I've always played with 7 clubs, driver, 3h 5h 7, 9 iron, 56gw, putter, it allows me to use a pencil bag which Is perfect because I use a bus to get to my local golf course, great video.
I’ve lightened up a bit since my last post. I now play with only one club: a 7 iron. I can drive 150 yards with it, hit shorter distances, and chip. When putting I hit with the edge of the blade. i carry one ball and have to find another if I lose it-that’s my rule-and often find the one I lost the day before. I carry one tee-there’s always plenty if I break it, or else I hit without one. Also, I play without a cap, and wear only one shoe. No socks of course. They are considering banning me from the course.
Absolutely agree Matt. Great video. I've been pushing this concept on my channel for exctly same reasons. This is golfing therapy. Cut out all the noise and get back to what the game is about.......hitting shots, not making swings 😇
I play at hcp 5 and wit 9 clubs. Driver, Driving Iron, 4 hybrid, 6i, 8i, pw, 52, 58 and a putter. I dont hit the ball far, but have lower my handicap after stsarting using just 9 clubs. :) These are not difficult decisions to make. Either you have a fairly right distance, or you can choose whether you want to be long or short. Where are the obstacles? long or short? Choose a club after that! easy! Many say that you get too big a gap between the clubs, but no problem to hit a 6i a little softer and shorter, almost like a punch. Or grip down slitly to get the length like a normal 7i.
Great video Matt. For the past two years I have played with Driver, Hybrid, 6, 8, PW, SW & Putter, and I just love. Im thinking more about how to hit the shots, often using three quarter swings. It’s also easier on the back as the bag is lighter, I use a pencil bag now as well, happy days.
Absolutely LOVE this video! I have dabbled with reduced sets for years and you nailed the benefits to ALL levels of golfers. Keep it simple, CREATE shots and rediscover variety instead of robot golf. The 14-club rule was introduced in the 1930s when steel shafts took over from hickory. The consistency and precision of steel made it possible for highly skilled players to achieve much more consistent results. As that happened a few golfers took advantage of the fact that there was no maximum club rule and started playing with 20 or more clubs. The rule makers recognized that golf should be a game of skill and shotmaking and not who has the strongest caddie! 14 clubs were chosen as the limit (not exactly sure why) and golf was forever changed. The irony is most players at that time had far fewer clubs and the standard set increased in size. Too bad. The game is SO MUCH better with 7 clubs! Great video. Would love to the 7-club movement catch on!
Comvinced my golf buddy to go for a 3 club + putter challenge, just for the fun of it. We both learned a ton from it, had to adapt a lot, played more 3/4 and halfswing shots than we would normally do. Remarkably, we didn’t even play worse, some holes even better, more relaxed. I can only highly recommend this.
I just started playing. Didn't know about buying a cheap full set or a smaller set since I don't go often Over this summer I've picked up a couple clubs Driver, 4i, 6i, 8i, pw, sw, 60 and putter This feels right when on plane I don't tend to over think my shots compared to the those with 14 clubs
The number of clubs was initially implemented by the PGA asking the USGA to restrict the number of clubs especially after one player turned up at a comp in 1935 with 35 clubs! The rule was announced in 1936 and implemented in 1938, though nobody seems to know why 14 was chosen though sets commonly had 4 woods, 9 irons and a putter! When I started playing a half set was common especially for a beginner but it was usually driver &3 wood, 3,5,7,9 irons and putter! Still go and play with a half set from time to time just to practice shot making!
Driver, 5 Wood (18), 5 Hybrid (24 degrees), 46, 54, putter is a great start then add in the 2, maybe 3 clubs I think I need to bridge the gap between 24 and 46. I could also go 3 Wood/7 Wood instead of 5W/5H depending on my mood. The real confusion is a 42 degree set PW, then a 46, 50, 54, 58, 64. Obviously I’m not bagging both or either the 58 and 64, because the money clubs in this scenario among all these possible options are the 46 and 54. I’ve had success with my 50, but if the goal is simplify it’s not really required. I convinced buying a full set of irons is a massive waste of cash.I do own way more than 14 clubs and will mix and match which 14 clubs are in the bag, but have come to realize I don’t need more than 10 if I want to narrow the focus so each club gets some air time during a round. I have also survived using a half bag at the local par 70 when using only the clubs I had practiced earlier in the day.
Took 8 clubs out today Inc putter, tried different clubs off the tees and shot a gross 75 (par 69). Really enjoyed the round. Keep up the great content.
