Most female players choose to use women’s clubs. However, this is often done unknowingly without much consideration for the actual differences between men’s and women’s golf clubs.

Depending on if you have a slower swing speed, more height in your swing, strength, stability in your stance, etc., the type of golf club that you need could be greatly impacted.

Let’s look at the main differences between golf clubs for men and women and help you determine which is best for you.

1. Length

The length of the club is the most significant difference between men’s and women’s golf clubs. Male golfers, on average, are taller than women, so the clubs are typically one inch longer. Sometimes this can vary between manufacturers and could be ½ inch to ¾ inch.

With the length of the club, you can make adjustments based on player height. In fact, most golfers should consider a custom fitting where the exact length of the club they need is measured.

When you play with the length of the club, the lie angle is also changed, something that needs to be considered for better consistency and playability.

2. Shaft Flexibility

The flexibility of the golf shaft will also be different between men’s and women’s golf clubs. Women’s clubs come with a ladies’ shaft, which is more flexible than a men’s shaft. The idea behind a more flexible shaft is that with slower swing speed, women golfers can get more distance and better ball flight.

Men’s golf clubs have various shaft options to choose from based on swing power and whether or not higher swing speed comes into play. Men can choose from a senior shafted golf club to an extra stiff shaft.

Women golfers have much less variety to choose from. If they need something that is a bit less flexible, the men’s shafts become the best option.

Sometimes problems come up for women golfers as they start to age. Unfortunately, no real senior women’s golf shaft can be put in the club to help improve overall ball speed and make up for lost yards.

However, more and more companies are coming up with lighter golf shafts that have a better launch, and this is certainly helping older women golfers find an option that works for them.

Male golfers have a nice progression of golf shafts that they can move through if needed, and when swing speeds are a match, the ladies’ golf shaft will always work as well.

3. Clubhead & Grip Sizing/Shape

Most golf club manufacturers will use the same clubhead for women golfers as they do for men golfers. However, some companies will put a larger clubhead with a bit sweet spot in the golf clubs for women.

It’s often assumed in golf that women need more accuracy in their shots. This comes from the idea that women golfers tend to have slightly less clubhead speed.

Also, as a whole, the handicaps of men, on average, are often lower than women simply because more men play the game than women. You have to remember that golf club manufacturers try to create clubs that work for the largest group of people.

The grip for male golfers is usually a standard or midsize grip. However, for female golfers, the grip is usually undersized. Women golfers have slightly smaller hands, and the undersized grip tends to give their hands an easier time getting on the club properly.

When shopping for ladies’ golf clubs, it is important to look at the club head and see if you are getting something specifically built for the woman golfer or if it is simply a men’s club with a ladies’ shaft in place. There could be impacts on the center of gravity or overall performance that are worth considering.

4. Availability

When you look at LPGA Tour players, they are almost always using men’s golf clubs. The reason behind this is availability.

Unfortunately, there are not as many women’s golf clubs on the market as there are for men. This is simply a sales and marketing issue, as there are not nearly as many women golfers as there are men golfers.

In the game improvement and beginner category of golf clubs, there are plenty of options for women to try. However, when you look at things like blade-style irons or players’ distance irons, there are very few choices.

Today, most golfers go for a complete custom fitting when they are between golf clubs. If you are a female player that is looking for increased feel and accuracy in a set of clubs, a custom fitting for a men’s set of players’ irons is probably the best choice.

Male golfers starting to lose some of their clubhead speed can find that a ladies’ shaft is actually the best option for their game. If the overall height of the player is a problem, it is easy to extend the shaft and ensure that there is enough length for accuracy.

As a whole, there are more men’s golf clubs on the market than women’s, but this is not nearly the problem it once was. Custom club fitting has really changed the way we look at the game of golf.

5. Lofts

Women’s golf clubs tend to have higher lofts than men’s golf clubs. This is particularly seen in something like a driver. Men’s drivers are often going to have between 9 and 10 degrees of loft. With the women’s golf clubs, expect to see between 12 and 15 degrees of loft.

This extra loft is intended to add forgiveness.

However, it can also become problematic for women golfers. As great as the loft is in helping with accuracy and forgiveness, it does nothing for your distance. The higher the loft on your driver, the more you will struggle to hit it far.

Female players that are looking to capitalize on distance will need to be very careful of this feature.

The good news is that for slightly faster swing speed women golfers, there are plenty of options out there. Conversely, for slower-swinging male golfers, the women’s drivers could always be a good choice. Distance may not be the best feature here, but a shot that is 10 yards shorter and in the fairway may be one worth considering!

Although these differences in lofts still impact golf drivers, the fact that so many of them are now adjustable has made this a little less of an issue. The higher lofts are easily adjusted in most clubheads, so you can dial in the exact amount that will work for your game.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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Golf club manufacturing has changed considerably in the last few years. All of these changes create quite a few questions about the differences between forged and cast irons.

Forged irons have always been considered players irons. Yet, today there are so many game improvement irons to come to the market made with a forged club head.

We get it – companies are throwing mixed signals, and it’s hard to know which clubs are truly best for your game. Let’s take a look at the differences between forged and cast irons and, most importantly, which one is the best for your game.

What are Forged Irons?

Forged golf irons are made from a single billet of steel. The manufacturing process that forged irons go through is a bit more complicated than that of a cavity back or cast iron. Forged irons are typically a bit more expensive because of the materials used and the process that manufacturers have to take to create the iron.

What are Cast Irons?

Cast irons are created from a cast or mold using a variety of different materials. Many of the cast irons created today are hollow body golf irons. The manufacturing process for cast irons is a bit less involved, and it is certainly shorter and less expensive. Most cast irons are also referred to as cavity back irons.

