Persimmon woods are a type of golf club. They are wood-based clubs and thus have a light to medium brown color. These varieties were once prominent in the golf world, but have since become a more classic club selection. Certain characteristics are associated with persimmon woods clubs, including a heavy weight and a smaller height trajectory.
Golf clubs are divided into various categories, namely woods, irons, and putters. Clubs made of persimmon wood fall into the wood category. These types of clubs have large, round heads that are intended to drive the ball, or send it a great distance, when it is hit. Such clubs, although in the wood family, sometimes include other materials. Some common added components include fiberglass and steel.
Since they are drivers, persimmon woods are designed for use on a golf fairway and they are often used at the tee point. Like other golf clubs, they contain a grip to place the hands on and an elongated stick-like structure known as a shaft. The entire length of a wood club tends to be longer than average, and a typical persimmon wood club might measure around 40 to 45 inches (about 101.6 to 114.3 centimeters).
These clubs are named after the fruits that come from the swiftly-growing tree type Diospyros. They produce wood that is more durable and less prone to disease and weakening than many other tree types. Persimmon trees are also resistant to common habitat threats like frost and flooding. Due ito its hardiness, persimmon wood is used for textile shuttles, pool cues, in addition to golf clubs.
Any golf clubs categorized as persimmon woods will generally have a different feel and sound than other golf club varieties. For one, they tend to be heavier than other golf clubs. They also create more of a cracking sound when the ball is hit, as opposed to the clacking metal sound prominent in more modern golf clubs. Some golfers also claim that persimmon woods clubs do not hit the golf ball high as other types of clubs.
During the latter part of the 20th century, persimmon woods were replaced as the dominant type of wood club. Prior to this period, varieties such as Pittsburgh Persimmons were considered high quality golf clubs. Metal woods have since become predominant, although persimmon woods are still manufactured in respectable numbers.