why do we have all these clubs?

[viscount17]

at the instigation of my mate I went round today using just 3 clubs + putter. PW and 7i were easy choices but the 3rd choice was more difficult. I don't hit the 5w consistently and not too confident of 4h off the tee, so I went with a 4i though this isn't consistent off the grass.

First time I've tried this (there is a rumour that we may do it at the next society outing,) Hit some decent tee shots (a couple went awry and accounted for two blobs) and one or two half-way decent fairway shots.

Stableford score - 32 points with three blobs and three 3-putts thrown in. Miles better than the medal yesterday which earned me another 0.1.

If nothing else this does teach you a lot about course management very quickly.

 

[backwoodsman]

Why all the clubs? Dunno.

Not so long since, I was having a terrible time and half way through a game I gave up on the round and told the others I was just going to practice up the fairways with the 6i. Started striking it beautifully and found there wasn't much in the way of ordinary par 4s that I couldn't reach in 2 or 3 shots with it(and the more modest par 5s).

Since then, have gone out a few times with nothing bigger than a 4i and have returned my best scores of the season.

As to 3 clubs only - have you ever tried the three club challenge. 3 or more players and everyone plays with the same three clubs. Each player nominates a club. If there's more than three players, and more than three clubs "selected" then you whittle it down to three by combination of dropping "duplicates" and by lot. Tactics are whether to pick a club you like, or a club your oppo's doesn't. Makes for an entertaining game playing a round with a driver plus a 5 & 7 wood only

 

[Cernunnos]

Not done this one yet, but I think I know what I'd use though I'd prefer 4 clubs So Got 2 choices for a 3 club & putter match

5wood
6iron
9iron

or

5iron
8iron
50' wedge

May try this next time I play a pair of 9's on a course I know. I'll use one set of options on the first 9 & then the second option on the next 9...

Thanks for that pause for thought

 

[HTL]

3 clubs is drastic, 4 clubs is comfortable.

My 3 clubs would be, Rescue, 8 Iron and putter. Never tried it but I will one day.

 

[Cernunnos]

Ah now is that three clubs including the putter or not as I believe the initial post was 3 clubs & a putter, which means 4.

The proper way for 3 clubs is as Htl shows in example 2 clubs & a putter for the 3.

in which case
5i
9i or 50' wedge
Pt

As 5 iron is good enough to lay up on most par 4's slightly overkill when punching out of trees.

9 iron as I can hit a really strong one set back for length or even open it right up or forward in my stance for a floater. Or alternatively take the 50degree gap wedge play it any number of ways

Pt=Putter, well that speaks for itself & if you are good with the shortstick you can score. And depending on where again in your stance it is you can do a lot with it. I can essentially make a putter if I want to chip over the fringe by adding loft ina couple of ways

It is possible to use a lob wedge or sand wedge to blade putts, or use a wood or hybrid for putting which frees up the other option. However many clubs take a dim view of letting anything other than a putter anywhere near their finely manicured greens. I think this is why many clubs wimp out on the 3 club idea & say 3 clubs & a putter., than just 3 clubs

 

[viscount17]

3 clubs and a putter.
next week, if there is anything except rain!, I shall try a different combination so as to force myself to master them
4h, 6i & 9i
5w, 7i & 50

the hardest thing was making short chips, the line was pretty good but too long.