Main Differences Between Forged and Cast Irons

When deciding which golf irons are best for your game, it’s important to understand the terminology to know what is best for you. There are some significant differences between forged and cast irons, and they will impact the playability.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of the forged and cast irons is quite different. In fact, all of the differences you see in performance between these two types of irons come down to the way they are manufactured.

Forged golf irons are made from a single piece of metal. The metal is worked with, sometimes by hand, to create a shape that is ideal for golfers. Then the next club is worked on and the clubs are stamped and forged several times to create consistency throughout the metal.

During this process, the metal of the clubhead continues to forge close together, so there is very little room for air pockets or gaps in the metal. This is what creates that buttery forged feel in an iron.

With the cavity back irons, there is a mold that hot melted metal is poured into. The cast iron clubs may go through a few steps of this process depending on the technology that they have built inside them, but the end result is a cast golf iron which will also sometimes be called a cavity back iron. (More on that later)

Feel

The feel of the golf iron in your hand is incredibly important. There is no questioning the fact that golfers have made up their minds that the forged golf iron has a better feel than the cavity back iron.

The reason behind this is the fact that the forged process takes care of any inconsistencies in the club head and ensures that players are capable of a bit more workability and feedback from the club itself.

However, it’s worth mentioning here that golf technology has come a long way. The bridge between the forged iron and the cast iron is, without a doubt becoming smaller and players are having a harder time even identifying something forged vs. a cast iron.

Forgiveness

With the way that cast iron clubs are made, the sweet spot is traditionally a bit larger and more effective. This leads to more forgiveness.

Many high handicappers play with game-improvement irons that are typically cast golf irons because they enjoy the extra help that these clubs can provide in their game.

Of course, this is not to say that all forged golf irons will be unforgiving. Instead, one of the benefits of the forged iron is that it gives players a tremendous amount of feedback. This feedback increases the ability to hit a draw or fade or to work on swing flaws that may come up.

Availability/Type of Iron

In years past, the only forged iron you could find would be a blade iron that a company offered. This is what started the confusion golfers have with the fact that all blade irons are the only forged golf irons on the market.

This is not true.

There are players’ irons that are forged and are not exactly blades. In addition, some clubs go through a mix of forging and milling that make them kind of a mix between a forged golf iron and a cast golf iron.

I’m sure you have seen some game-improvement irons built for slightly higher handicappers with a forged face. The entire golf club was not forged, but the face was.

Again, just as we saw the fairway wood and the iron merge into a hybrid, we see the cast golf irons and the forged golf irons merge into something entirely unique that better provides for golfers.

Pricing

The forged irons are almost always considerably more expensive than the cast irons. With the forged iron process being longer and requiring a higher quality soft feel metal, the pricing on these clubs just started to increase.

One option that has helped many golfers save money is to purchase forged irons in the short irons. This is where you can see the most difference in the feel of the golf clubs. With the forged short irons, you get a bit more workability, which plays well with the short irons.

With the longer irons, you can switch to a cast model to try and get some extra forgiveness and even distance. This type of mixed set cuts down on total pricing and makes it easier for players to afford to have a mix of technology in their bag.

Custom Fitting

Golfers thinking about going through the custom fitting process may also wonder if the decision between forged and cast irons matters. With advances in golf technology, you can purchase both forged and cast golf irons that are custom fit to your needs.

Both forged, and cast irons can have lie angle and loft changes to better suit the needs of your game.

With the pricing of forged golf irons being so high, you will see most players get the clubs custom fit to your needs. However, the ability to have cavity back irons fit into your game is certainly possible.

Pros and Cons of Forged Irons

The forging process that a golf iron goes through certainly makes the club have a premium feel and better workability, but there, of course, are negatives to the forged irons that need to be considered as well.

Pros of the forged irons include things like improved feedback in the golf irons and a great feel. Many professional golfers use forged golf irons as they are looking for only the most premium irons on the market.

The negatives, of course, include the higher pricing found in the forged irons and a lack of forgiveness.

Pros

• Great feel
• Better workability
• Cleaner look and thinner top line
• Improved feedback
• It can be helpful in the short irons for improving the feel

Cons

• Not typically as forgiving
• More expensive
• Longer manufacturing process

Pros and Cons of Cast Irons

The cast irons are what the majority of golfers play with. Cast irons have great forgiveness, plenty of distance, and a fair price point. The cast irons are rare on the PGA Tour as they don’t give players the feedback they need in the short irons.

Expect lower pricing from cast irons and plenty of availability. The lead times on the cast irons are also considerably faster. You won’t have to wait long to get your new clubs, and they could give you that extra distance and forgiveness right from day one.

As I mentioned, many golfers consider going with the mixed set to enjoy a few forged irons and a few cavity back irons. It tends to be a good combination.

Pros

• Forgiving
• Large sweet spot
• Fair pricing
• It can be made with a variety of materials

Cons

• Not as workable
• Feel is not always as good

Final Verdict: Deciding on Which Irons You Should Be Using

The best golf irons on the market are the ones that are the best fit for your game. It doesn’t matter if those golf clubs are forged or cast; what matters is that you can hit them well.

With forged irons, better players will notice more workability, improved feel, and feedback to help them improve their game.

Cast irons offer a fair initial price point, really great launch and distance characteristics, and plenty of overall forgiveness.

As a golfer, you will need to be aware of what your strengths and weaknesses are and choose the club that most closely matches. Don’t get into the mindset that the most expensive golf clubs are the best; this is not necessarily the case.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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Golf putters were not always as complicated as they are today.

For so many years, you could choose a basic blade like the Ping Anser or a half-round mallet, likely made by Odyssey. However, things have changed entirely, and there are now hundreds of putter options to choose from.

Both blade and mallet putters can be effective, and to understand how they will impact your putting stroke, it pays to know the difference.

What is a Blade Putter?

A blade putter is the classic golf putter design. This putter head is usually rectangular in shape with a flat face and a relatively short backing on the club. Blade putters don’t have large clubheads and are more simplistic in design.

