<P> Woods are numbered in ascending order starting with the driver, or 1 - wood, which has the lowest loft (usually between 9 and 13 degrees), and continuing with progressively higher lofts and numbers . Most modern woods are sold as individual clubs allowing the player to customize their club set, but matched sets of woods, especially as part of a complete club set, are readily available . Odd - numbered lofts are most common in players' bags, though 2 - and 4 - woods are available in many model lines . The number of the club is mainly a reference for the player to easily identify the clubs; the actual loft angle of a particular number varies between manufacturers, and there is often some overlap of lofts (one 3 - wood might be higher - lofted than a 4 - wood of a different brand or model). Other identifiers have been utilized such as "strong" and "plus" to differentiate various lofts within a line of clubs . </P> <P> Woods generally fall into two classes, drivers and fairway woods, with a traditional set of clubs including a driver and one or two fairway woods (usually numbered 3 and 5). Many modern sets tend to include hybrid clubs, which combine some of the characteristics of a wood and an iron, to replace the 5 wood and low - lofted irons . </P> <P> A recent trend is to produce woods and hybrids that can be adjusted by the player to provide different lofts and other settings . </P> <P> The 1 - wood, or driver, is the lowest - lofted, longest, and often lightest club in a player's bag, and is meant to launch the ball the longest distance of any club . Originally, the driver was only slightly larger than any other wood and was designed to be used from the tee or the fairway, but with the advent of hollow metal clubhead construction, the driver has become highly specialized for use off the tee by incorporating an oversized head and a deep striking face to maximize the "sweet spot" that gives the best results . It is possible to hit a modern driver off the fairway turf, but it requires a high degree of skill and a certain amount of luck regarding the lie of the ball . Certain 2 - woods are available with a similar deep - faced design but a higher loft, which can be used in situations when a player needs slightly less distance than their average drive, or must make a driver - distance shot from the fairway or rough . However, 2 - woods of any kind are uncommon, as a player in these situations will more often opt for the 3 - wood, and save the space in the bag for a less specialised club like a wedge or hybrid . </P>

When did they stop making wooden golf clubs