Now you have to be able to decide which club to use and when. When trying to decide the length of the shot, you also need to be aware of the hight the ball will travel - this is called as the loft.

Usually clubs have a number on the head by which they can be identified. The higher the number, the lesser the distance the club will hit. Each club has a grip made of rubber, a shaft made of steel or graphite and a club head made of steel or alloy parts.

Clubs are divided into 3 different types:-

* Woods

* The Irons

* The Putter

WOODS

When golf was first played, the original players used clubs where the club head was made from wood, and this is how the name stuck. With the advent of ever changing technology club heads have changed both in shape and size and are today made from hard metals such as steel or tungsten.

* Ladies woods range from numbers 1 to 15.

* Ladies use a No.1 club or driver from the tee.

* Fairway woods are usually 3,4,5,7 and 9.

* Some shots require a high loft from a poor lie and numbers 11, 13 and 15 woods can be used here.

IRONS

Sets of Irons are numbered from 1 to 9 and are usually have club heads made from metal or alloys. The higher the number on the club the less distance the ball will travel. For example a 4 iron will hit the ball further than a 7 iron.

Wedges, such as a pitching wedge or a sand wedge also come in the the iron catagory. A sand wedge is mainly used as the name would suggest to escape from bunkers, and generally wedges are used to get more height on the ball.

PUTTERS

A putter has almost no loft and is used on or just off the green when the ground is firm and smooth. There is an enormous variety of putters on the market. Which ever type feels right and produces the best results is the one for you.

RESCUE CLUBS OR HYBRIDS

The hybrid or rescue club as it has become known is a combination of the wood and iron, and is a big hit with lady golfers. Mostly it is used as a distance club, being more forgiving than a wood off the fairway. It has quickly become a standard part of the range of ladies clubs.

TAKING CARE OF CLUBS

Most golfers put head covers on their woods to protect the heads and stop them clanking against each other when on the move. You should dry woods off carefully if they become wet, wiping off any grass, mud or sand which accumulates on the head.

When rubber grips become dirty they can be washed with soap and water. When they become shinny they are ready for a change and this can be done by your local professional.

CHOOSING YOUR CLUBS

There are many factors which can be taken into account when choosing clubs, but the most important is that you are comfortable with them. There are many brands to choose from, but some practice shots with demonstration clubs will help you decide.

After making the decision to buy new clubs you should try to find a seller where you are allowed to try out the types of clubs which you are considering purchasing.

Buying both irons and woods with the same manufacturing mark may not suit your swing or your game. You need to ask the question 'Do I need to buy them all at once?'. It can be helpful to purchase some and find out where the gaps are - adding in other clubs later as required.

Give some consideration to leaving out the purchase of a driver, which is not necessary when you are first starting. To start with you could choose a 3 or 5 wood. Also choosing a half set of irons to get some experience is a good idea. More can be added at a later date.