Some golfers would say you’re only as good as your gear. Perhaps no gear is as important to a golfer’s performance as his or her clubs. The differences between each type of club may confuse those unfamiliar with golf, so a rundown of the various clubs in a golfer’s bag may help novices improve their scores.

Driver

Drivers are what golfers utilize on the tee, so this club marks a good place to start. Drivers are designed to give golfers distance off the tee, and these will likely be the longest club in the bag. Choosing a driver depends on a number of variables that are unique to each golfer, so it’s best to speak to a pro shop professional to find the right driver before hitting the links.

Irons

Golfballs.com notes that a standard set of irons features between five and seven clubs, typically a 3-iron to a 9-iron. However, irons range from a 1-iron to a 9-iron. Golfballs.com notes a 1-iron and a 2-iron are typically only utilized by especially skilled golfers, which is why they’re not often included in standard sets. According to the sporting goods experts at Dick’s, the following is the average distance golfers can expect from their irons:

2-iron: 105 to 210 yards

3-iron: 100 to 205 yards

4-iron: 90 to 190 yards

5-iron: 80 to 175 yards

6-iron: 70 to 165 yards

7-iron: 65 to 155 yards

8-iron: 60 to 145 yards

9-iron: 55 to 135 yards

Fairway woods

Dick’s notes that fairway woods are versatile clubs that can be used from the fairway or the rough. Fairway woods can even be used in the place of a driver if golfers are more comfortable doing so. Dick’s notes that average distance also determines which fairway wood to utilize.

3-wood: 125 to 240 yards

4-wood: 110 to 220 yards

5-wood: 105 to 215 yards

7-wood: 90 to 170 yards

Hybrids

Golfballs.com notes that hybrids can be used in place of long irons (a 3-iron to a 6-iron). Novices may be most inclined to do so, as the shorter shafts on hybrids compared to long irons makes them easier for some beginners to use effectively.

Wedges

Dick’s notes that wedges are designed for low-distance shots. There are various types of wedges, and usage can be determined by how long a shot golfers are hoping to hit. A pitching wedge can be used for shots between 50 and 120 yards, while a lob wedge is a good option for a shot between 35 and 90 yards. Gap wedges are good for shots slightly shorter than a pitching wedge, while a sand wedge helps golfers escape the dreaded bunker.

Putter

Putters are used when golfers reach the green. As is the case with drivers, putters can be chosen after consultation with a pro shop professional to ensure the club does not adversely affect your score.