Many blade putters will have a small alignment line on the top of the putter head. Professional golfers and better players have been known to like the blade putters because of their precision and feel.

What is a Mallet Putter?

A mallet putter is larger than a blade putter. There is still a flat face on the mallet putter, but the back of the putter head is rounded, or with the modern blade putters, it can even be rectangular in shape.

When mallet putters first came out, they were really simple. It looked like a small semi-circle on the back of a blade.

Since then, the putters have become much more advanced, with putter heads that extend three or four inches past the face of the putter. Mallet putters are known for easy Alignment and consistency, and they are often preferred by golfers learning to play the game.

Main Differences Between a Blade and Mallet Putter

To determine if a blade or mallet putter is best for your game, you have to understand the differences in both the look and the performance of the club.

Forgiveness

The blade and mallet putter will offer forgiveness for off-center hits. You will notice that the mallet putter has a significantly larger sweet spot making it a bit more forgiving.

However, there are some products created by both Ping and Odyssey that specifically worked on creating a higher MOI putter option for a blade style putter. So don’t think that switching to blade putters means you will miss more putts.

The key is finding something that is a specific match to your game. When you want a lot of forgiveness in a putter, look for a high MOI option.

Alignment

All golf putters offer some type of alignment technology. Even if you have your own way of setting up for a shot, Alignment is a key feature that needs to be considered.

Golf purists tend to look down at the golf ball and putter head and want a very short white line that directs their putter head to the hole. However, many amateur and beginner golfers would prefer several lines or thicker and more advanced alignment patterns.

There is no right or wrong answer here regarding Alignment, but if you struggle with lining up properly, the mallet putter has more advanced features on the top of the club head.

Weighting and Feel

With some of these large modern mallet putters, the total weight of the club looks like it is going to be a lot. The good news is that with new lighter materials being used and different golf shaft options, the weight is not all that heavy, and the feel can still be rather light.

It’s a counterintuitive concept in golf, but a lighter putter is often better for slow greens, and a faster putter is better for fast greens.

Many professionals that use a blade style putter will ensure that it is considerably heavier as this is what works well on faster greens. The heavy putter allows for a shorter and more compact stroke, something easier to keep on the proper line.

Stroke Type

One of the biggest indicators of which type of putter to use is the type of stroke that you have. The arc style stroke tends to be the best choice for a blade style putter. The straight back and straight-through stroke types are best for a mallet head putter.

Depending on the stroke type that you have, you will want to be careful which putter you choose. Arc style putting strokes require players to open the clubface slightly on the backswing, square it up through impact, and then rotate it slightly closed on the follow-through.

Straight back and straight through putting strokes, keep the putter head square for the entire time. Distance control tends to be an issue for both types of putting strokes, but it becomes even more of a problem if you are not utilizing the proper type of putter.

Golfers with arc style putter strokes can certainly use a blade putter, but it may be awkward or unnecessary to rotate the face of the putter open and closed on the mallet when you don’t need to.

Golfer Handicap

The old rule of thumb was that better players use blades and higher handicappers use mallet putters. I don’t like this theory, and I don’t think it’s true anymore. Its kind of like higher handicappers or beginners should not use forged clubs, yet companies are putting out new game-improvement forged irons every year.

It’s important to know that many mallet style putters have a larger sweet spot. However, as long as the putter you are using is the proper specifications for your game and you have a high moment of inertia, the handicap should not play into it all that much.

Certain putter designs like an Odyssey 2 Ball putter are certainly more forgiving than something like the Scotty Cameron Newport putter. Don’t choose a putter based on handicap alone; consider the club’s specific features.

Pros and Cons of a Blade Putter

The blade putter certainly has more positives than it does negatives; here are a few of the most important to know.

Pros

• Classic look: the blade style putter is a more classic design; golf purists, lower handicappers, and those that like to keep things simple will certainly like the blade design better.
• Easy To Manipulate The Clubhead: blade putters allow you to rotate the clubhead with ease; for golfers with an arc style putting stroke, this is very important.
• Premium design: many blade putters have milled faces and are forged from one piece of metal, making them a more premium design that favors the feel-oriented player.
• Lower Price: although it is not always the case, many blade putters are more affordable than mallet putters simply because they use less material in their design.

Cons

• Not Great For Alignment: most blade putters have a single alignment line on the top of the club that does not help with lining up shots quite the way you would like it to.
• Smaller Sweet Spot: the more compact size of a blade style putter makes it slightly less helpful from a forgiveness standpoint.

Pros and Cons of a Mallet Putter

Mallet putters continue to have new options released each year. Every time you see a mallet putter that is bigger and better than the options from last year, you may wonder what these companies will come up with next.

Pros

• Easy Alignment: a mallet putter head is very easy to line up; the top of the head just needs to be pointed to the target.
• High MOI: the majority of mallet putters on the market have a high MOI and are more forgiving than blade putters.
• Stability: with the mallet design putter, you can keep the putter on a straight back and straight through the path, and it remains stable at impact; this is why you will see some of this unique shaping in the mallet putters on the market currently.

Cons

• Can Be Bulky: the newer modern mallet designs are huge; if you are coming from a slim blade style putter, expect this to feel a bit cumbersome at first.
• Won’t Rotate Well: for arc style putters, the mallet putter becomes difficult to open and close as you rotate through your putting stroke; this is best for a straight back and straight through putting stroke.

Final Verdict: Deciding on Which Putter You Should Be Using

Hopefully, you now have a bit of a better understanding of the differences between a blade and a mallet-style putter.

If you are looking for forgiveness and like to keep things simple on the putting green, I recommend going with the mallet putter head. You can keep the putter on the same path, make very little movement in your stroke and make some great putts.

For golfers that are more artistic on the greens and want to putt with better feel and control, the blade is a better choice. Think about how you approach putting green and how you see the lines; this will help you make the best choice.

