Golf FAQ’s: How Many Clubs in a Golf Bag?
How Many Golf Clubs Can I Carry in My Golf Bag?
With the golf professionals competing this week in the US Open, a common question is “How many golf clubs are professional golfers allowed to carry?
14 is the maximum number of clubs you can carry in your bag.
While golfers are legally allowed to carry up to 14 clubs in their golf bag, having 14 is not a requirement. You can golf with as many clubs as you’d like, so long as the number does not exceed the 14.
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What Are the Different Kinds of Clubs Used In A Golf Bag?
Each golfer has their own personal preferences when it comes to golf club choice and the number of clubs that they feel is necessary for them to play their best.
However, there are generally 14 clubs in a golf bag and each one is used for a different purpose. Some of the most popular clubs include the driver, 3-wood, wedge, putter, and fairway wood.
Here is the complete list of the different types of golf clubs you can include in your bag.
- Driver
- Pitching wedge
- Sand wedge
- Gap wedge
- Lob wedge
- 3-wood
- 5-wood
- Putter
- 5 iron
- 6 iron
- 7 iron
- 8 iron
- 9 iron
- 4 hybrid
What Is the Least Number of Clubs You Can Carry In A Golf Bag?
One is the answer!
Yet usually you will want at least 7. As a beginner, it is important to have the right number of clubs with you when you tee off.
Most golfers recommend carrying at least 3 clubs, with the least number of clubs being 1 club.
Some people like to practice more with certain clubs. I once played an entire round with a 7 iron and putter! Luckily it was at a par 3 only course.
Usually you will need that driver if your at most golf courses. Whatever you do don’t forget the trusty pitching wedge and 4 hybrid. FORE is right.
Does the type of golf clubs in your bag matter?
It is often said that the type of clubs you have in your bag matters. But does this really hold true? The answer, according to golf experts, is no. You can use any type of club – wood, iron, putter etcetera – as long as it is legal to do so.
What matters more is that you are comfortable with the club and know how to use it properly.
This means practicing regularly and mastering the stroke technique. That’s what she said… Of course, the type of clubs you have in your bag will add an extra layer of comfort and convenience when playing golf.
Why the limit on golf clubs?
It is important to know the limit of golf clubs that you are allowed to carry in your golf bag. That is if you are a pro or in tourney play and dont want to get a possible 2 or 4 stroke penalty.
The limit of golf clubs helps golfers make better decisions when it comes to selecting the right club for the shot they are taking.
Also if there wasnt a limit, you know some joker would be bringing every possible club under the sun and having multiple bags.
Does the putter count in the 14 clubs?
Does the putter count as one of the 14 clubs you can have in your bag? The answer is yes, it does! In fact, any club you bring with you is fair game, no matter what its shape or size.
Can you have two putters in your golf bag? 🏌️♂️
According to the USGA and R&A rules, YES you can have two putters in your bag when playing a professional round of golf provided the total number doesn’t exceed 14.
What’s the penalty for carrying too many golf clubs?
If you have extra golf clubs in your bag and realize it on the first hole, it is a two-stroke penalty. If you don’t realize it until the second hole or later, the maximum penalty is four strokes.
Now that’s for the professionals and people that are sticklers for the rules, not like most of us! It seems sort of crazy to penalize a friend for deciding to bring an extra pitching wedge!
What 14 golf clubs do Pros carry?
The golf clubs that pros carry varied depending on the golfer’s type of game. Generally, though, golfers would carry clubs of all lengths to make sure they are covered during the round.
The most typical Tiger Woods type PRO setup in a golf bag includes these 14 golf clubs:
- 1 driver
- 4 wedges (pitching wedge, sand wedge, gap wedge, lob wedges)
- 2 woods (3-wood and 5-wood)
- 1 putter
- 5 irons (5 iron, 6 iron, 7 iron, 8 iron, 9 iron)
- 1 hybrid golf club (a combination of a wood golf head design with an iron length shaft)
Conclusion
The max number of golf clubs you can carry in your bag is 14. Yet usually, if you are just playing a casual golf game with friends, its not that big of a deal.
You don’t need to bring 14 and most of the time you will be using the 7 main clubs including the Driver, 3 wood, 5 iron, 7 iron, 9 iron, pitching wedge and putter.
Yet you could see how if you only had those clubs and were in a certain spot like a sand trap, it would be helpful to have a specific sand wedge.
Same if you are like in between a 7 and 9 iron, and really need that 8 iron for the right yardage. So maybe about 10 clubs is the right number for us non-professionals.