I was carrying 11 clubs but have recently left my driver at home. Consulting the app I use, the clubs I use the most D, 3h, 5i, 7i, PW. Since I've left the driver at home and only use my 3w it's gaining in usage. Long holes I just hit the 3w twice (usually 410 yds total) then pitch and run. Yes, I could get away with 6 clubs (including putter)
Have to say I have played a lot of golf this year with a pencil bag carrying driver, 20-deg hybrid, 5, 7, 9 irons, 50-deg wedge and putter. And its been fun to do so. If I go into a bunker I may be hampered with only a 50-deg but it forced me to be creative which us also fun. Cheers
Started minimalist golf when I started up again in 2017. I got sick to death of pushing my clubs around and I realised I didn't hit my 5 or 7 iron at all. In fact I went a season without hitting my 5 iron! Just want to walk with a light weight bag....so I only use 7 or 8 clubs...driver, 5 wood (in a comp only) 3,5,7,9,sw, putter. Chick Evans won the US open using only 7 clubs....wow! It was Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen in the 1920s decided on max 14 clubs, as many had up to 30 in the bag while others only had 8-9....so 14 was decided between these 2 greats at the time
I take 8 to 10 clubs as i carry and im getting older so i do it for lightening the bag, but i do tend to play better with less clubs you play more different types of shots with 1 club because you dont have loads to choose from, i think makes you a better player.
I actually played with a half set for the first time last week. I went to the course to squeeze in one last range session before winter digs in. I looked out at the front nine and it was empty!!! Paid greens fees stripped out my odd clubs and away I went. I only had an hour so I played 1-4 and 7-9. A quick 7 hole jaunt was way better than another range session. I hate beating balls. Most fun I’ve had in a while. I NEVER played less than 9 holes and I NEVER played less than 14 clubs. This day was a game changer for me. I did an audit of my 14 clubs and there are 3-4 that might only get hit every few rounds. Dead weight.
This pandemic forced me to sell my set for financial reasons. Now that I’m thinking about a replacement I’m think that I may just build a set a club at a time. This way when I pull for example out I’m confident that with that club because I put some time in to researching which 5 iron works for me. I’m probably going to go game improvement in the long irons and more of a player iron down in the short irons. I’m also going to commit to one wedge that I use around the greens. I’m also considering not putting driver back in the bag. My biggest portion of the budget is going to a new putter and wedges. My short game is atrocious. 😂
David Oakes I tried your recommendation and I’ve never been so comfortable and confident with my set. Driver - Callaway BB Mini 1.5 I can hit this off the tee and off the deck. 12.5* loft 4I - Taylormade M2 6I - Callaway Steelhead XR 7I/9I/GW - Callaway rogue pro SW - Cleveland CBX Putter - Stroke Lab Ten I picked up the 7I from a local club fitter for free because it was a demo that was going back to Callaway anyway. The rest I just bought as needed. Even the putter was from EBay which I got for a steal! Love this small set.
I did exactly what you are talking about a few years ago. I am in Canada and there is a golf shop near me that sells older used golf clubs for 5 dollars each. This allowed me to try many different clubs for cheap and allowed me to learn what works best for me. If I buy a club and it doesn’t work, I just go back and buy another. The golf shop also has a driving range so you can even hit some balls before you buy it. I like more forgiving cavity back for the longer irons and blades/ muscle backs for the shorter irons. Some of the old clubs are better than the new ones.
I picked up a half set for $90 Au ( 60 US) . It had a 5 W, 3/5/7/9/SW and a putter. They are all draw biased hybrid style irons ( Tour Edge Bazookas), which has made me alter my aim to compensate. By limiting my fade options, it changes my course management style. I am having fun with these when I travel as they take up less room than my full set.
I’ve been playing with seven clubs for two years now: driver, 5-wood, 5-7-9 irons, 48 wedge and putter. Lots of fun, light to carry, no hesitation on club choice and all the other things this gentleman said.
NaeMuckle Its certainly not ideal, but I manage. Where I perhaps miss a higher loft is 20 to 40 yards from the green. But I do think playing with fewer clubs is training me to better handle them.
I could quite easily play well with a: driver, 4 hybrid, 6 iron, 8 iron, PW, LW, and putter. Can’t hit a 3/5 wood very well and can’t reach any par 5s on my course in two anyway. Can’t hit the 5 iron that well consistently. Could play half iron shots with the 6 and 8. Don’t have GW and rarely use SW. Always use LW out of bunkers.
Hi Matt Fryer Golf, My name is paul and I send comments up and you have Answered what I asked for and also demonstrated it quite well. I am 63 and play off 14 so reasonable golfer, but never have I carried my bag always used a electric trolley, but conditions are such now, that carry is what is allowed only, so I was going to carry A DRIVER , 19% RESCUE , 5 IRON WOOD , IRONS 7,9,PW, SW 55% , PUTTER . SIMILAR TO YOURS PAUL.
Good afternoon Matt Fryer, ive found out the best way to carry is no brolly then add one degree to driver 11% to 12% for winter, then carry 5 wood , 4 iron 6 iron 8 iron 9 iron SW , Putter . ALTHOUGH GREENS ARE LIKE BRICKS PING PING I somehow shot 34 points but lost to someone who hit 42 points. SO HOW DO YOU STOP A BALL ON A FROZEN GREEN and I mean frozen it was -3 when we set off. Q, DO YOU ADVISE NOT CARRYING DRIVER IN WINTER JUST IRONS ??? PAUL H/C 14
I interchange odd and even irons now and then or leave my driver out and use a 3 wood off the tee. I am amazed how golf buddies always hit the driver except irons only on par 3’s. I use my hybrid on long par threes! Makes bag lighter as well ! Mind you if you are on a new golf course bring everything !
