Is it easy to break a golf club by hitting the ground before the ball?

QUESTION: I am just starting to golf and was at the driving range today hitting with borrowed clubs. I was using a 1 wood and after the second swing, the club head broke off and went about 40 yards. Is this normal, or did I hit the ground or something? I was scared to hit a driver after that and just stuck with the irons. I'm kind of scared to hit another driver. Is it that easy to break them? Do I just need to be a lot more careful? Thanks. ANSWER:

Answer by gphawk19
I would not take any caution. Still swing normal with a driver and everything. Rental clubs are normally old and have not been taken good care of and break easier.