My Golf Bag: What Clubs I Play and How Far They Go

What golf clubs do you have in your golf bag?

When I started playing golf, I used a cobbled together hand-me-down set of old clubs with steel shafts that were way too long for me. Those clubs were all wrong. After some time I decided I needed to upgrade and bought a set that was fit for me. I’m going into my fourth season playing those upgraded clubs, and they are serving me very well.

All golfers have a slightly different makeup of what golf clubs they have in their bag. The rules of golf allow up to a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag during a round. That’s a maximum, and so you can have less than 14 clubs in your bag.

Average distance charts

While you can definitely google to find LPGA tour player average distance charts, I don’t think that’s really a helpful comparison here. As far as distance and swing speed data for adult female golfers, there were some questionable sources, at best. Again, not helpful, in my humble opinion.

What will be most helpful for you is to know and keep your own distance chart for yourself. Click to customize my distance chart and use it for yourself:

Customize your own club distance chart here.

My bag, my distances

Here are my golf clubs and the corresponding distances that I hit them. Keep in mind I’m now in my 6th season of playing golf, so it took a little while to consistently hit these numbers. I’m 42 years old, 5’4” tall, and about 150lbs. While I consider myself athletic, I’m a pretty average build.

• Driver - 180 yards

• 3 wood - [I do not like using my 3 wood and I don’t even know why I have it in my bag. I’ll probably take it out for this season. I usually use my 5 wood on the fairway.]

• 5 wood - 150 yards

• 5 iron - 140 yards

• 6 iron - 130 yards

• 7 iron - 120 yards

• 8 iron - 110 yards

• 9 iron - 100 yards

• Pitching Wedge - 90 yards

• Sand Wedge - 60 yards

When I was starting out I had to write down my distances. I had a little trouble keeping it straight. As time went on, I got used to it and now remember this in my head when I’m on the golf course. Some people put little labels wrapped around the shafts with the distances - that’s a cute trick.

My sand wedge & my putter are different brands from all the other clubs in my bag. They were added later, and are still hand-me-down clubs.

By the way - the sand wedge isn’t just for the bunkers. I loved when I added the sand wedge to my bag because it made those shorter approach shots so much easier than using my pitching wedge.

My favorite club in the bag is the 8 iron. At 110 yards, there are a couple Par 3’s at my home course which I always use this club and (usually) hit the green. Feels so good when that happens.

What I’m considering next

Distances that are 70-80 yards and around 40 yards or less prove to be pretty challenging for me. I have to adjust my swing for my pitching wedge and sand wedge. So I am considering a wedge fitting in the future to fix that problem for me.

Before I do that, I will definitely upgrade my putter later this season. I am excited to go try some new ones out.

What golf clubs are in your bag? Do you know your distances?

I’d highly encourage you to do whatever it is you need to do to help you remember your distances. When you go to the driving range, bring a mini notebook and pay attention to the flags (or use the touch screens if yours has that technology). You will definitely benefit from writing it down. No shame in the game!

If you suspect your golf clubs are hindering your game, make an appointment with a professional fitter. Or just go to the big box stores and try some different sets of golf clubs and ask questions of the sales people. Definitely try out multiple brands of golf clubs before you commit to buy anything. Usually the cost of the fitting is waived when you purchase new golf clubs.

If you have the budget and you are committed to spending time learning to play golf, go for a fitting right away and don’t bother buying a “starter set” or using a hand-me-down set.

Key Takeaways

Know your distances. Before you invest in any new golf clubs, definitely always try before you buy.