For average bogey golfer who uses too much club on chip shots, taking out the 58 deg and chipping with less loft around green, with a hybrid or 5w a 7iron or W will give better results. I have decided once we get back on courses again after this Covid, that as a single figure player I will build my skill back up and use a half set to play my course from forward tees with a 5w, 5, 7, 9 , W 53 and putter. so means I will need to get out of bunkers with a W or 53. and learn to hit 100m 7 irons with control in wind. Once I move back a tee i might add i n3w or leave 5w in so playing longer shots in. or do as you did hit 9 I + W .
I've had a second place and more buffers in a season than ever before because I've simplified things this year. 7 or 8 clubs max is what I take on the course now and it simply works ( most of the time! ) If you can get a decent drive away and not cock the second shot up you're half way there. I'm amazed how many different shots I can play with a nine iron
When I worked in Banff our group would do the 3 club challenge 1iron wood and putter of your choice! A lot of fun and surprising the scores were pretty close to a full set, yes being creative and thinking different was a lot of fun
I can say from experience (I’m about a 10 handicap) that it just depends on the course. If you don’t have the funds for a full set I would recommend fresh wedges as the highest priority, woods next, then irons and lastly driver. You will be forced to use woods off the tee and will get good w them.
Hi Matt, during my round of golf I never use my full set of clubs. I will the next time I play golf, play with half a set and see how I get on. Excellent video once again, keep them coming and I will watch them.
Great for winter months, when the course might not be at its best. Saves carrying that extra weight about. And for someone like me who is now suffering from arthritis quite badly, but is returning to the game after a lot of years, saving on that weight but retaining the technical knowledge of how to work the clubs in different ways already, but where because of the years away the touch is maybe currently lacking and the flexibility and fitness not as it should be after months of shielding and lockdown, taking a half set, or a reduced selection of clubs from my full set onto the course is probably a good idea.
My full bag is currently 12 clubs, but I rarely play all the clubs. Driver and hybrids all the time, PW and maybe two or three other irons. Putter obviously
My new Rule for the Last 2 Years is to Adjust my Bag 4 Clubs including Putter With doing some course management in advanced and decide the way to play the holes - it gave me the right choice to play in average bogey golf and sometime better For the actual Course I play (IZVOR GOLF ROMANIA) - I just have a 6 Hybrid, 8 Iron and sandwedge plus Putter in the bag and it works fine for me. Have greate Day and a lot fun on the course
How about a set with a specific loft gap, say 6*? Produce a reasonable distance gap? Start with driver (9*) and then a 15* club, 21* club, etc. to a 57* wedge or start with a wedge you're comfortable with and work towards driver? 10 clubs with putter.
I found my people. I've pared mine down to the Driver, 3w, Fybrid, 5h, 7h, 9h, PW, and putter. I might consider adding a SW but my PW (or 7i for chips) works well enough.
I like your selection with beginner half set Matt. One exception. I would change the 5 iron for a hybrid. Do you think a 5 iron may be I bit tricky for a beginner? Say a 4 hybrid be more forgiving? Especially off the tee of a knee knock tight hole.
Our club has just now moved to mats for the winter and carry only. I think this will be a good idea to try this out now the course is a little shorter and see how it goes.
The clubs I use most are driver. 4,5,7,9, and 52* and putter. I usually hit driver 4 iron on most par 5 holes to leave inside 100 yards and hardly ever go after a green with a 3wood because it is so unpredictable off the ground a lot of the time.. but sometimes you just have to go for it lol
Those are my go to clubs as well. I think I just carry the rest to getmore of a workout while walking the course. Driver. 3 hybrid. 5 7 and 56 degrees and putter. The 6 clubs I hit regularly.
Will give it a go Wednesday playing west lancs my driver can stay at home for sure just have to match up my clubs to the weather conditions cheers matt
When I first started playing in the early 1970's, I used an old set that was in our basement. They were Spalding Bobby Jones clubs I think from the 1930's because the woods didn't even have inserts in them although the shafts were all steel. At any rate, there was a driver, 3 wood, 2 iron, 5 iron, 8 iron and a putter. 6 clubs. Of course they were blades. I think the 8 looked more like a modern PW. Most of the kids had driver, 3 wood, 3,5,7,9 putter.
I've been playing for 50 years+... I have 9 clubs in my bag other than my putter...I'm happy with that... Choke down, swing harder etc. ... The rest just add to the confusion... Driver, 5-9, PW, SW, and believe it or not a Pat Simmons Alien wedge for heavy rough...I have fun, my bag is lighter, and I'm still within a few shots of my partners, sometimes better, sometimes not.
