Golf is a universal game that has developed into a major sporting activity for everyone to enjoy.
What is a Petite Set of Clubs?
For the uninitiated, the golf industry has identified the need to specialize sets for all ages, body shapes and lengths, and strength.
No longer is the saying “one set fits all” appropriate.
Standard Lengths:
A standard set of men’s irons is 40 inches long for the 1 to 4-irons. (known as the long-irons.)
From 5-iron to 8-iron the length varies between 38 and 37-inches.(known as the mid-irons.)
From 9-iron through the pitching, sand, and gap-wedge, the length shortens to 36-inches. ( known as the short-irons.)
Women’s iron sets are generally 1-inch shorter than men’s and the standard length for women is 43 inches.
The Petite or Ladies Junior set is a further 1-inch shorter than the regular women’s set.
(Use the height guide below to simplify the choice.)
(All these lengths can be customized to suit the individual player.)
Not only is the shaft length shorter, but other factors are incorporated.
Read more: Looking for a new set of petite clubs? These are the best petite clubs for women this year.
Grip:
The grip is lighter and thinner to allow for a comfortable and correct hand position when holding the club.
Shaft:
A light-weight graphite shaft is used to enable the club to be easily controlled and to get the ball airborne.
Flex:
The shaft flexes through impact and generates the “kick” that propels the ball.
A soft-shaft is fitted to the petite set to maximize distance.
Weight:
The overall weight of the club is most important to allow the player to swing the club at maximum velocity when striking the ball.
Clubhead Speed:
Clubhead speed through impact determines how far the golf ball will travel and the
flight pattern.
Who Should Use Petite clubs?
Beginners:
Golf is one of the most difficult sports to master, even though the ball is stationary.
Using the right equipment from the start will take some of the frustration out of the game.
Having said this, there is no better feeling than the golf ball flying off the clubface in the intended direction!
Women:
The petite set was introduced to cater to shorter women and those with lighter frames.
Watch the professionals on the LPGA and see how good their rhythm is and the distance they hit the ball.
Children:
Today special children’s sets are available in the market, but petite clubs can also be used.
All can be customized.
Height Guide:
1. Below 5 feet: Ideally, a junior set of clubs will be a good match.
Callaway and Cleveland’s sets offer good value.
2. 5 feet to 5 feet 3 inches: Perfect height for a petite set of clubs.
Wilson offers good value for money.
Cobra quality is worth the price point.
3. Above 5 feet 3 inches: Standard women’s length clubs are ideal.
Most golf manufacturers offer a range of clubs to suit the budget and playability.
Note: It is better to have the club too long than too short.
Both will affect the posture at address, but the player can always “choke-down” on the longer club and retain control.
For exceptionally tall golfers, the shafts can be lengthened to fit.
What is the Make-Up of the Set?
Most of the women’s petite sets comprise:
- Driver
- Woods
- Hybrids
- Wedges
- Putter
- Golf Bag
Naturally, the more expensive sets come with all the latest technology and specifications used by the top LPGA players.
The beginner and intermediate sets will also have some of the latest technology and offer good value.
Let’s discuss the clubs in a bit more detail.
The Driver has a 460cc head with a lightweight ladies flex graphite shaft.
This creates stability through impact and determines the ball flight.
Another advantage is the large head promotes confidence on the tee.
Woods will have various degrees of loft, but most common in the set will be a 3, 5, and 7-wood. ( a 9-wood is also available.)
Loft is every golfer’s friend as it allows a higher launch angle with increased carry and distance.
Hybrids replace the difficult to hit long irons and have become a game-changer for every player, including the professionals.
Traditionally a 4, 5, and 6-hybrid is included.
Irons include a 7, 8, 9, wedge, and sand wedge.
These shorter clubs are much easier to control and are mostly used for approach shots to the green and chipping.
The last club is the putter.
It is listed as the last club in this article, but as your game progresses will become the main scoring club in your bag.
Look for a putter that has alignment stripes on the head to make this crucial element easier.
A golf bag should accompany the set.
It is possible to make up an individual set of the above that suits the player and the budget.
Final Thoughts
The best way to buy the correct equipment is to be fitted by a professional or visit one of the many golf retail stores. They use the latest indoor technology to analyze the swing and set required.
Always try to hit the clubs on a range before making the purchase. Distance will always be a “buzz” word in this game, and buying the right equipment will enhance the chances of achieving this goal. Accuracy will also be easier to maintain and these two factors will make the game more enjoyable.
Related Articles
- The Best Golf Clubs For Short People; Find Clubs To Suit Your Height
- The Best Golf Clubs For Teenagers (Updated)
- Golf Club Sizing
Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
