For most people, golf clubs look more or less the same. In reality, professionals use different types of golf clubs simultaneously while they play. However, we can divide these golf clubs further in terms of golf clubs made for men and golf clubs made for women.
Like most sports in the world, golf too was considered a men-only sport in the past. As a result, golf manufacturers never paid attention to making golf clubs exclusively for women.
Understandably, not many women played golf at that time, so they hesitated to launch a product that wouldn’t have a large market. Therefore, the only golf clubs made for women in those days were normal golf clubs painted in pink and shortened at the shaft.
Nowadays, there is a significant demand for female-exclusive golf clubs as more women are taking up golf. As a result, golf clubs for women have greater quality and a sleeker design that complement the player’s ability and style. In this article, we will discuss the key differences between golf clubs for men vs. women.
Men’s vs Women’s Golf Clubs
Although golf club manufacturers tend to apply similar technologies for making both women’s and men’s golf clubs, ladies’ clubs are usually lighter, shorter, and more flexible. The reason behind this difference is the fact that women on average have a shorter stature along with a slower swing speed during a shot.
These exclusive golf clubs allow women to get the most out of their clubs. Needless to say, the color of the golf club has no effect on the player’s ability to score. However, some golfers prefer golf clubs that match their preferences and style. Therefore, golf manufacturers still design golf clubs for women in different styles and colors.
The following can also be the distinguishing factors between golf clubs made for women and men:
Drivers
Exclusive women’s golf clubs are usually designed keeping in mind the amount of force needed to propel a ball the farthest. For this reason, many golf clubs made for women have a minimum driver loft of 12-degrees. The driver loft is slightly more than what drivers in male golf clubs have, which range from 9 to 11 degrees.
A higher loft allows women to get the ball off the tee more easily. Not only do these golf clubs have a higher loft, but they are also lighter in weight. Therefore, women get better speed and distance along with a higher trajectory off the tee.
Woods
Like drivers, the wood in golf clubs for women has a higher degree of loft along with a lighter weight than men’s woods. Moreover, women golf clubs have a larger range of wood that extends up to a 13-wood. This makes them a great replacement for long irons because it is far easier to hit with.
Irons
If you have a liking for irons, then the women’s irons will be beneficial for you. Despite the club head being slightly heavier, these irons have a softer flex. Regardless, the whole club is lighter overall. These unique attributes make these golf clubs ideal for women who have slower swing speeds.
Shafts
Aside from being shorter in length, golf club shafts differentiate from women clubs in other ways as well. Women’s clubs may have shafts made from graphite. These shafts are lighter and easier to use than steel. However, men still have the option to use lightweight graphite golf clubs or heavy steel-made shafts. Regardless, the softer flex in graphite shafts allows users to benefit from a better clubhead position.
Grips
The grips on women’s golf clubs are shorter in length and smaller in diameter compared to men’s clubs. This is because women, in general, have smaller hands. Grips with smaller diameters are easier to grip and provide greater control over the golf club.
Should Female Golfers Always Use Women’s Clubs?
After discussing how different men’s and women’s golf clubs are from each other, it’s important to clarify whether or not women should always buy custom golf clubs. The simple answer to this is that it depends on the golfer.
Ideally, you should only buy golf clubs that fit your needs the best. Therefore, when you go to buy a golf club for yourself, it’s important to take your physique into account. Everything from your height to the size of your hands can be a crucial factor before buying a golf club. There is no use of buying a heavy and powerful golf club when you can’t play with it properly.
Besides your physique, your skill level in the game can also be a vital factor in your choice of golf clubs. Some golf clubs are made for people new to the game, and these clubs are inclusive of both genders.
You can buy your golf club according to your swing speed and your type of swing. It’s possible that your swing speed is low and your swing type is shaky or jerky. In such a case, a female exclusive golf club is best suited for your game.
Alternatively, it’s also possible that your game is well above your peers and you are proficient at finding the hole regularly. A woman can also be tall and therefore, would need a golf club with a longer shaft and a bulker grip for better control.
In these cases, golf clubs that are typically marketed to men may be more appropriate for you. There is no distinction of gender here, and the same goes for men. Men who have a shorter height, less firm swing or slow swing speed should always prefer a golf club that suits their needs and makes golfing enjoyable.
Just remember that you have the option to go through a club fitting and find the best equipment that matches your style, physique, and proficiency at the game.