Most people just carry named brads to look good, all the gear no idea, just use what you comfortable with, all i have in my bag is a driver, 3 and 5 fairway woods, 2 hybrids, 7 and 9 irons and 2 wedges 1 putter
I did 3 clubs including putter the other day, played 9 holes with 2 balls, 41 and 40 which is about average for me maybe a bit better 🤷♂️🤷♂️ I used 7 iron and 64 degree wedge Going to start playing 5 clubs at least once a week 5w 8iron 52 gap wedge and a 64
I like driver, hybrid, 7,9,pw,sw and putter, the gaps aren't perfect but it gives me options in the lower clubs and I can't get a 5 iron in the air anyway 🤷♂️
I've played the similar set-up but with 8 clubs. Driver, 20 hybrid, 5 to 9, 54 and 60 wedges, Putter , I've shot under par with this bag. Less clubs = less confusion for me. If I have an Inbetween yardage I will hit the longer club with a 3/4 swing. I read once that the 14 club rule was introduced to reduce weight so that that young Caddies back in the 1800's would be able to carry the bags.
just started back again after a long absence. Personally buying 7 clubs is alot cheaper makes you focus on technique and not choice, Also if your a bit outa shape from lock down the less weight is a plus and will mean you play more.
Interesting idea of limiting clubs if you play a course often. Might improve my swing to add or subtract swing speed target than dial in with a specific club
I know on the course I normally play I stopped carrying my 3 Wood, Hybrid, Don't use my 8 or 7 iron very much. driver I use twice on the course. 6 iron once 5 iron once 2 iron/hybrid once 9 iron along with the wedges are the most used. I play on a 9 hole par 3, it has 2 Par 4 holes.
5 irons are too hard to hit, a high lofted hybrid would be better for a beginner. The most used clubs in my full set are 4wood , 22 hybrid, 7, 9, gap wedge and putter obviously. The rest often go home un muddied. All your videos are excellent well explained tips and drills so could you do one on fading shots to the flag and is it possible with game improvement clubs.
Matt Fryer Golf definitely will be continuing with it. Like your point of odds one round then evens the next, as you said make you play shots you wouldn’t usually do, and that can only improve you as a player.
If you don't care about your score you can play with as few clubs as you want. Who cares? As long as you don't keep anyone playing behind you waiting... use whatever you want. I use 7 clubs, but have played with as few as 5. My scores are usually about the same and I have fun... Of course, this also depends on the golf course and the tees you play from. I play from the forward tees now and don't play on any courses that require long carries over hazards off the tee... I have always wanted to play with only 1 club but I have never dared to try it.
What a great idea Matt, I will certainly give that a try on my next practice Round, also carrying 7-8 Clubs is a lot easier than lugging 14 around! Off-topic, have you seen the Acustrike practice Mat? I would value your assessment of the product before I raid my Piggy Bank
Cheers Matt, I will be really interested to get your take on it and whether it can improve my Ball striking. I'm playing 9 holes this morning so will be trying out your "Half set" suggestion.
1st hole, A player dorked a 130 yard 9 iron. He washed the club, put it's cover on, returned it to it's tube, pulled his cart to the ball, checked his range finder, and topped a wedge into a sand trap. Luckily i had a gas cart, went to the bar and waited for another opening. (Oh, it was a par 3 hole)
The reason there are 14 clubs in a set is because at one time amateur golfer would bring up to 30 different clubs. Some players would show up with a complete set of right and left handed clubs. In 1936 the USGA and R&A adopted the 14-club limit with it going into effect in 1938. It has been in effect since. Oh, and why 14? No one really knows, although it has been surmised that most common set makeup at the time was four woods, nine irons and a putter. You don’t even need a calculator to know that’s 14 bats.
I’ve done this and found in the end there was no noticeable difference in the result. If I found I needed a 6 iron that was left home, just choke down a little on the 5 iron and you won’t know the difference.
Story goes Bobby Jones only used about 9-10 clubs and he played a few rounds with Walter Hagen who used over 20.....after a few rounds 14 came the number they thought was max.....then adopted by usga in 38......how torrid that is is anyone's guess.....good story though
I play with 8 clubs,counting putter.I really can't control 1 club all that well.High shot ,low draw fade,high spin,low spin. What made me think I could control 13 more?!?
I think it is a great idea. Might even make it possible for some of us older guys to walk and get some exercise because we don’t have to carry all that weight. Just a thought.
I carry around a full set. However, I have a friend...who is a better golfer....and he probably only uses about 6 or 7 clubs....and no driver...lol. He is just consistent with the clubs he uses.....and he can just carry everything in a pencil bag.
I liked this video; I’ve always convinced myself that as a high handicapper I should have a full set of clubs so as to give me as much help as possible, but this video has convinced me to do the opposite..that should lighten the bag!!👍
Odd clubs because your like me a little odd ha ha ha. To be fare you are used to playing with less clubs. I've seen your results in battle golf ha ha ha
Not quite a half set I carry Driver, 5w, 7w, 7-pw, gw, sw and putter. I have played one club golf when it's raining and half sets on occasions, my scores don't change too much if I'm having a good day, but it's score suicide if I'm having a bad one.🤣
I've always played with 7 clubs, driver, 3h 5h
7, 9 iron, 56gw, putter, it allows me to use a pencil bag which Is perfect because I use a bus to get to my local golf course, great video.
I’ve lightened up a bit since my last post.
I now play with only one club: a 7 iron.
I can drive 150 yards with it, hit shorter distances, and chip.
When putting I hit with the edge of the blade.
i carry one ball and have to find another if I lose it-that’s my rule-and often find the one I lost the day before.
I carry one tee-there’s always plenty if I break it, or else I hit without one.
