Weight might not be the first thing you think about when buying clubs, but it plays a huge role in performance. The weight of a golf club influences your swing speed, control, and even how fatigued you feel after 18 holes. A driver that’s too heavy can feel like swinging a sledgehammer, while irons that are too light may rob you of consistency.
So, how much do golf clubs weigh? On average, a single golf club weighs between 0.73 and 1.2 pounds (330–550 grams). A full set of 14 clubs typically weighs around 15–20 pounds, while a golf bag with clubs included can reach 25–35 pounds.
In this article, we’ll break down the weight of golf clubs by type, explain how weight affects performance, and answer common questions like “how much does a set of golf clubs weigh?” and “should I choose lighter or heavier clubs?”
How Much Does a Golf Club Weigh on Average?
The answer depends on the type of club. Each has a unique design and weight distribution.
- Driver: Usually weighs 0.75–0.85 pounds (340–385 grams). Despite their large heads, drivers are built with lightweight materials like titanium and graphite to maximize swing speed.
- Fairway Woods: Slightly heavier, typically 0.8–0.9 pounds (360–400 grams).
- Hybrids: Around 0.9 pounds (400 grams), designed as a balance between irons and woods.
- Irons: Most irons weigh 0.95–1.05 pounds (430–480 grams), with longer irons on the lighter side and short irons heavier for better control.
- Wedges: Often the heaviest clubs in the bag at 1.1–1.2 pounds (500–540 grams). The extra weight helps with precision and spin around the greens.
- Putter: Weight varies widely, but most fall in the 1–1.25 pound (450–570 grams) range. Mallet putters tend to be heavier than blades.
So if you’ve been wondering, “how much does a golf club weigh?”—the answer is that it depends on the club, but most fall under 1.2 pounds.
How Much Does a Set of Golf Clubs Weigh?
A full set includes up to 14 clubs: driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and a putter.
- Total Weight of Golf Clubs (without bag): Around 15–20 pounds (6.8–9 kg).
- Golf Bag Weight (empty): Lightweight bags weigh 3–5 pounds, while cart bags can weigh 7–10 pounds.
- Golf Bag with Clubs: Typically 25–35 pounds once everything is packed, not including accessories like balls, tees, and rangefinders.
So if you’re asking, “how much do a set of golf clubs weigh?” or “how much does a set of golf clubs weight?”, the answer is usually in that 15–20 pound range for clubs alone, 25–35 pounds with the bag.
This is why many golfers prefer push carts or riding carts—carrying a 30-pound load for 18 holes is no joke.
Why Does the Weight of Golf Clubs Matter?
Think of golf clubs like tools. A lightweight hammer makes sense for small nails, but for tougher jobs, you want something heavier. Golf clubs work the same way.
- Swing Speed: Lighter clubs help increase swing speed, which is why drivers and woods are designed to be lighter.
- Control: Heavier clubs, like wedges, provide more stability and precision for delicate shots.
- Consistency: Finding the right balance of weight helps maintain rhythm and reduces fatigue.
In other words, the weight of golf clubs is carefully engineered to match the shot you’re trying to hit.
How Club Weight Affects Beginners vs Advanced Players
The distance of golf clubs for beginners is often limited not by strength, but by swing mechanics. Beginners typically benefit from lighter clubs because they’re easier to swing and help generate more speed.
Advanced players, on the other hand, sometimes prefer slightly heavier shafts in irons and wedges for added stability and control. A professional golfer’s wedge may weigh more than a beginner’s entire iron set.
So if you’re new to the game, don’t worry too much about exact numbers—just know that lighter usually means easier to swing, while heavier offers more control once your technique improves.
Shaft Material and Its Role in Club Weight
Another factor in how much golf clubs weigh is the shaft material.
- Graphite Shafts: Lighter, often used in drivers, fairway woods, and game-improvement irons. They reduce overall weight, increase swing speed, and are great for beginners, seniors, and women.
- Steel Shafts: Heavier, more common in irons and wedges. They provide stability and control, preferred by stronger players or those with fast swings.
- Multi-Material Shafts: Some clubs now combine graphite and steel to offer a balance of speed and stability.
The choice between graphite and steel can change the weight of a golf club by 30–60 grams—enough to noticeably affect feel.
Does Club Weight Affect Distance?
Yes, but not in the way many think. Heavier doesn’t automatically mean longer shots.
- A lighter club may increase swing speed, leading to more distance—especially with drivers and woods.
- A heavier club may slow swing speed but improve control and strike consistency, which can indirectly lead to better distance through cleaner contact.
That’s why the best golf club for long distance is usually a lightweight driver or fairway wood, while wedges are purposely heavier for accuracy, not distance.
Travel Considerations: How Much Do Golf Clubs Weigh in a Bag?
If you’ve ever flown with golf clubs, you know weight matters. Airlines often charge extra for heavy bags.
- Set of Clubs + Travel Bag: Around 40–50 pounds.
- Travel Case Alone: Adds another 10–15 pounds.
So when preparing for travel, it’s smart to check the total weight of golf clubs with the bag and case. Many airlines cap baggage at 50 pounds, and a full golf setup comes close.
FAQs on Golf Club Weight
On average, between 0.73 and 1.2 pounds, depending on the type.
A full set of 14 clubs weighs 15–20 pounds, and with a bag, it’s around 25–35 pounds.
Yes, golf clubs for women generally weigh less, with lighter shafts and smaller grips for easier swing speed.
Yes, lighter clubs with graphite shafts help beginners generate speed and build confidence.
Conclusion
So, how much do golf clubs weigh? The answer is that most clubs fall between 0.73 and 1.2 pounds, depending on the type, while a complete set weighs about 15–20 pounds, and 25–35 pounds with a bag included. Drivers and woods are built light for speed, irons fall in the middle, and wedges are heavier for control.
Weight matters because it affects swing speed, control, and fatigue. Beginners tend to benefit from lighter clubs, while experienced golfers may prefer the stability of heavier shafts. Even travel becomes a factor, with clubs and cases often pushing airline weight limits.
The next time you pick up a driver or wedge, think of it not just as a club but as a carefully balanced tool. The weight of golf clubs isn’t just a number—it’s the foundation of how the game is played.
