What Is a Group of Golf Clubs Called?

A group of golf clubs is officially called a set. That simple term, however opens the door to understanding one of the most fundamental parts of the game: the tools you use to play it. This guide will walk you through exactly what a set of clubs is, the different types of clubs that make up a set, the rule that governs how many you can carry, and how to start building a set that’s perfect for your game.

The Simple Answer: It's a "Set" of Clubs

While you might hear golfers informally refer to their clubs as their "bag," their "equipment," or just "their sticks," the proper and most common term for a collection of clubs is a set. For example, you might buy a "beginner set" or get your personal "set" of clubs custom-fitted. This collection of clubs is your arsenal for tackling every situation you’ll face on the golf course, from the opening tee shot to the final putt.

The rules of golf, as governed by the USGA and The R&A, are quite specific about your set. You are allowed to carry a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag for any stipulated round. Fewer is fine, but more will result in a penalty. This rule forces golfers to be strategic about which 14 clubs they choose to carry, as each one must serve a specific purpose.

What’s in a Standard 14-Club Set?

Walking into a golf shop can feel overwhelming with walls full of shiny clubs. What are they all for? While there's no single "correct" 14-club configuration, a standard, well-balanced set generally includes a mix of club types designed to handle different distances and lies. Let's break down the categories.

The Driver: Your Power Club

The driver, also technically called the 1-wood, is the longest club in the bag with the lowest amount of loft (the angle of the clubface). Its job is singular and straightforward: to hit the ball as far as possible, almost exclusively from the tee box on par 4s and par 5s. With its large head and long shaft, the driver is built for maximum distance but is often the most difficult club for a beginner to control. Mastering it takes practice, but there’s no better feeling than a perfectly struck drive soaring down the middle of the fairway.

Fairway Woods & Hybrids: The Versatility Players

Think of these clubs as your long-range support team. They are designed to hit the ball a long way, but with more control and forgiveness than a driver.

• Fairway Woods: Typically a 3-wood and sometimes a 5-wood. They have smaller heads and more loft than a driver, making them easier to hit off the grass in the fairway. They're perfect for long approach shots on par 5s or for when your driver isn't behaving and you need a safer option off the tee.
• Hybrids: A more modern invention, hybrids (also called "rescue" clubs) are a blend of a fairway wood's head design and an iron's length. They are incredibly versatile and much easier to hit than long irons (like a 3, 4, or 5-iron) for most amateur golfers. Hybrids are fantastic for getting the ball out of the rough and for hitting high, soft-landing shots from long range. Many beginners find more success starting with hybrids instead of long irons.

The Irons: Your Precision Tools

The irons are the foundation of your set, responsible for the bulk of your shots from the fairway into the green. They are numbered, and the general rule is: the lower the number, the less loft and the farther the ball goes, the higher the number, the more loft and the shorter and higher the ball goes. A modern set of irons usually runs from a 4-iron or 5-iron up to a Pitching Wedge (PW).

• Long Irons (4, 5): Designed for longer approach shots, these have less loft and are harder to hit consistently. Many players replace these with more forgiving hybrids.
• Mid Irons (6, 7, 8): These are the workhorses. You’ll use them for most of your mid-range approach shots, from about 130 to 170 yards depending on your swing speed. The 7-iron is often the first club students learn with because of its balanced length and loft.
• Short Irons (9, PW): With more loft, these clubs are all about precision and control. They’re used for shorter approach shots, helping you get the ball close to the pin by hitting high shots that stop quickly on the green.

The Wedges: Your Short Game Specialists

Once you’re within about 100 yards of the green, it's time for the wedges. These are your scoring tools, designed for high-lofted, short-distance "touch" shots like chipping and pitching.

• Pitching Wedge (PW): Usually comes with your iron set and is the next step down from the 9-iron. Great for full shots from around 100-125 yards and longer chip shots.
• Gap Wedge (GW) or Approach Wedge (AW): This club bridges the distance "gap" between the Pitching Wedge and the Sand Wedge, typically used for shots from 80-110 yards.
• Sand Wedge (SW): With high loft (usually 54-56 degrees) and a special "bounced" sole, this club is specifically designed to get you out of greenside bunkers. It's also a fantastic, versatile tool for soft, high chips around the green.
• Lob Wedge (LW): The highest lofted club in the bag (usually 58-62 degrees). It's used for hitting very high, soft shots that stop almost immediately, like when you have to get over a bunker to a tight pin.

The Putter: Your Scoring Club

Last but certainly not least, the putter. As the old saying goes, "Drive for show, putt for dough." The putter’s job is simply to roll the ball into the hole once you're on the green. They come in countless shapes and sizes (blades, mallets, etc.), and finding one that feels good to you is a very personal choice. Since nearly 40% of all golf shots are putts, a reliable putter is one of the most important clubs in your set.

Building Your First Set: You Don't Need All 14 Clubs

Seeing that list might feel intimidating, especially when you think about the 14-club limit. But here’s some good news: when you’re starting out, you do not need a full set of 14 clubs. In fact, playing with fewer clubs is one of the best ways to learn the game.

Working with a "half-set" or a starter set simplifies your decisions on the course and allows you to master a few key swing motions instead of getting confused by tiny differences between 14 clubs. A great starting set might only have 6-8 clubs:

• Driver or 3-Wood: One club for distance off the tee. A 3-wood is often easier to control for beginners.
• A Hybrid: Something like a 4- or 5-hybrid to replace the hard-to-hit long irons. This will be your go-to for long shots from the fairway.
• A Few Irons: You don’t need the whole range. A 6-iron, an 8-iron, and a Pitching Wedge will cover your mid-to-short approach shots nicely.
• A Sand Wedge: Essential for getting out of bunkers and for chips around the green.
• A Putter: Non-negotiable!

This streamlined set gives you a tool for every major situation olmadan you with too many options. As you improve, you can begin adding clubs to fill the distance gaps and build out to a full 14-club configuration.

Final Thoughts

In short, a group of golf clubs is called a set. It's made up of various clubs - woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and a putter - each designed for a different task, with a maximum of 14 allowed in your bag. Understanding the role of each club is a fundamental skill that helps you make smarter decisions on the course.

As you get to grips with what each club in your set does, it's normal to feel unsure about which one to pull for a particular shot. That on-course uncertainty is exactly why we built our app, you can ask Caddie AI for a real-time club recommendation based on your situation. It's like having an expert coach in your pocket to take the guesswork out of the equation, so you can commit to every swing with more confidence.