Also, I play without a cap, and wear only one shoe. No socks of course.
They are considering banning me from the course.
use 7 as a putter too
Had me in the first half... ngl
Absolutely agree Matt. Great video. I've been pushing this concept on my channel for exctly same reasons. This is golfing therapy. Cut out all the noise and get back to what the game is about.......hitting shots, not making swings 😇
I play at hcp 5 and wit 9 clubs. Driver, Driving Iron, 4 hybrid, 6i, 8i, pw, 52, 58 and a putter. I dont hit the ball far, but have lower my handicap after stsarting using just 9 clubs. :)
These are not difficult decisions to make. Either you have a fairly right distance, or you can choose whether you want to be long or short. Where are the obstacles? long or short? Choose a club after that! easy!
Many say that you get too big a gap between the clubs, but no problem to hit a 6i a little softer and shorter, almost like a punch. Or grip down slitly to get the length like a normal 7i.
Great video Matt. For the past two years I have played with Driver, Hybrid, 6, 8, PW, SW & Putter, and I just love. Im thinking more about how to hit the shots, often using three quarter swings. It’s also easier on the back as the bag is lighter, I use a pencil bag now as well, happy days.
What degree hybrid?
Absolutely LOVE this video! I have dabbled with reduced sets for years and you nailed the benefits to ALL levels of golfers. Keep it simple, CREATE shots and rediscover variety instead of robot golf. The 14-club rule was introduced in the 1930s when steel shafts took over from hickory. The consistency and precision of steel made it possible for highly skilled players to achieve much more consistent results. As that happened a few golfers took advantage of the fact that there was no maximum club rule and started playing with 20 or more clubs. The rule makers recognized that golf should be a game of skill and shotmaking and not who has the strongest caddie! 14 clubs were chosen as the limit (not exactly sure why) and golf was forever changed. The irony is most players at that time had far fewer clubs and the standard set increased in size. Too bad. The game is SO MUCH better with 7 clubs! Great video. Would love to the 7-club movement catch on!
Comvinced my golf buddy to go for a 3 club + putter challenge, just for the fun of it. We both learned a ton from it, had to adapt a lot, played more 3/4 and halfswing shots than we would normally do. Remarkably, we didn’t even play worse, some holes even better, more relaxed. I can only highly recommend this.
Yes it's great for that, instead of just the same old same old!
For beginners think of using a 3 FW and and 4-5 hybrid as top of set....Good for seniors too to buy a pencil or sunday bag and take fewer clubs along
Yeah a 3 wood is a good place to start for teeing off, for the begineer!
I just started playing. Didn't know about buying a cheap full set or a smaller set since I don't go often
Over this summer I've picked up a couple clubs
Driver, 4i, 6i, 8i, pw, sw, 60 and putter
This feels right when on plane I don't tend to over think my shots compared to the those with 14 clubs
The number of clubs was initially implemented by the PGA asking the USGA to restrict the number of clubs especially after one player turned up at a comp in 1935 with 35 clubs! The rule was announced in 1936 and implemented in 1938, though nobody seems to know why 14 was chosen though sets commonly had 4 woods, 9 irons and a putter!
When I started playing a half set was common especially for a beginner but it was usually driver &3 wood, 3,5,7,9 irons and putter! Still go and play with a half set from time to time just to practice shot making!
Driver, 5 Wood (18), 5 Hybrid (24 degrees), 46, 54, putter is a great start then add in the 2, maybe 3 clubs I think I need to bridge the gap between 24 and 46. I could also go 3 Wood/7 Wood instead of 5W/5H depending on my mood.
The real confusion is a 42 degree set PW, then a 46, 50, 54, 58, 64. Obviously I’m not bagging both or either the 58 and 64, because the money clubs in this scenario among all these possible options are the 46 and 54. I’ve had success with my 50, but if the goal is simplify it’s not really required.
I convinced buying a full set of irons is a massive waste of cash.I do own way more than 14 clubs and will mix and match which 14 clubs are in the bag, but have come to realize I don’t need more than 10 if I want to narrow the focus so each club gets some air time during a round.
I have also survived using a half bag at the local par 70 when using only the clubs I had practiced earlier in the day.
Took 8 clubs out today Inc putter, tried different clubs off the tees and shot a gross 75 (par 69). Really enjoyed the round. Keep up the great content.
I was carrying 11 clubs but have recently left my driver at home. Consulting the app I use, the clubs I use the most D, 3h, 5i, 7i, PW. Since I've left the driver at home and only use my 3w it's gaining in usage. Long holes I just hit the 3w twice (usually 410 yds total) then pitch and run. Yes, I could get away with 6 clubs (including putter)
i play 7 iron 9 iron driver sand wedge putter 3 wood 5 wood 5 hybrid
Have to say I have played a lot of golf this year with a pencil bag carrying driver, 20-deg hybrid, 5, 7, 9 irons, 50-deg wedge and putter. And its been fun to do so. If I go into a bunker I may be hampered with only a 50-deg but it forced me to be creative which us also fun.