In the end, it’s impossible to say one is better than the other; you just have to find the right match.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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The 3 Wood and 5 Wood golf clubs are two of the most common fairway woods. 

But does the average golfer need both of these clubs in their bags to be successful? When is the ideal time to use each club?

Let’s dive into how they’re different and when to use each…

The Main Differences Between a 3 and 5 Wood

Though there are a lot of similarities between the 3 Wood and the 5 Wood, these fairway woods do differ in a variety of ways. 

Let’s take a look at some of those differences:

1. Loft

One key difference between the 3-wood and the 5-wood is the loft of each club. 

Most 3 woods have 15 degrees of loft while most 5 woods have 18 degrees of loft. This may not sound like that big of a difference, but it has a profound effect on the type of shot a golfer can hit.

Why is loft important? Because it determines how high a golfer can launch the golf ball. More degrees of loft are needed when a golfer needs to hit a higher trajectory shot.

2. Distance

Distance is another area where the 3 Wood and the 5 Wood differ. The average male golfer hits a 3 Wood around 215 yards. He hits a 5 Wood about 195 yards.

The average distance difference isn’t nearly as prominent in women golfers. The average woman hits the 3 Wood about 150 yards. She hits the 5 Wood about 135 yards.

So, it’s safe to assume that most golfers will hit their 3-wood anywhere from 10 to 20 yards further than their 5-wood. This is because of the longer shaft length and lower loft of the 3-wood.

Keep in mind though, that the added distance doesn’t mean that the 3-wood is the best choice for all golfers. Being accurate with your fairway wood shots is often more important than sheer distance. What good is more distance if your golf ball ends up out of bounds?

3. Shaft Length

Another area that 3 Woods and 5 woods differ is shaft length. 

Though both of these fairway woods have what is considered a longer shaft, a 3 wood is typically an inch longer than a 5 wood. Most golf equipment manufacturers make 3-woods between 42 and 43 inches long and 5-woods between 41 and 42 inches long.

Shaft length affects both distance and control. A longer shaft gives the golfer the ability to hit the ball further. However, clubs with shorter shafts usually give the golfer better control and more accuracy.

4. Ball Position During Setup

Another way that these fairway woods differ is the ball positions that they require during setup. 

For a 3 Wood shot, you want to play the golf ball about two inches away from the heel of your front foot. This is similar to how you would hit your driver off the tee (except that with the driver, you position the ball directly off the front heel).

For a 5 Wood shot, you want to play the golf ball about one inch closer to the middle of your stance than the 3 Wood. This will help compensate for the 5-wood’s slightly shorter shaft and will allow you to make solid contact with the ball. 

No matter which fairway wood you choose to use, make sure you are positioning the ball correctly in your stance.

When Golfers Typically Use Each Wood

Best Times to Use a 3-Wood

1. Off The Tee

If you’re struggling to find the fairway with your driver off the tee, the 3-wood may be the solution you are looking for. 

Since the 3-wood has a higher loft angle than the driver, it’ll give you a higher launch off the tee and often a straighter shot. PGA Tour pro Henrik Stenson refers to his 3-wood as “the fairway finder” off the tee.

The shorter shaft of the 3 Wood will also give you more control over the clubhead. Lots of high handicappers find that their slice is not nearly as pronounced when they use a 3 wood off the tee instead of a driver. 

This extra amount of accuracy comes in handy especially when you are playing on tight holes with not a lot of room for error.

2. When You’re in the Fairway on a Reachable Par 5

The 3 wood is the toughest club to hit off the deck, even when you have a nice lie in the fairway. However, a great time to use the 3-wood is when you’re trying to reach the green in two shots on a Par 5 hole. (Only try this shot if you feel comfortable with your 3-wood)

The extra length that a 3-wood provides will give you a better chance of getting home in two shots. This will give you a rare opportunity for an eagle putt. Who doesn’t love more eagles on their scorecard?

3. When You Need a Lower Ball Flight Due to the Wind

When playing golf, you have to be prepared to deal with a wide range of weather conditions. One of which is those annoyingly windy days on the course.

When the wind is whipping, you want to keep the ball flight of your shots much lower. This will keep the wind from having such a dramatic effect on all of your shots on the golf course. Since the 3-wood has a relatively low amount of loft, it’s a great choice for hitting those low stingers that will stay out of those nasty wind gusts.

Best Times to Use a 5 Wood

1. Long Par 3 Holes

Some golf courses have Par 3 holes that are a little on the long side. Some of these holes can be anywhere from 160 to 190 yards. Beginners can have a hard time hitting their long irons this far, so a 5 Wood shot makes more sense.

The extra loft of a 5 Wood helps golfers hit high shots that land softly on the green. This is perfect for a long Par 3. Lots of golfers also feel that the large clubface of the 5-wood makes it much easier to hit than a 3-iron or 4-iron.

2. Out of the Fairway, Especially for Beginners

Since the 3-wood is so difficult to master, most beginners should use the 5-wood anytime they need to hit a long shot from the fairway. The average amateur golfer can get the ball in the air much easier with the 5-wood. Again, this is where that three degrees of extra loft comes in handy!

The higher loft and shorter shaft of the 5-wood allows golfers to hit high, accurate approach shots into the green. Being able to hit shots like that will result in lower scores and a much more enjoyable round of golf. 

3. If You Need to Get Over a Tree

Have you ever found yourself needing to get your golf ball over a tree? This is a great time to hit your 5-wood. In this situation, you can hit your 5-wood out of either the fairway or light rough.

The large face of the 5-wood will cut through the light rough and still leave you with the ability to hit a high enough shot that will clear the tree. Never underestimate the ability of the 5-wood to get you out of trouble on the course.

