Golf Equipment Key Terms

Learn to define some of the main terms in the golf equipment industry

By Thomas Langford

If your business deals with golfers, it's critical that you know some of the key terms of the golf equipment industry. You'll need to know the difference between various types of clubs, such as drivers, irons and putters. And you should also be familiar with other types of popular golf equipment, such as tees, ball markers and pull and push carts. Understanding golf equipment key terms can help you score big with your golfing customers.

Drivers

A driver is a type of golf club that golfers typically use for the first shot of each hole. Drivers provide maximum distance, and most players can hit the ball further with their driver than with any other club. Manufacturers made older drivers out of wood and make newer drivers from various types of metal, such as titanium.
Try: Worldwide Golf Shops provides pictures of dozens of types of drivers. Click the pictures to read detailed descriptions about the benefits of each one.

Irons

Irons describe the series of clubs in a golfer's bag that he can typically use for approach shots to the green and for difficult shots out of the rough or a sand trap. Irons allow the player to hit the ball with more accuracy but less distance. The length of the shaft and angle of the club head classify irons. Shorter shafts, which have a more angled club head, allow a player to strike the ball with more loft.
Try: The World of Golf shows examples of irons from several manufacturers. Click the pictures for more information.

Putters

Golfers use a putter to hit the ball across the green and into the hole. Putters have short shafts and flat heads. Their design makes them good when golfers need to roll the ball a short distance across the ground.
Try: Check out Global Value Commerce for pictures of some of the many types of putters. Click the pictures for an explanation of the benefits of each putter style.

Tees

Tees are small pieces of wood or plastic used to hold a golf ball slightly off the ground. Tees help a player strike the ball better and hit it further. Under the rules of golf, players can place their ball on a tee for the first shot of a hole.
Try: Take a look at Golfsmith International for examples of dozens of types of tees, including specialty tees.

Ball markers

Ball markers mark the spot of an in-play golf ball when it a golfer must move his or her ball so that another player can hit. The most common place to use ball markers is while putting on a green, when the balls of several players are in close proximity to each other.
Try: Ball markers come in an endless variety of shapes, colors and designs. Check out GolfCow to see some examples.

Pull carts and push carts

Pull carts and push carts are golf bag holders on wheels. The carts hold a golfer's bag upright and allow him or her to easily wheel it around while walking the course.
Try: The Golf Collection has pictures of pull carts and push carts, along with more detailed descriptions.