Golf is a sport that requires a lot of skill and strategy. For high handicappers especially, sometimes the mind gets in the way of what the body and clubs are supposed to do. However one of the most important aspects of the game is having the right equipment, especially when it comes to the clubs in your bag. For high handicappers, choosing the right clubs can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be hard to know what to carry. Let’s cover the 14 essential golf clubs for high handicappers that we recommend.
We will consider a high handicapper as a golfer with a handicap of 18 or higher. These golfers typically struggle with consistency and accuracy along with making poor percentage shots during any given round. Still, it is very important to have the right clubs in their bag. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what clubs a high handicapper should carry, there are some general guidelines that can be followed.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Clubs for High Handicappers
High handicappers are those golfers who have a handicap of 18 or above. These golfers need to carry different types of clubs in their golf bag as compared to low handicappers. ie hitting a 1 iron tends to be only for those who those golfers who are downright strong or play professionally. Choosing the right clubs for high handicappers is important because it can help them improve their game and make it more enjoyable.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing clubs for high handicappers is forgiveness. High handicappers tend to miss the sweet spot more often, so they need clubs that are forgiving and can still produce good shots even when they are not hit perfectly. This is why many high handicappers prefer to use hybrids instead of long irons as they are easier to hit and more forgiving.
Another factor to consider is the loft of the clubs. High handicappers tend to have slower swing speeds, so they need clubs with higher lofts to help get the ball in the air. This is why many high handicappers prefer to use fairway woods instead of drivers as they are easier to hit and can still produce good distances.
Lastly, the length of the clubs is also important. A shorter club length can allow for more consistency. As an example, you see many professional golfers using drivers which have been shortened by an inch or so. Sometimes the distance isn’t as important as the accuracy.
Overall, choosing the right clubs for high handicappers is important as it can help them improve their game and make it more enjoyable. By considering factors such as forgiveness, loft, and length, high handicappers can find the clubs that work best for them and help them achieve their goals on the golf course.
The Must-Have Clubs for High Handicappers
When it comes to golf, having the right set of clubs can make all the difference, especially for high handicappers. Here are the must-have clubs that every high handicapper should consider carrying in their golf bag:
Driver
The driver is an essential club for every golfer, including high handicappers. It is the longest club in the bag and is used to hit the ball off the tee. High handicappers should look for a driver with a larger sweet spot and higher loft to help them get the ball in the air and reduce the chances of slicing or hooking the ball.
Fairway Woods
Fairway woods are another important club for high handicappers. They are designed to hit the ball off the fairway and can be used to replace long irons. High handicappers should look for fairway woods with a larger clubhead and higher loft to help them get the ball in the air and increase their chances of hitting the green. 7 woods and 9 woods are becoming popular clubs as of late.
Hybrids
Hybrids are a cross between fairway woods and irons and are designed to be easier to hit than long irons. They are a great option for high handicappers who struggle with hitting long irons. High handicappers should look for hybrids with a larger clubhead and higher loft to help them get the ball in the air and increase their chances of hitting the green.
Irons
Irons are the most versatile clubs in the bag and are used for a variety of shots. High handicappers should look for irons that are forgiving and easy to hit. They should also consider a set of irons that includes a pitching wedge and a gap wedge to help them get closer to the hole. I will say that seniors, myself, and my friends who have not yet reached senior status, tend to move towards hybrids and a 7 or 9 wood in replacement of 3-5 irons and sometimes even a 6 iron. The hybrids and higher lofter woods tend to be more forgiving for higher handicappers.
To add to this, if you are new to golf then you should probably check out the difference between super game improvement irons vs game improvement irons.
Wedges
Wedges are designed for shots around the green and are essential for high handicappers who struggle with their short game. High handicappers should consider carrying a sand wedge and a lob wedge in addition to their pitching and gap wedges to help them get out of bunkers and hit high, soft shots around the green.
Having said that, a club that should not find its way into a high handicappers bag is anything at or above 58 degrees of loft. Many amateur golfers will use these type of high lofted clubs around the green with the thought process that they can chip the ball on to the green. What ends up happening oftentimes is the ball is thinned and then flies across the green, to the other side and finds its way into the rough.
Putter
The putter is the most important club in the bag for high handicappers. It is used for the majority of shots on the green and can make or break a round. High handicappers should look for a putter that is easy to align and has a larger sweet spot to help them make more putts.