Which Wood is Easier to Hit for The Average Golfer

Most amateur golfers struggle to get the ball off the ground with their fairway woods. By all accounts, the 5-wood is much easier for the average golfer to hit than the 3-wood. Though both are very forgiving clubs because of their large faces, the extra loft of the 5-wood makes it much easier to get the ball off the ground than the lower lofted 3-wood.

The 5-wood is also easier to control because of its shorter shaft. This results in a lower amount of sidespin, which means golfers are less likely to slice or hook the ball with the 5-wood. More accuracy is always a good thing, especially for mid-handicap golfers.

Do You Really Need Both of These Woods in Your Bag?

This is a tough question because the answer depends on the golfer’s swing speed, skill level, and personal preference. Most PGA Tour golfers will keep both a 3-wood and a 5-wood in their bags during most tournaments. However, most pros will swap out their 5-wood for a 2-iron or a 3-hybrid if the course requires more high trajectory shots.

Beginners and even most average golfers would be best suited to keep a 5-wood and a good hybrid in their bags and leave the 3-wood at home. A 3-wood is a phenomenal club, but it’s also a high-risk high-reward type of golf club. Those types of clubs are best left for single-digit handicappers.

Every golfer is different, so there is no right or wrong answer. If you use the 3-wood and the 5-wood for different purposes and you are comfortable with both clubs, then by all means keep them both in your bag.

What Type of Shaft Should You Choose on Your Fairway Woods?

Did you know that most golfers don’t put a lot of thought into what type of shaft to choose with their fairway woods? This is a huge mistake because shaft flex has a huge impact on both the distance and accuracy of your shots.

Light Shaft vs Heavy Shaft

When it’s time to buy some new fairway woods, make sure you take the time to experiment with different shaft weights. A lighter shaft will normally provide more ball speed and thus more distance. Since most beginners and high handicappers have slower swing speeds, a lighter shaft may help them hit the ball further.

However, a heavier shaft may give golfers more control of their shots. Golfers who are low handicappers with fast swing speeds may prefer a heavier shaft for the solid feel and extra amount of accuracy.

Graphite Shafts vs Steel Shafts

You also need to decide what type of shaft will work best for you. The majority of golfers choose to use graphite shafts with their fairway woods. This is because graphite gives the shaft a lighter feel, which is what most golfers prefer these days.

Graphite has become so popular that most golf equipment manufacturers don’t even offer steel shafts off the shelf anymore. Steel is much heavier than graphite, which usually slows down a golfer’s swing speed. 

One positive thing about steel shafts is that they are usually 20% cheaper than graphite shafts. Interestingly enough, PGA Tour legend Tiger Woods prefers a steel shaft.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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When we play golf, we play against the golf course and ourselves.

However, there is typically more than one game going on during the course of a typical round. Chances are you are playing a match against a friend or competitor, and that will typically be either match play or stroke play.

All golfers should know how to play both match play and stroke play. Let’s take a look at some of the differences, the rules you should know, and a few of our best tips for winning your next match.

Match Play vs Stroke Play: The Main Differences

The main difference between match play and stroke play is the way the competition works. Stroke play is a competition where you will count the total number of strokes and try to have the fewest at the end of the round.

Match play is a match against one competitor, played on a hole-by-hole basis. This means that you may not even need a full 18 holes to complete a match play event.

Scoring

The scoring for a stroke play event will be exactly how it is for any round of golf you play. No mulligans, no gimmies; simply play your own ball from the first tee to the 18th hole.

In match play, you can look at each hole as part of the tournament. If you make a three and your partner makes a 4, you are one down. During a match play event, you may not even know what you are shooting; instead, you may just know where you stand.

Strategy

The strategy for playing a golf event, such as match play or stroke play, can be different. In match play, you need to beat one person; in stroke play, it’s typically an entire group of people. Handicaps can be applied to both match and stroke play events.

Finishing a Hole

In match play, you may have a putt conceded. If the ball is just a few inches from the cup, your opponent may tell you that the putt is good enough. This cannot happen in stroke play, as the ball needs to make it to the bottom of the cup each time.

Tournament Length/Results

The stroke play event can be just 18 holes, or it could be 72 holes like a PGA Tour event. Although a match play can be one round, these typically start as a much broader type of event where you have to make it through several rounds to be declared the event’s winner.

Basic Rules of Match Play

Match play is a hole-by-hole event where you will play against a competitor head to head. There are match play situations where you can have two teams playing against each other but to make things simple; we will talk about singles match play.

The basic rules here involve you playing the ball until it gets into the hole. If your score is a 5 and your competitor’s score is a 6, you will go one up after the first hole. If the next hole is won by the competitor, the match goes back to being all square.

Matches continue like this until they can’t continue anymore, and there are not enough holes left to play that would change the outcome. For instance, if you are 4 up with 3 holes to play, you have won the match.

In match play, golf holes can be conceded. If you hit 3 balls in the water off the tee, you can concede the hole, and your competitor is the automatic winner of that hole.

Basic Rules of Stroke Play

Stroke play is when you will have to count all of the strokes it takes you to get through an 18-hole round of golf. At the end of a stroke play round, if you have 91 shots and the lowest round for the day was 85, you will be six shots out of the lead.

In stroke play, you must finish all of the holes to get your final score and still be eligible to win the event. There is no conceding each hole, and this is an event that will allow more players to compete against each other at the same time.

Are Match and Stroke Play Ever Done at The Same Time?

Match play and stroke play are never played at the same time. Since the rules are slightly different, these have to be a separate competition.

For the most part, match play and stroke play have very similar rules, but instead of losing strokes, sometimes, in match play, you will lose the hole. The two formats just don’t work together.

Match vs Stroke Play: Strategy

I’ve played a lot of tournament golf through the years, and I can tell you that the stroke play events are always my lower scoring rounds; match play is just an entirely different format. Playing against yourself and the golf course is much easier to go lower than playing head to head against a person on each hole. Here are some tips that have helped me score well through the years.

