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Do we really need 14 clubs?

Foxholer said:
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!
Click to expand...

See PM.
 
I'm not sure about the need for legislation, but I think there is merit in the OPs question.

I just shot my best round of the year with 9 clubs in the bag (cut down set so that I can carry through the winter). I really don't think that over the full season the extra 5 clubs would make a blind bit of difference. I can't imagine that any competent golfer would find a huge amount of difference either. As for incompetent golfers, even less so....

So why do I use a fuller set in the summer ? I think it's just a mental comfort blanket really. My impression reading some of the posts here is that it is the same for a number of players. I think the 'more clubs/better score' paradigm actually runs out well before the 14.

Not sure what the benefit would be to the game in general if (say) 9 was enforced. Two likely consequences :

- overall cost of kit would be cheaper
- More people would carry

Think that the latter would speed the game up a bit. But the golf equipment industry (including trolleys) would suffer. Would that be a good thing in the long run ?
 
The cost won't reduce because golf companies would just increase the price on individual irons

And still would see people use trollies
 
Sorry Delc but another thread wanting to change the fabric of golf as we know it and the way it's been for years. Over 2014 you've wanted bigger holes, rule changes etc and this is the latest crackpot idea. If you're happy with less than 14 club then crack on. Maybe you could have 6 clubs and 8 putters and see if it helps the putting stats and those yips!
 
Played in a 3 clubs and putter comp last week, winner scored 44 points beating the runner up on the back nine. I scored 33 and noticed that I was more committed to shots since I knew the club selected was obviously the best of the three available! Still scored better with 14 clubs later in the week.
 
HomerJSimpson said:
Sorry Delc but another thread wanting to change the fabric of golf as we know it and the way it's been for years. Over 2014 you've wanted bigger holes, rule changes etc and this is the latest crackpot idea. If you're happy with less than 14 club then crack on. Maybe you could have 6 clubs and 8 putters and see if it helps the putting stats and those non-yips!
Click to expand...

FTFY! :whistle:

Otherwise :thup:
 
I have long thought exactly this. The maximum size of driver should be reduced, there should be a flex test to eliminate scaffolding poles as shafts, limit the number of clubs to 10, and freeze wedges at 56 degrees.

Ok, why?

To see a return of shot making in golf. Allow the guys who have control of the ball to show us their skills, rather than watching the big hitters over power everything, or some journey man pro dial in his yard ages. Is this part of the game, yes. Is it fun to watch, no. It's dull. Your average tour event is like watching paint dry, but less interesting.

If this made golf quicker (it might, due to less being between clubs) all the better, and if it made it cheaper and more accessible, may be that's good too. When a non golfer looks at a set of golf clubs, are all these really necessary? Springs to mind. And the honest answer is no, not really.

Do I have 14 clubs in the bag? Yes, because I'm allowed to. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a good thing.
 
Played in swindle today - shot a gross 71 and used all 14 clubs :thup:

Used a number of those clubs to manufacture a number of shots
 
murphthemog said:
I have long thought exactly this. The maximum size of driver should be reduced, there should be a flex test to eliminate scaffolding poles as shafts, limit the number of clubs to 10, and freeze wedges at 56 degrees.

Ok, why?

To see a return of shot making in golf. Allow the guys who have control of the ball to show us their skills, rather than watching the big hitters over power everything, or some journey man pro dial in his yard ages. Is this part of the game, yes. Is it fun to watch, no. It's dull. Your average tour event is like watching paint dry, but less interesting.

If this made golf quicker (it might, due to less being between clubs) all the better, and if it made it cheaper and more accessible, may be that's good too. When a non golfer looks at a set of golf clubs, are all these really necessary? Springs to mind. And the honest answer is no, not really.

Do I have 14 clubs in the bag? Yes, because I'm allowed to. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a good thing.
Click to expand...

Good thoughtful post in response to the op,
Why so many seem to take delight in trying to ridicule delc is beyond me, it's like a playground on here at times.

Think he put out a valid post and imo if the average golfer only played with a half set their scores would be the same as useing a full set.
 
Liverpoolphil said:
Played in swindle today - shot a gross 71 and used all 14 clubs :thup:

Used a number of those clubs to manufacture a number of shots
Click to expand...

Shot my handicap today, and also used all 14. That said, my 3w, 4w, 3i, and 4i weren't hit with any great success, and neither was my 9i. My 6i and 7i were probably interchangeable, as were my 52 and pw. I used my 5i once, and I could probably have minimised down to 4 clubs and not noticed any reduction in scoring.
 
murphthemog said:
Shot my handicap today, and also used all 14. That said, my 3w, 4w, 3i, and 4i weren't hit with any great success, and neither was my 9i. My 6i and 7i were probably interchangeable, as were my 52 and pw. I used my 5i once, and I could probably have minimised down to 4 clubs and not noticed any reduction in scoring.
Click to expand...

Then use just the 4 :thup:

Its not compolsory to use or carry 14

I don't see any need to reduce the legal amount
 
I don't have 14 clubs in the bag, as fortunately I have half a brain and understand that 14 is not compulsary.:thup:

Ok less than half a brain.:(
 
Fourteen clubs is the number and to be honest I used every one today at some point, some more successfully than others. I have a choice to reduce the number but why, in my opinion, make it harder, as I'd have to manufacture shots or change lofts at impact
 
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