Cheers
I use 7, switching between driver and 3W depending on my mood; then 3i, 6i, 8i, PW, GW putter
Started minimalist golf when I started up again in 2017. I got sick to death of pushing my clubs around and I realised I didn't hit my 5 or 7 iron at all. In fact I went a season without hitting my 5 iron! Just want to walk with a light weight bag....so I only use 7 or 8 clubs...driver, 5 wood (in a comp only) 3,5,7,9,sw, putter.
Chick Evans won the US open using only 7 clubs....wow! It was Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen in the 1920s decided on max 14 clubs, as many had up to 30 in the bag while others only had 8-9....so 14 was decided between these 2 greats at the time
I take 8 to 10 clubs as i carry and im getting older so i do it for lightening the bag, but i do tend to play better with less clubs you play more different types of shots with 1 club because you dont have loads to choose from, i think makes you a better player.
Today, I played with a driver, 5W, 6i, 8i, PW, SW, Chipper, and Putter. I had one of my better rounds of late.
Mini driver 12°, hybrids 19° 26° and 31°, 38° iron (8), wedge 46° and 56°, putter. Mostly on 9 hole par 3
I actually played with a half set for the first time last week. I went to the course to squeeze in one last range session before winter digs in. I looked out at the front nine and it was empty!!! Paid greens fees stripped out my odd clubs and away I went. I only had an hour so I played 1-4 and 7-9. A quick 7 hole jaunt was way better than another range session. I hate beating balls.
Most fun I’ve had in a while. I NEVER played less than 9 holes and I NEVER played less than 14 clubs. This day was a game changer for me. I did an audit of my 14 clubs and there are 3-4 that might only get hit every few rounds. Dead weight.
This pandemic forced me to sell my set for financial reasons. Now that I’m thinking about a replacement I’m think that I may just build a set a club at a time. This way when I pull for example out I’m confident that with that club because I put some time in to researching which 5 iron works for me. I’m probably going to go game improvement in the long irons and more of a player iron down in the short irons. I’m also going to commit to one wedge that I use around the greens. I’m also considering not putting driver back in the bag. My biggest portion of the budget is going to a new putter and wedges. My short game is atrocious. 😂
David Oakes I tried your recommendation and I’ve never been so comfortable and confident with my set.
Driver - Callaway BB Mini 1.5 I can hit this off the tee and off the deck. 12.5* loft
4I - Taylormade M2
6I - Callaway Steelhead XR
7I/9I/GW - Callaway rogue pro
SW - Cleveland CBX
Putter - Stroke Lab Ten
I picked up the 7I from a local club fitter for free because it was a demo that was going back to Callaway anyway. The rest I just bought as needed. Even the putter was from EBay which I got for a steal! Love this small set.
I did exactly what you are talking about a few years ago. I am in Canada and there is a golf shop near me that sells older used golf clubs for 5 dollars each. This allowed me to try many different clubs for cheap and allowed me to learn what works best for me. If I buy a club and it doesn’t work, I just go back and buy another. The golf shop also has a driving range so you can even hit some balls before you buy it. I like more forgiving cavity back for the longer irons and blades/ muscle backs for the shorter irons. Some of the old clubs are better than the new ones.
I picked up a half set for $90 Au ( 60 US) . It had a 5 W, 3/5/7/9/SW and a putter. They are all draw biased hybrid style irons ( Tour Edge Bazookas), which has made me alter my aim to compensate. By limiting my fade options, it changes my course management style. I am having fun with these when I travel as they take up less room than my full set.
I’ve been playing with seven clubs for two years now: driver, 5-wood, 5-7-9 irons, 48 wedge and putter. Lots of fun, light to carry, no hesitation on club choice and all the other things this gentleman said.
Can you manage bunkers ok with that wedge?
NaeMuckle Its certainly not ideal, but I manage. Where I perhaps miss a higher loft is 20 to 40 yards from the green. But I do think playing with fewer clubs is training me to better handle them.
I could quite easily play well with a: driver, 4 hybrid, 6 iron, 8 iron, PW, LW, and putter. Can’t hit a 3/5 wood very well and can’t reach any par 5s on my course in two anyway. Can’t hit the 5 iron that well consistently. Could play half iron shots with the 6 and 8. Don’t have GW and rarely use SW. Always use LW out of bunkers.
Try taking the ones you struggle with out for 9 he's so your forced to use them, should start to get comfortable with them then.
I do this in practice quite a lot. I’ve got a pencil bag & take out half a set. Great way to practice shot making & get the imagination going!
Hi Matt Fryer Golf, My name is paul and I send comments up and you have Answered what I asked for and also demonstrated it quite well. I am 63 and play off 14 so reasonable golfer, but never have I carried my bag always used a electric trolley, but conditions are such now, that carry is what is allowed only, so I was going to carry A DRIVER , 19% RESCUE , 5 IRON WOOD , IRONS 7,9,PW, SW 55% , PUTTER . SIMILAR TO YOURS PAUL.
