
• Want to save money (sets are more affordable)
• Prefer clubs designed to work together
• Want everything in one purchase

Individual Clubs are better if you:

• Already have some clubs and need specific additions
• Want to customize your exact setup
• Are an experienced player with specific preferences
• Are willing to invest more for premium clubs

Our recommendation: Beginners should start with a complete set. You'll save money and have everything you need. Upgrade individual clubs later as your game improves.

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How much should I spend on golf clubs?

Budget Guidelines:

• Beginner Set: $300-$600 - Quality clubs to learn with
• Intermediate Set: $600-$1,500 - Better technology and feel
• Advanced Set: $1,500-$3,000+ - Premium clubs for serious players

Important: Don't overspend as a beginner. A $500 set will serve you well for years. Invest in lessons instead of expensive clubs - instruction improves your game more than equipment.

What to prioritize: Spend more on clubs you use most (putter, wedges, irons). You can save on driver and woods initially.

Still Have Questions?

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Email: info@ankso.us

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