Tips for your next Match Play Event

The tricky thing about match play is that you can always see exactly what your competitor is doing. When they have a bad hole, you have to ensure that you don’t do the same thing just because they are. Stay in your own game, stay focused, and you will play much better.

• Don’t get too aggressive just because your opponent did
• If somebody makes a birdie, simply try to have a good hole
• Try to play within your capabilities, but be aggressive

Tips for your next Stroke Play Event

Stroke play requires very close attention to all of the shots you make. You won’t have to worry about what competitors are doing; instead, just try to have the lowest stroke total of the day. This should feel like a separate competition where you play the golf course only.

• Make sure to pay close attention to the short putts; they count
• Focus on what you are best at and capitalize when possible
• Avoid the big numbers and 2 stroke penalties whenever possible

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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When you look at modern-day beginner golf sets, you’ll notice that an increasing quantity offers hybrids well into the mid-irons.

The wider sole provides improved turf interaction, and the low CG prompts a towering launch. In this post, I weigh up the differences between a 6 iron vs 6 hybrid to help you find the correct club for your golf swing.

Superior golfers and traditionalists, such as myself, will not appreciate the chunky construction of a hybrid over an iron. However, the hybrid consistency and forgiveness are why high handicappers opt for these clubs over compact irons.

Before I dig into the features and benefits of these golf clubs, you should bookmark our review on a 4 iron vs 4 hybrid. This gives valuable insight into the features, benefits, and differences between the hybrid club and long iron.

Overview of a Hybrid and 6 Iron

A 6-iron and 6-hybrid are golf clubs employed predominantly for approach shots into par 4 greens. In addition, These clubs fit into your middle-distance game and bridge the gap between your short and long irons.

A 6-iron features a compact construction and provides excellent feel and acoustics on strikes out of the sweet spot. On the contrary, a 6-hybrid features a wider sole to offer superior turf interaction, a lower center of gravity, and maximum forgiveness.

Differences Between a Hybrid and 6 Iron

Clubhead Construction

The first difference you will notice between these golf clubs is the construction of the club head.

A 6 iron features a compact blade design and an undercut cavity back if it is a game improvement club. A 6-iron players club contains a muscle back structure designed to offer superior feel and acoustics with minimal forgiveness.

A 6-hybrid, on the other hand, sports the standard fairway wood-iron design that results in an oversized clubhead with a wide sole. Although this look is off-putting for superior golfers, it improves turf interaction for beginners to promote clean strikes from any lie.

In addition, the oversized hybrid clubhead allows engineers to position weight low and deep in the clubface for a high, consistent launch.

Loft

The next difference that I noticed was the average loft angle. Typically, 6-irons carried an average loft of 26.5-degrees versus the 28 degrees of the 6-hybrid golf club. As you would expect, the weaker lofted hybrid generated aggressive spin, leading to higher launch angles and soft landing.

I discovered that a crisp 6-iron strike produces sufficient spin to stop rapidly on approach. However, if you catch it thin, you deliver a lower trajectory, which can cause it to roll excessively and run off the green.

The higher launching hybrid club fitted with superb turf interaction, encourages consistent, towering flight for a controlled landing. This is advantageous to high-handicappers with rusty ball striking skills.

Shaft Length

Next up was shaft length, although, in a game of inches, the differences impact your clubhead speed and the quality of your strike.

The average golfer finds that additional shaft length accelerates their club speed, which is a positive. However, the longer a golf shaft is, the harder it becomes for the average golfer to control the club.

A loss of control leads to a weak smash factor and reduced coefficient of restitution (COR). As a result, you sacrifice yards on approach.

With this in mind, a 6-iron carries a shorter shaft, averaging 37.5-inches for steel and 38 for graphite. Conversely, a steel 6-hybrid shaft averages 38.50-inches, while the graphite tops 39. Although the hybrid shafts are longer, the exceptional forgiveness offsets the reduced control.

Offset

Offset is another glaringly obvious difference between these golf clubs. The hybrid features an exaggerated offset level, while it is muted in the 6-iron.

A high degree of offset helps golfers square their clubface at impact to combat slice sidespin. Therefore, your golf club resists slicing to the right and alternatively promotes straight golf ball flight for improved accuracy.

The enhanced offset of hybrids makes it easier for beginners to deliver accurate results. However, hybrids reduce the feel and impact acoustics compared to a 6-iron. Furthermore, you are more likely to produce a draw or fade shape when operating with less offset 6-iron. This is a trait mid and low handicappers may approve of.

Forgiveness

Game improvement golf irons offer spectacular forgiveness across the clubface for consistent results. However, a technologically advanced 6-iron still produces less forgiveness than a 6-hybrid.

The hybrid features low and deep CG, a wide sole, and an expanded sweet spot. This combination ensures you produce a clean strike, a high-flying ball, and greater carry distance in your mid-length game.

Besides the distance and high trajectory, amateur golfers find the added offset helps produce straight shots for improved accuracy on the golf course.

Ball Flight

The final difference I noticed between these golf clubs was the ball flight they produced. I found that I created a workable flight with a 6-iron, enabling me to shape the ball on approach. Conversely, the 6-hybrid limited the curve and sent my ball high and straight.

The workable nature of the 6-iron is more appealing to superior golfers looking for added control on approach. On the contrary, the hybrid’s straight, flight, and optimal accuracy is built for high handicappers.

Pros and Cons of a Hybrid Iron

Pros

• Exceptional turf interaction for a clean strike from any lie
• Produces higher trajectories
• Promotes straight shots
• Optimal forgiveness
• Prompts rapid clubhead speed

Cons

• These golf clubs limit your ability to shape shots
• They produced fewer yards than a 6-iron

Pros and Cons of a 6 Iron

Pros

• Controlled ball flight
• Superior feel
• Crisp acoustics
• The shorter shaft is easier to control
• Produce further distance

Cons

• The ability to shape your shots can worsen hooks and slices on mishits
• The lower ball flight can cause the ball to roll further than a hybrid, and run off the green

When to Use Each Club

6-iron

Par 3 Tee Shot

Besides approach shots, I use a 6-iron on mid-length par 3 holes. As I mentioned earlier, a crisp mid-iron strike causes your golf ball to land gradually and stop in good time.