Good selection there Paul 🙌
Good afternoon Matt Fryer, ive found out the best way to carry is no brolly then add one degree to driver 11% to 12% for winter, then carry 5 wood , 4 iron 6 iron 8 iron 9 iron SW , Putter . ALTHOUGH GREENS ARE LIKE BRICKS PING PING I somehow shot 34 points but lost to someone who hit 42 points. SO HOW DO YOU STOP A BALL ON A FROZEN GREEN and I mean frozen it was -3 when we set off. Q, DO YOU ADVISE NOT CARRYING DRIVER IN WINTER JUST IRONS ??? PAUL H/C 14
I interchange odd and even irons now and then or leave my driver out and use a 3 wood off the tee.
I am amazed how golf buddies always hit the driver except irons only on par 3’s.
I use my hybrid on long par threes!
Makes bag lighter as well !
Mind you if you are on a new golf course bring everything !
For average bogey golfer who uses too much club on chip shots, taking out the 58 deg and chipping with less loft around green, with a hybrid or 5w a 7iron or W will give better results.
I have decided once we get back on courses again after this Covid, that as a single figure player I will build my skill back up and use a half set to play my course from forward tees with a 5w, 5, 7, 9 , W 53 and putter.
so means I will need to get out of bunkers with a W or 53. and learn to hit 100m 7 irons with control in wind. Once I move back a tee i might add i n3w or leave 5w in so playing longer shots in. or do as you did hit 9 I + W .
I've had a second place and more buffers in a season than ever before because I've simplified things this year.
7 or 8 clubs max is what I take on the course now and it simply works ( most of the time! ) If you can get a decent drive away and not cock the second shot up you're half way there. I'm amazed how many different shots I can play with a nine iron
When I worked in Banff our group would do the 3 club challenge 1iron wood and putter of your choice! A lot of fun and surprising the scores were pretty close to a full set, yes being creative and thinking different was a lot of fun
I can say from experience (I’m about a 10 handicap) that it just depends on the course. If you don’t have the funds for a full set I would recommend fresh wedges as the highest priority, woods next, then irons and lastly driver. You will be forced to use woods off the tee and will get good w them.
Hi Matt, during my round of golf I never use my full set of clubs. I will the next time I play golf, play with half a set and see how I get on. Excellent video once again, keep them coming and I will watch them.
Great for winter months, when the course might not be at its best. Saves carrying that extra weight about.
And for someone like me who is now suffering from arthritis quite badly, but is returning to the game after a lot of years, saving on that weight but retaining the technical knowledge of how to work the clubs in different ways already, but where because of the years away the touch is maybe currently lacking and the flexibility and fitness not as it should be after months of shielding and lockdown, taking a half set, or a reduced selection of clubs from my full set onto the course is probably a good idea.
I have played this way for years. Now an 11 handicap. My clubs are Driver, 3 hybrid,7,wedge,&putter.
My full bag is currently 12 clubs, but I rarely play all the clubs. Driver and hybrids all the time, PW and maybe two or three other irons. Putter obviously
My new Rule for the Last 2 Years is to Adjust my Bag
4 Clubs including Putter
With doing some course management in advanced and decide the way to play the holes - it gave me the right choice to play in average bogey golf and sometime better
For the actual Course I play (IZVOR GOLF ROMANIA) - I just have a 6 Hybrid, 8 Iron and sandwedge plus Putter in the bag and it works fine for me.
Have greate Day and a lot fun on the course
How about a set with a specific loft gap, say 6*? Produce a reasonable distance gap? Start with driver (9*) and then a 15* club, 21* club, etc. to a 57* wedge or start with a wedge you're comfortable with and work towards driver? 10 clubs with putter.
I found my people. I've pared mine down to the Driver, 3w, Fybrid, 5h, 7h, 9h, PW, and putter. I might consider adding a SW but my PW (or 7i for chips) works well enough.
I like your selection with beginner half set Matt. One exception. I would change the 5 iron for a hybrid. Do you think a 5 iron may be I bit tricky for a beginner? Say a 4 hybrid be more forgiving?
Especially off the tee of a knee knock tight hole.
Our club has just now moved to mats for the winter and carry only. I think this will be a good idea to try this out now the course is a little shorter and see how it goes.
The clubs I use most are driver. 4,5,7,9, and 52* and putter. I usually hit driver 4 iron on most par 5 holes to leave inside 100 yards and hardly ever go after a green with a 3wood because it is so unpredictable off the ground a lot of the time.. but sometimes you just have to go for it lol
Good post! Would never recommend a new golfer or high handicap we to use a 5 iron. 4 or 5 hybrid.
Driver, 5 hybrid, 7, 9, GW, SW Putter.
Those are my go to clubs as well. I think I just carry the rest to getmore of a workout while walking the course. Driver. 3 hybrid. 5 7 and 56 degrees and putter. The 6 clubs I hit regularly.
Will give it a go Wednesday playing west lancs my driver can stay at home for sure just have to match up my clubs to the weather conditions cheers matt
When I first started playing in the early 1970's, I used an old set that was in our basement. They were Spalding Bobby Jones clubs I think from the 1930's because the woods didn't even have inserts in them although the shafts were all steel. At any rate, there was a driver, 3 wood, 2 iron, 5 iron, 8 iron and a putter. 6 clubs. Of course they were blades. I think the 8 looked more like a modern PW. Most of the kids had driver, 3 wood, 3,5,7,9 putter.
