Do we really need 14 clubs?

[delc]

The number of clubs is one of those things in golf that we take for granted but is the result of unplanned evolution or ad hoc decisions.

When I started in the 70's it was common for people to start with a half set (small wooden headed woods and blades!). Great way to learn the game. Currently got 10 clubs in the carry bag. Perfectly Ok with forward tees and the occasional temporary green. In summer though I sometimes wish I could add a LW to the 14 in the bag.i

What if, way back, the maximum had been set at 6 or 7? How differently would the game have developed? Much more shot making skill required at the top level. One thing I think is certain, Seve would have won more majors.

My first half set as a junior was a wooden headed 3-wood, 3,5 and 9 irons plus a putter, all made by the Midland firm of HB Ltd. I got my handicap down to 18 with these.

As a lad, Seve could play any shot you want with just a cut down 3 iron! :mmm:

 

[garyinderry]

half sets are fine in the summer. we played a 3 club and putter comp at lee park recently but the enjoyment was sucked out of it due to the sodden ground. it vastly the reduced the number of shots you could play.

 

[CMAC]

answer to OP= No!

 

[delc]

half sets are fine in the summer. we played a 3 club and putter comp at lee park recently but the enjoyment was sucked out of it due to the sodden ground. it vastly the reduced the number of shots you could play.

I normally pull a full set of clubs around on a trolley in Summer, but carry a reduced number of clubs (typically about 10) in the Winter. I then don't have to clean tons of mud off my trolley after every round, or pull it around roped off areas on the course.

 

[Val]

Another wind up thread, just because the allowance is 14 clubs it doesn't mean you have to use 14, use less if you think it will make you play better

 

[delc]

Another wind up thread, just because the allowance is 14 clubs it doesn't mean you have to use 14, use less if you think it will make you play better

Well people seem to think that they have to have 14 clubs because is that is the limit in the rules of golf. You don't really need that many to be able to play decent golf, and I think there is a good case for reducing the maximum number in the rules. It would certainly make golf a bit cheaper and carrying a set of clubs a bit easier.

 

[Val]

Well people seem to think that they have to have 14 clubs because is that is the limit in the rules of golf. You don't really need that many to be able to play decent golf, and I think there is a good case for reducing the maximum number in the rules. It would certainly make golf a bit cheaper and carrying a set of clubs a bit easier.

No one is forcing you to carry more or buy more, it's your choice.

Your nothing more than a wind up merchant

 

[PhilTheFragger]

Well people seem to think that they have to have 14 clubs because is that is the limit in the rules of golf. You don't really need that many to be able to play decent golf, and I think there is a good case for reducing the maximum number in the rules. It would certainly make golf a bit cheaper and carrying a set of clubs a bit easier.

Next you'll be saying that it will speed up play

 

[Deleted member 18588]

No one is forcing you to carry more or buy more, it's your choice.

Your nothing more than a wind up merchant

It's probably unique for me to agree with delc but others have floated far less plausible ideas for making the game more accessible and inclusive and have not been dismissed as WUM's.

I do wonder if starters look at all the kit that appears to be needed and become discouraged.

As to the original question; No we none of us need 14 clubs but we may choose ​to have that number to perhaps make the game a little easier but it certainly is not essential.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Well people seem to think that they have to have 14 clubs because is that is the limit in the rules of golf. You don't really need that many to be able to play decent golf, and I think there is a good case for reducing the maximum number in the rules. It would certainly make golf a bit cheaper and carrying a set of clubs a bit easier.

Which people think that ?

Never heard of anyone who thinks thry must have 14 clubs

 

[delc]

Which people think that ?

Never heard of anyone who thinks thry must have 14 clubs

You have many more types of clubs to chose from these day, including hybrid/rescue clubs, gap wedges and lob wedges in varying numbers of degrees, than has traditionally been the case!

 

[Tongo]

I dont think i've ever had 14 clubs in my bag but i dont carry a driver or 3 wood.

 

[Foxholer]

Well people seem to think that they have to have 14 clubs because is that is the limit in the rules of golf. You don't really need that many to be able to play decent golf, and I think there is a good case for reducing the maximum number in the rules. It would certainly make golf a bit cheaper and carrying a set of clubs a bit easier.

What twaddle!

You might have seen this before, but....
Feel free to only buy and use the number of clubs that you feel you need. But don't object when anyone else uses the 14 they are allowed!

Btw. For much of this year, I've only been using 13. And I've scored well in the '3 Clubs and a Putter' several times too, being happy to manufacture shots.

 

[delc]

I think I would like to see lob wedges with more than 56 degrees of loft (normal sand iron) banned. I must admit to owning a 58 degree one, but it is one of the clubs I throw out of my bag in the winter. In the summer I have to throw out either a long iron or a hybrid to accommodate it within the rules.

 

[Foxholer]

I think I would like to see lob wedges with more than 56 degrees of loft (normal sand iron) banned. I must admit to owning a 58 degree one, but it is one of the clubs I throw out of my bag in the winter. In the summer I have to throw out either a long iron or a hybrid to accommodate it within the rules.

More twaddle!

Each player can choose what clubs they want to use on any day - up to the limit of 14.

The fact that you have to 'throw out a long iron or a hybrid' to accommodate a 58*, that you think should be banned, but feel you need strongly enough to throw remove another club, simply shows that you are either a hypocrite or deluded!

Feel free to only buy and use the number of clubs that you feel you need. But don't object when anyone else uses the 14 they are allowed! And that includes high loft wedges!

 

[Deleted member 18588]

The venom in some of the replies makes me wonder if it is the messenger rather than the message that people object to.

I constantly read on here that clubs and the authorities must make changes for the future of the game but when someone suggests a change that might separate forumers from their favoured 14 then conservatism rules OK!

 

[Deleted member 15344]

You have many more types of clubs to chose from these day, including hybrid/rescue clubs, gap wedges and lob wedges in varying numbers of degrees, than has traditionally been the case!

What does that have to do with what I posted ?

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I think I would like to see lob wedges with more than 56 degrees of loft (normal sand iron) banned. I must admit to owning a 58 degree one, but it is one of the clubs I throw out of my bag in the winter. In the summer I have to throw out either a long iron or a hybrid to accommodate it within the rules.

For what reason would you like to see them banned ?

 

[garyinderry]

You obviously haven't played with any newbies in quite some time. They very rarely have the full 14 clubs in the bag anyway as they just haven't accumulated that many yet.

Even those that have rarely use the full set. Once they start getting the hang of hitting the ball they usually start to have their favourite clubs that they use most of the time. It might not even be enough to Get to the green but it's the ones that give them most confidence.

Most don't feel the need to have 14 clubs in my experience.

 

[Foxholer]

...
I constantly read on here that clubs and the authorities must make changes for the future of the game but when someone suggests a change that might separate forumers from their favoured 14 then conservatism rules OK!

Can you explain how reducing the maximum number of clubs allowed is actually a 'change for the future of the game'?

Feel free to only buy and use the number of clubs that you feel you need. But don't object when someone else uses the 14 they are allowed!