Loft is the angle of the clubface relative to vertical. More loft gives a higher launch angle and typically shorter carry, but also more stopping power on the green.
From approx. 7–13° (driver) to 58–64° (lob wedge)
Bounce is the angle between the sole and the ground; higher bounce makes the sole “push” against the ground/sand and prevents the club from digging in.
Shaft length affects swing arc, speed and control. Lie is the angle between shaft and sole and affects launch direction. Sole grinds are the shaping of the sole (rounding, heel/toe/trailing edge cuts), which change how the club meets the ground.
Further down in the article we have an overview of the typical lofts and lengths for all irons and woods.
Loft approx. 58–64°. Used for high, short shots and bunker shots with a high lip. Requires precise contact. High bounce helps in soft sand; lower bounce is better on hard surfaces. Many choose 60° with medium/high bounce for softer conditions and 58° with low/medium bounce for firm lies.
Sand wedge (SW)Loft approx. 54–58°. Designed for bunkers with relatively high bounce and wide sole, which “glides” in the sand. Also useful from semi-rough and short pitches, where the sole prevents the club from digging in.
Gap/approach wedge (GW/AW)Loft approx. 50–54°. Fills the distance between pitching wedge and sand wedge, so your approach shots can be covered with less variation in swing length. A classic gapping is PW 46°, GW 50–52°, SW 54–56°, LW 58–60°.
Pitching wedge (PW)Loft approx. 44–48° (modern irons often have “stronger” loft, so PW can be 44–46°). Used for full shots to the green and low, controlled pitches.
Choose bounce and grindIrons typically cover 9 to 3. The high irons (9–7) give higher flight and precision for approach shots. Mid irons (6–5) give distance with still some control. Long irons (4–3) require speed and precise contact, which is why many golfers replace them with hybrids or higher numbered fairway woods.
Many newer iron sets have stronger lofts (lower loft numbers) for extra distance, compensated by center of gravity and higher launch. Therefore, compare loft degrees – not just the number on the club – when building a set.
Hybrids combine the precision of irons with the forgiveness of woods. They have a wider sole, low center of gravity and help get the ball airborne. A 4‑hybrid (approx. 21–23°) can replace a 4‑iron; a 3‑hybrid (approx. 18–20°) can replace a 3‑iron. Hybrids can also fill gaps between higher woods and irons.
Fairway woods have larger heads than hybrids and create higher ball speed from fairway and tee. Common lofts: 3W approx. 13–16° (typically 15°), 4W approx. 16–17°, 5W approx. 18–19°, 7W approx. 21–22°, 9W approx. 24–26°. Choose loft and shaft length so they fill your distance gaps between driver/hybrid and your longest irons.
The driver has the lowest loft, typically 8–13°, and the longest shaft. Lower loft requires high swing speed and consistent contact; for most, 9.5–11.5° gives more stable launch, better spin and overall distance. High MOI (resistance to twisting) increases forgiveness on off-center hits. Many drivers have adjustable hosel (loft/lie/face angle) and weights to influence launch direction and dispersion.
Graphite is common in driver/fairway/hybrids for low weight and more speed; steel is often used in irons for control and feel. Flex is typically classified as L (ladies), A/AM (senior), R (regular), S (stiff), X (extra stiff). Choose flex based on swing speed and tempo, not handicap. Shaft length affects both speed and accuracy – a driver that is too long can cost more fairways than it gains in distance.
The rules allow 14 clubs. The goal is even distance gaps, typically 10–15 meters between clubs. Because modern irons are often “stronger”, there are large jumps from PW down to SW/LW. The solution is an extra gap wedge. At the long end, a 7W or a 4‑hybrid can give a higher approach than a 3/4‑iron, which helps with stopping on the green and consistency.
| Club | Typical loft (°) | Shaft length (") | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | 8–13 | 45–46 | Adjustable loft/lie/face on many models |
| 3‑wood | 13–16 | 42.5–43 | From fairway and tee |
| 5‑wood | 18–19 | 41.5–42 | Higher launch than 3W |
| 7‑wood | 21–22 | 41 | Forgiving alternative to 3/4‑iron |
| 3‑hybrid | 18–20 | 40.5–41 | Replacement for 3‑iron |
| 4‑hybrid | 21–23 | 40–40.5 | Replacement for 4‑iron |
| 5‑hybrid | 24–26 | 39.5–40 | Gap to 5‑iron/6‑iron |
| 5‑iron | 23–27 | 38 | Modern sets often at the lower end |
| 6‑iron | 26–31 | 37.5 | — |
| 7‑iron | 30–35 | 37 | — |
| 8‑iron | 34–39 | 36.5 | — |
| 9‑iron | 38–43 | 36 | — |
| PW | 44–48 | 35.5–36 | “Strong” loft in modern sets |
| GW/AW | 50–54 | 35.5 | Fills gap between PW and SW |
| SW | 54–58 | 35.25–35.5 | Often high bounce |
| LW | 58–64 | 35–35.25 | High flight, requires precise technique |
The table shows typical ranges. Manufacturers vary, and custom fitting may differ to match swing and desired gaps.