Golf clubs are an essential part of the game, and each player needs to have a set of clubs that they feel comfortable using. While the rules of golf don’t differentiate between men’s and women’s clubs, there are some differences between them that cater to the different physical characteristics of men and women. Here are some of the key differences between men’s and women’s golf clubs.
Length: Women’s golf clubs are generally shorter than men’s golf clubs. This is because women tend to be shorter than men on average, so the clubs are designed to accommodate their height. The average length of a men’s driver is around 45 inches, while the average length of a women’s driver is around 43 inches.
Weight: Women’s golf clubs are generally lighter than men’s golf clubs. This is because women tend to have less upper body strength than men, so the lighter clubs are easier for them to swing. The average weight of a men’s driver is around 310 grams, while the average weight of a women’s driver is around 275 grams.
Flexibility: Women’s golf clubs are generally more flexible than men’s golf clubs. This is because women tend to have slower swing speeds than men, and the more flexible shafts help them generate more clubhead speed. The flex of a golf club refers to how much it bends during the swing. Women’s golf clubs typically have more flex in the shaft than men’s golf clubs.
Grip size: Women’s golf clubs generally have smaller grip sizes than men’s golf clubs. This is because women tend to have smaller hands than men, and the smaller grips make it easier for them to hold onto the club. The grip size can impact the golfer’s ability to control the club, so having a grip that fits well is important.
Loft: Women’s golf clubs generally have more loft than men’s golf clubs. This is because women tend to have slower swing speeds than men, and the extra loft helps them get the ball in the air more easily. The loft of a club refers to the angle of the clubface. Women’s drivers typically have a loft of around 12-15 degrees, while men’s drivers typically have a loft of around 9-11 degrees.
Men’s and Women’s Golf Clubs – Irons
Club #
Men’s Irons
Women’s Irons
Key Differences
1
3-iron
4-iron
Women’s irons have a higher loft angle to help get the ball in the air more easily.
2
4-iron
5-iron
Women’s irons are generally shorter in length to accommodate a shorter stature.
3
5-iron
6-iron
Women’s irons have lighter overall weight to help with swing speed.
4
6-iron
7-iron
Women’s irons often have a more flexible shaft to help with clubhead speed.
5
7-iron
8-iron
Women’s irons often have a larger sweet spot to help with accuracy.
Men’s and Women’s Golf Clubs – Woods
Club #
Men’s Woods
Women’s Woods
Key Differences
1
Driver
Driver
Women’s drivers often have a higher loft angle to help with getting the ball in the air.
2
3-wood
3-wood
Women’s woods often have lighter overall weight to help with swing speed.
3
5-wood
5-wood
Women’s woods often have more flexible shafts to help with clubhead speed.
4
7-wood
7-wood
Women’s woods often have a larger sweet spot to help with accuracy.
5
9-wood
9-wood
Women’s woods often have a shorter length to accommodate a shorter stature.
Women typically have slower swing speed and benefit from a lighter club
Wedges
260 – 300 grams
220 – 260 grams
Women’s clubs are lighter
Women typically have slower swing speed and benefit from a lighter club
Fairway Woods
200 – 250 grams
170 – 210 grams
Women’s clubs are lighter
Women typically have slower swing speed and benefit from a lighter club
Putter
320 – 370 grams
280 – 330 grams
Women’s clubs are lighter
Women typically have slower swing speed and benefit from a lighter club
Differences in Shaft Material
Club
Men’s Golf Club
Women’s Golf Club
Difference
Reason
Driver
Graphite or steel
Graphite
Women’s clubs typically have graphite shafts
Graphite is lighter and more flexible, which benefits women’s slower swing speed
Irons
Graphite or steel
Graphite
Women’s clubs typically have graphite shafts
Graphite is lighter and more flexible, which benefits women’s slower swing speed
Wedges
Steel
Steel
No significant difference in shaft material
Steel shafts offer more control for wedge shots
Fairway Woods
Graphite or steel
Graphite
Women’s clubs typically have graphite shafts
Graphite is lighter and more flexible, which benefits women’s slower swing speed
Hybrid
Graphite or steel
Graphite
Women’s clubs typically have graphite shafts
Graphite is lighter and more flexible, which benefits women’s slower swing speed
Differences in Center of Gravity
Club
Men’s Golf Club
Women’s Golf Club
Difference
Reason
Driver
Lower and farther back
Higher and farther forward
Women’s clubs have higher and more forward center of gravity
Women typically benefit from a higher launch angle and more spin. The forward center of gravity also helps women generate more clubhead speed.