Additional Clubs to Consider
Additional Wedges
High handicappers should consider adding additional wedges to their bag to improve their short game. The most common wedges are the pitching wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge. However, adding a gap wedge and/or a approach wedge can help fill the distance gap between your pitching wedge and sand wedge.
A gap wedge typically has a loft between 50 and 54 degrees and is used for shots between 90 and 110 yards. An approach wedge has a loft between 46 and 50 degrees and is used for shots between 100 and 120 yards. Adding these wedges can help high handicappers improve their accuracy and distance control on approach shots.
Long Irons
High handicappers may also benefit from carrying long irons, such as a 3 or 4 iron. These clubs can be difficult to hit for beginners, but they can be useful for shots that require accuracy and distance. Long irons are typically used for shots between 170 and 210 yards.
However, if a high handicapper struggles with hitting long irons, they may want to consider replacing them with hybrids. Hybrids are easier to hit and can provide similar distance and accuracy as long irons. My personal opinion is to go with hybrids in this situation. Long irons have had their lofts reduced over the years which makes them difficult to get in the air.
Utility Clubs
Utility clubs, also known as driving irons or hybrid irons, can be a useful addition to a high handicapper’s bag. These clubs are designed to provide more distance and accuracy than a traditional iron, but less than a fairway wood or driver.
A utility club can be used off the tee on shorter par 4s or for long approach shots into greens. They typically have a loft between 16 and 21 degrees and can be easier to hit than a long iron or fairway wood.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Clubs for High Handicappers
Clubhead Design
High handicappers should consider using game-improvement clubs with larger clubheads. These clubs are designed to be more forgiving and help golfers hit straighter shots, even on off-center hits. A larger clubhead also means a larger sweet spot, which can help golfers hit the ball farther and with more consistency.
Shaft Flex
High handicappers should consider using clubs with more flexible shafts. A more flexible shaft can help golfers generate more clubhead speed, which can lead to longer shots. Additionally, a more flexible shaft can help reduce the severity of a slice or hook, which can be common among high handicappers.
Loft
High handicappers should consider using clubs with higher lofts. A higher loft can help golfers get the ball in the air more easily, which can be especially helpful for golfers who struggle with hitting low shots. Additionally, a higher loft can help golfers hit the ball farther, as it can help create more backspin. Game improvement irons or even super game improvement irons are usually setup to get the ball in the air. These type of clubs oftentimes have what they call a cavity back where the center of gravity is lowered and this allows the ball to be hit with a higher launch angle.
Offset
High handicappers should consider using clubs with offset designs. An offset design can help golfers square the clubface at impact, which can help reduce the severity of a slice or hook. Additionally, an offset design can help golfers hit the ball higher, as it can help create more loft.
Weighting
High handicappers should consider using clubs with perimeter weighting. Perimeter weighting can help golfers hit straighter shots, even on off-center hits. Additionally, perimeter weighting can help golfers hit the ball farther, as it can help create more ball speed.
Overall, high handicappers should prioritize forgiveness and ease of use when choosing clubs. By considering factors such as clubhead design, shaft flex, loft, offset, and weighting, high handicappers can find clubs that can help them improve their game and enjoy the sport more.
Conclusion
Choosing the right clubs for your golf bag can make a big difference in your game, especially for high handicappers. Based on our research, we recommend the following 14 clubs for high handicappers but we also leave it open to drop a 3 hybrid for a 7 wood. Sometimes it is not so much distance that matters as making the ball playable. Meaning you are much more likely to get a 7 wood up in the air versus a 3 hybrid. This isn’t an exact science but in general (with the exception of very high lofted wedges) an increase in loft usually helps out a high handicap golfer.
- Driver
- 3-wood
- 5-wood
- Hybrid (3 or 4)
- 5-iron through 9-iron
- Pitching wedge
- Sand wedge
- Lob wedge
These clubs will give you the best chance to hit the ball long and straight off the tee, and get the ball up and down from around the green. Additionally, we recommend that high handicappers avoid long irons and instead opt for hybrids, which are easier to hit and provide more forgiveness.
Remember, the most important thing is to choose clubs that you feel comfortable with and that fit your swing. Take the time to try out different clubs and find the ones that work best for you. Learn how to go with the high percentage shots. Hitting between those two trees that are 30 yards away and 10 feet apart probably isn’t a good idea. Above all else, don’t forget to practice regularly to improve your game!