However, if I catch the ball in the teeth the ball flies along a lower trajectory and rolls excessively upon landing. This can see your ball roll off the green and leave you having to make an up and down for par.

Approach Shot

Approach shots on mid-length par 4 holes are where the 6-iron earns its place in my golf bag. I typically swing it when I am 160 to 170-yards out. A crisp, full swing produces adequate height and flight to get the ball in the middle of the green.

When I am this far from my target, I have no business attacking the flag and opt for a safer approach. Obviously, if the green is unprotected and the pin is open, then you can have a crack.

Lay Up

When a par 5 green is protected by water or bunkers, I will employ a 6-iron for my second shot to lay up. This leaves me within striking distance to pull out one of my wedges and attack the flag for my third.

Punch

The 6 iron club has served me well over the years and in adverse circumstances. Whenever I find myself in the woods or blocked by trees it is the first club I call on. If I need a lower degree of loft, I may opt for a 4 or 5-iron. However, where possible, the 6 is my preferred option.

The moderate loft gives me an element of launch to fly rough and debris, while the shorter shaft makes it easy to catch the ball in the sweet spot.

6-Hybrid

Par 3 Tee Shot

Like a 6-iron, the 6-hybrid is ideal for tee shots on mid-range par 3 holes. The low and deep CG prompts a high launch and a soft landing, while the enlarged sweet spot produces consistent ball speed for optimal distance. This benefits slower swing speed golfers who need the extra yards.

On top of the flight, landing, and distance golfers, use hybrid clubs for accuracy. The offset design helps keep your clubface square at impact to deliver straight shots. This is vital on par 3’s where you have minimal room for error.

Approach Shot

The reason for using a 6-hybrid on approach is the same as off the tee box. Your ball flies high, straight, and long to improve your greens in regulation record. In addition, the wide sole improves turf interaction to produce a clean strike from any turf.

Based on these qualities, your golf ball is more likely to stay on target and land softly on the dancefloor.

Layup

If you cannot reach the green in two on a par 5, your only option is to lay up. I suggest hitting a pitching wedge, as it is generally too short to land you in trouble. But, it also contains a short shaft and is easier to control.

However, when you find yourself way back and have yards to make up, think about striking your 6-hybrid. It gives you the distance required for a favorable position and lands softly to limit the risk of excess roll.

Bump and Run

The final shot you can play with a 6-hybrid is the old-fashioned bump and run. Since the club carries a stronger loft than a wedge, it delivers a low flight and possesses the oomph to propel the ball up to the cup.

In addition, the oversized hybrid head contains an enlarged sweet spot and high MOI to minimize the impact of off-center strikes. As a result, you produce consistent results for a successful up and down record.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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A hybrid vs utility iron. Which club should you add to your golf bag?

In this post, my mission is to unveil the features and benefits of these golf clubs to help you decide which is best for your game.

In addition to assessing their pros and cons, I will explain how the clubs differ in design, launch angle, spin rate, apex, and distance. Plus, I provide tips on when it is suitable to swing each of the clubs on the golf course.

Overview of a Hybrid and Utility Iron

A hybrid golf club and utility iron are versatile golf clubs used in your long game. They aim to optimize your distance off the tee and on approach. Their oversized heads provide elevated moment of inertia (MOI) to generate straighter shots for improved accuracy.

Furthermore, both clubs are fitted with wider soles to produce optimal turf interaction in any lie. As a result, the sole glides across the turf, minimizing friction and inducing a clean strike.

Besides their work from the deck, golfers may employ them off the tee, substituting your driver or fairway woods. That is why these clubs also carry the pseudonym, driving irons. Although hybrid clubs and utility irons contain varying lofts, they are generally on par with each other.

The final similarity between these golf clubs is perimeter weighting. Engineers distribute weight in the heel and toe of the club to expand their sweet spots for elevated forgiveness.

Added to loft, my experience with these clubs revealed similar ball and clubhead speed. Now that you understand their reason for existing, let’s dive into their differences.

Differences Between a Hybrid and Utility Iron

Head Shape

The first difference you will notice is the shape of their heads. The hybrid resembles the standard fairway wood-iron combination with a compact crown. Its oversize profile enables engineers to position the center of gravity (CG) low for a high launch and ball flight.

On the contrary, the front of the utility club looks like other long irons, except for the lower back. This part is generally fitted with tungsten weight to stabilize the clubhead at impact for consistent ball speed and a square clubface. I found this helps you produce piercing trajectory and distance on all shots.

Shaft Length

If you place a similar lofted hybrid and utility iron alongside each other, you notice that the hybrids are longer. For example, I compared the 19-degree Stealth Rescue club to the Stealth UDI, realizing that the former was approximately an inch longer.

I checked the specs from TaylorMade, which confirmed my thoughts about the Rescue clubs. The stock Aldila Scent Black shaft on the 18-degree Stealth UDI measures 39.75-inches. However, the 19-degree hybrid contains a 40.75-inch shaft.

The hybrid features a graphite shaft. This design is generally an inch longer than its steel counterparts. A longer golf shaft helps you accelerate swing speed to produce a powerful launch. Unfortunately, a longer shaft is sometimes difficult to control and reduces your smash factor.

In my case, my smash factor lowered by 0.1 when I swung with a hybrid compared to a utility iron. To put it into perspective, Trackman suggests that a 0.1 extra smash factor increases ball speed by 1 mph and reduces your spin rate.

An optimal smash factor is 1.5, but most amateurs are reaching the 1.42 mark.