Irons
Lower and farther back
Higher and farther forward
Women’s clubs have higher and more forward center of gravity
Women typically benefit from a higher launch angle and more spin. The forward center of gravity also helps women generate more clubhead speed.
Wedges
Lower and farther back
Higher and farther forward
Women’s clubs have higher and more forward center of gravity
Women typically benefit from a higher launch angle and more spin. The forward center of gravity also helps women generate more clubhead speed.
Fairway Woods
Lower and farther back
Higher and farther forward
Women’s clubs have higher and more forward center of gravity
Women typically benefit from a higher launch angle and more spin. The forward center of gravity also helps women generate more clubhead speed.
Hybrid
Lower and farther back
Higher and farther forward
Women’s clubs have higher and more forward center of gravity
Women typically benefit from a higher launch angle and more spin. The forward center of gravity also helps women generate more clubhead speed.
Differences in Loft Angle
Club
Men’s Golf Club
Women’s Golf Club
Difference
Reason
Driver
8.5-12 degrees
10-15 degrees
Women’s clubs have higher loft angles
Women generally have slower swing speeds and benefit from higher loft angles to achieve greater distance and accuracy.
Irons
20-45 degrees
25-50 degrees
Women’s clubs have higher loft angles
Women generally have slower swing speeds and benefit from higher loft angles to achieve greater distance and accuracy.
Wedges
45-64 degrees
50-64 degrees
No significant difference in loft angle
Both men’s and women’s clubs have similar loft angles for wedges.
Fairway Woods
12-25 degrees
16-27 degrees
Women’s clubs have higher loft angles
Women generally have slower swing speeds and benefit from higher loft angles to achieve greater distance and accuracy.
Hybrid
16-27 degrees
19-30 degrees
Women’s clubs have higher loft angles
Women generally have slower swing speeds and benefit from higher loft angles to achieve greater distance and accuracy.
Differences in Grip Size
Club
Men’s Golf Club
Women’s Golf Club
Difference
Reason
Driver
Standard to midsize
Midsize to oversize
Women’s clubs have larger grips
Women generally have smaller hands and benefit from larger grips to improve comfort and control.
Irons
Standard to midsize
Midsize to oversize
Women’s clubs have larger grips
Women generally have smaller hands and benefit from larger grips to improve comfort and control.
Wedges
Standard to midsize
Midsize to oversize
Women’s clubs have larger grips
Women generally have smaller hands and benefit from larger grips to improve comfort and control.
Fairway Woods
Standard to midsize
Midsize to oversize
Women’s clubs have larger grips
Women generally have smaller hands and benefit from larger grips to improve comfort and control.
Hybrid
Standard to midsize
Midsize to oversize
Women’s clubs have larger grips
Women generally have smaller hands and benefit from larger grips to improve comfort and control.
When it comes to selecting golf clubs, it is important for golfers to choose the right set of clubs that fit their individual needs and preferences. The differences between men’s and women’s golf clubs are designed to help golfers of each gender play to their strengths.
For women, the lighter weight and more flexible shafts of women’s golf clubs help compensate for the fact that women generally have less upper body strength than men. The extra loft in women’s drivers helps women get the ball in the air more easily, which can lead to longer distances and better accuracy. The smaller grip sizes on women’s golf clubs also help women maintain a comfortable and secure grip on the club, which can be especially important for golfers with smaller hands.
On the other hand, men’s golf clubs are designed to cater to the physical characteristics of men. Men generally have longer arms and a wider shoulder span than women, so the longer length of men’s golf clubs can help accommodate their height and reach. The heavier weight of men’s golf clubs can also help them generate more power and clubhead speed, which can lead to longer distances and better ball flight. The lower loft of men’s drivers can help men achieve a lower trajectory, which can be advantageous in windy conditions.
It is important to note that while there are differences between men’s and women’s golf clubs, these differences are not set in stone. Many golfers, regardless of gender, may find that they prefer the feel and performance of clubs that are not traditionally associated with their gender. It is always recommended for golfers to try out different sets of clubs and get a professional fitting to ensure that they are using the clubs that are best suited for their individual needs and swing characteristics.
In conclusion, while there are some differences between men’s and women’s golf clubs, the most important thing is for each golfer to find the set of clubs that work best for them. Golf is a game that requires skill, technique, and practice, regardless of the type of clubs being used.
Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.
