When someone first starts playing golf, it’s fully expected for them to have a great number of questions. One of the most common questions beginners ask has to do with the number of golf clubs you’re allowed to carry in your bag and the types of clubs that can bring you the most benefit.
Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, you should be aware of the number of clubs you can have in your golf bag, whether for a casual competition or a tournament. You should know which equipment is banned in golf as well as learn how to tell if you should replace your worn out drivers and other clubs. Keep on reading to find out which clubs you can carry.
How many clubs are you allowed in golf?
Officially, players are allowed to carry 14 clubs in their bags during a round, but they may carry fewer if they choose to do so. Based on the fourth rule in the Rules of Golf (The Player’s Equipment), a golf player:
- Needs to use conforming equipment
- Can’t carry more than 14 clubs
- Usually must not replace lost or damaged clubs during a round
- Is restricted in their use of additional equipment that may give them artificial help
Many golfers are not happy with the fact that they are restricted to carrying only 14 golf clubs. This is because experienced golfers used to carry 20-25 clubs in the early 20th century. This has been changed due to the fact that golfers kept taking extra clubs to increase their shot-making possibilities and the number had to be restricted. This is why the governing bodies imposed a 14-club rule.
What are the 14 clubs in a golf bag?
While the maximum number of golf clubs is restricted to 14, the exact types of clubs you choose to carry in your bag will depend on your golfing strategy and style and the golfing course you’ll be playing. If you want to carry all drivers in your bag? You can do that. Or would you like to carry more than one putter? Go for it. You’re allowed to plan your golf set based on your style, just make sure not to carry more than 14 clubs.
Naturally, an experienced golfer would never carry only drivers in their bag. Most golfers carry a variation of the traditional set of clubs, including a set of irons, a driver, and one putter. But that doesn’t mean that a traditional set would be the best for you. How you go about choosing your clubs will depend on your skill level and play style. Think about it like this: the only right clubs for you are those that help you improve your game, and the only wrong golf clubs to use are those that won’t. You need to play and emphasize your strengths, while practicing your weaknesses.
Choosing club types based on your skill level
Not all clubs are made equal, and a set of an experienced golfer would be quite different from that of a beginner. Some clubs are more forgiving and easier to control, while others are easier to hit. Although there are no must-have or essential clubs everybody should carry, here are some general guidelines for different skill levels:
Experienced golfers may carry:
- 4, 5, and 6 hybrids
- 7, 8, and 9 irons
- 3 wood
- A pitching wedge
- A putter
A medium-level golfer may carry:
- 3 wood
- A driver
- A sand wedge
- 4 and 5 hybrids
- 6, 7, 8, and 9
- A pitching wedge
- A putter
Many golfers with medium skill levels may also consider incorporating a lob or gap wedge in their set. They may also be less skilled at using long irons than hybrids. Additionally, they are often better at hitting a 3 wood than they would be a driver, although they might be more able to control a driver than a beginner would be.
Ameteur golfers may carry:
- 2 hybrids or a 3 wood
- 3 iron through 9 iron
- A pitching wedge
- Gap wedge
- A lob wedge
- A driver
- A putter
A beginner golfer may be better off using the 4th wedge instead of a 3-wood or a hybrid. They can also increase their options on the course with lob and gap wedges. However, the best way to improve your game is to keep challenging your game and work on your weaknesses. This can be achieved by changing up your set and continuing to work on the areas you struggle with, while also playing your strengths.
Is a putter included in 14 clubs?
Yes, a putter is counted as one of the 14 clubs a golfer is allowed to carry in their bag. What’s more, you’re allowed to carry a full set of 14 putters if you feel like it. Of course, no golfer would carry only putters to a game, but still, you can if you want to. The only thing that matters is not to exceed the maximum number of 14 golf clubs.
Can you carry 2 putters in your golf bag?
As mentioned above, you can carry as many putters as you’d like in your golf bag as long as the total number doesn’t exceed 14. Whether you choose to carry two putters will depend on whether it would help improve your game. Keep in mind, however, that having two putters will reduce the number of other clubs you can carry to 12.
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