Launch Angle

The next difference I encountered was the launch angle, and I want to point you to a video by Michael Newton below to highlight my point. In his test, Michael shows how a 19-degree Stealth hybrid launches 4-degrees higher than a utility iron, making it easier to get airborne for high-handicappers and the average golfer.

If you need launch assistance, a hybrid is the better option, as it helps maximize your carry distance. The downside of a high launch angle is that it exposes your golf ball to wind, which can take it off line and rob you of yards.

Spin Rate

I was surprised by the spin rate differences between these clubs because I expected the hybrid to produce higher revolutions.

However, I found the utility iron generated 400 rpm less spin than the hybrid. Despite this, the rescue club delivered a higher launch, sharper landing angle, and stopped faster than the driving iron.

As you can imagine, a golf ball that launches high and spins low produces farther carry and total distance.

Apex

Your apex reveals how high your golf ball reached before it began its descent to earth.

Despite lower spin levels, hybrids manage to fly higher than utility irons, which advantages you in two ways. The first is that these clubs are easy to launch and produce optimal carry distance. Secondly, they induce a steep landing angle to stop rapidly.

When I tested these two clubs, I generated 21 feet over the low-flying utility iron, which showed its easy launch.

Landing Angle

The landing angle is the angle at which your golf ball falls from its apex to the ground.

The higher this figure is, the sharper your golf ball falls from the sky. This requires optimal balance because an excessively steep landing angle costs you the distance. However, a gradual approach continues to roll upon landing.

Given its increased apex and launch angle, it is no surprise that the hybrid induces a faster journey back to earth. In my case, shots with the hybrid elevated the landing angle of 5 degrees over the hybrid.

When it comes to distance, the controlled angle produced by a utility iron is preferred. I delivered an average of 5 yards extra roll compared to the hybrid. Therefore, I would prefer this performance on links courses and in the wind, where low flight and roll are valued assets.

Carry Distance

We have covered the performance aspects of these clubs. Now, let’s review the distance results.

Since the hybrid generated less spin but a higher launch and flight, it managed to trump the utility iron on overall distance. Although it is marginal, the hybrid club won by a single yard, but a win is a win.

Roll

The lower flight and gradual landing angle created by the utility iron help it deliver increased roll upon landing. This feature is beneficial in the wind or on links courses where you must fly it low and let your ball run on the firm turf.

The reduced level of roll provided by the hybrid is better suited to well-manicured courses that require precise distance control. In those instances, you can get the ball up high and stop it faster than a utility iron.

Pros and Cons of a Hybrid Iron

Pros

• High launch
• Increased offset for straighter shots
• Exceptional turf interaction
• Maximum forgiveness
• Longer carry distance

Cons

• They restrict your workability
• The higher flight can cause your golf ball to get caught in the wind and lose distance

Pros and Cons of a Utility Iron

Pros

• Lower, controlled ball flight
• Produces increased roll
• Encourages workability
• Ideal for windy conditions and firm golf courses
• Forgiving

Cons

• Produces fewer yards than the hybrid
• The lower flight makes it difficult for beginners and high handicappers to launch.

When to Use Each Club

Hybrid

1. Tee Shots

The easy launching nature of hybrids makes them a safe option for high handicappers to employ on par 3 and 4 tee shots. I recommend them on long par 3’s instead of a utility iron because of their shot-stopping power.

The high flight and sharp landing angle give you a better chance of stopping your ball on the green. In addition, a hybrid is an excellent option on narrow par 4 holes, where you are left with minimal room for error.

While nothing stops you from using a hybrid on par 5s, remember you will leave yourself well back for your second. This could put you out of contention for making a necessary birdie before the hole has begun.

2. Approach Shots

A hybrid is a trusty partner for approach shots on par 5’s and 4’s. If you have the length and a par 5 is reachable, you can induce an easy swing and launch the hybrid to oblivion. This leads to maximum carry and total distance.

On par 4 approach shots, a hybrid offers the added assurance of escalated shot-stopping power. Although your ball will not stop dead, it rolls less than a utility iron, helping you stay on the green in regulation.

3. Bump and Run

In previous articles, I explained that hybrids and fairway woods are excellent tools for a bump and run shot, and I stand by that. The high MOI head of a hybrid, and lower loft, helped me deliver an accurate low shot that generates sufficient speed to run up to the cup.

I found the wider sole on a hybrid provides exceptional turf interaction to ensure I get clubface on the ball. The nature of this shot and the hybrid’s forgiveness improves your chances of getting up and down.

Utility Iron

1. Par 4 Tee Shots

Given the performance of a utility iron, it best suits tee shots on par 4 holes. That is because you produce low flight and optimal roll, ensuring your ball gains yards even after landing. You can also use a utility iron on par 5s, but you may find yourself too far back for your second shot ruling out your chance of a birdie.

Furthermore, I find the lower flight impractical for par 3’s as this club does not provide the shot-stopping power of a hybrid. Therefore, you may find your golf ball rolling off the green, leaving you with the pressure of a chip and a putt for par.

2. Approach Shots

The exceptional turf interaction provided by a driving iron makes it a suitable club to use on approach shots. Whether on the fairway or in the rough, the wide sole on this club helps you strike your golf ball cleanly for a controlled trajectory and ample yardage.

A utility iron is useful on firmer courses, where you can count on an added roll to boost your total distance. I am referring to the likes of links courses, where run can be rewarded and high flight punished by the wind.

3. Windy Conditions

If you live in a windy city like I once did, it might be wise to add it to your bag permanently. As I have explained, its stunted flight is a dream for golfers aiming to replicate Tiger and produce a stinger for controlled results in the breeze.

Related Reading: If you understand the basics of these golf clubs, you are ready to level up. Head over to our 4 iron vs 4 hybrid review to find out which is longer, straighter, and more accurate.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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