Matt, this is neat. Please do one of this say like 8-9 clubs for Sunday's game. Thanks much 👍
I've been playing for 50 years+... I have 9 clubs in my bag other than my putter...I'm happy with that... Choke down, swing harder etc. ... The rest just add to the confusion... Driver, 5-9, PW, SW, and believe it or not a Pat Simmons Alien wedge for heavy rough...I have fun, my bag is lighter, and I'm still within a few shots of my partners, sometimes better, sometimes not.
I started with a half set, 4,6,8,10(yes I’m that old)and they are still, 3 full sets later, my go to clubs
Most people just carry named brads to look good, all the gear no idea, just use what you comfortable with, all i have in my bag is a driver, 3 and 5 fairway woods, 2 hybrids, 7 and 9 irons and 2 wedges 1 putter
Thanks Matt, agree 100% but you are a pro as well.....i only use 5 7 9 pw Callahan mavrick
I like the idea! Gonna try this out for my next few rounds. Thanks!
I’ve been seeing other vlogs trying this as well. I’m going to try it for a season and see. Thanks Matt.
That's commitment right there, I was thinking of the odd game or 9 holes! 😉🙌
I did 3 clubs including putter the other day, played 9 holes with 2 balls, 41 and 40 which is about average for me maybe a bit better 🤷♂️🤷♂️
I used 7 iron and 64 degree wedge
Going to start playing 5 clubs at least once a week 5w 8iron 52 gap wedge and a 64
I like driver, hybrid, 7,9,pw,sw and putter, the gaps aren't perfect but it gives me options in the lower clubs and I can't get a 5 iron in the air anyway 🤷♂️
Thank man I am a beginner but I learn something in this thanks
I've played the similar set-up but with 8 clubs. Driver, 20 hybrid, 5 to 9, 54 and 60 wedges, Putter , I've shot under par with this bag. Less clubs = less confusion for me. If I have an Inbetween yardage I will hit the longer club with a 3/4 swing. I read once that the 14 club rule was introduced to reduce weight so that that young Caddies back in the 1800's would be able to carry the bags.
Yes definitely less confusion when you have half a set!! 🙌
just started back again after a long absence. Personally buying 7 clubs is alot cheaper makes you focus on technique and not choice, Also if your a bit outa shape from lock down the less weight is a plus and will mean you play more.
Very interesting. Will try it. Makes sense. Good video.
Was playing 9 clubs in the bag, just about to drop my 8 and pw and go to 7. Just feels a bit more fun😀
Interesting idea of limiting clubs if you play a course often. Might improve my swing to add or subtract swing speed target than dial in with a specific club
I know on the course I normally play I stopped carrying my 3 Wood, Hybrid, Don't use my 8 or 7 iron very much. driver I use twice on the course. 6 iron once 5 iron once 2 iron/hybrid once 9 iron along with the wedges are the most used. I play on a 9 hole par 3, it has 2 Par 4 holes.
Good reason to switch the clubs up and try some different shots 👍
5 irons are too hard to hit, a high lofted hybrid would be better for a beginner. The most used clubs in my full set are 4wood , 22 hybrid, 7, 9, gap wedge and putter obviously. The rest often go home un muddied. All your videos are excellent well explained tips and drills so could you do one on fading shots to the flag and is it possible with game improvement clubs.
For a Par 3 course max 180 yards im thinking of bringing a 5 Hybrid, pitching w, sand w, and putter. How does that sound?
I use driver, 4 Hybrid , 8, 9,PW SW , Putter - that’s it just 7 Clubs I have a full set but never use the rest
literally that’s all I need
Great Video matt!! continue the good job!!
Great idea. We used to have a 3 club comp on boxing day, one club being a putter. Some amazing scores. It can be done. I carry 4 wedges. No idea why!!
Yeah I remember those comps, brings out the creativity in your golf!
Great vlog, something I started doing this summer and would recommend it to anyone.
It's a great thing to do, I'll be doing more of it for sure!
Matt Fryer Golf definitely will be continuing with it. Like your point of odds one round then evens the next, as you said make you play shots you wouldn’t usually do, and that can only improve you as a player.
Practical advice! Less weight to carry around too !
That's my favourite bit about it!
If you don't care about your score you can play with as few clubs as you want. Who cares? As long as you don't keep anyone playing behind you waiting... use whatever you want. I use 7 clubs, but have played with as few as 5. My scores are usually about the same and I have fun... Of course, this also depends on the golf course and the tees you play from. I play from the forward tees now and don't play on any courses that require long carries over hazards off the tee... I have always wanted to play with only 1 club but I have never dared to try it.
I like that idea!
What a great idea Matt, I will certainly give that a try on my next practice Round, also carrying 7-8 Clubs is a lot easier than lugging 14 around!
Off-topic, have you seen the Acustrike practice Mat? I would value your assessment of the product before I raid my Piggy Bank
I have seen it yes, should be getting my hands in one soon so can let you know.
Cheers Matt, I will be really interested to get your take on it and whether it can improve my Ball striking. I'm playing 9 holes this morning so will be trying out your "Half set" suggestion.
I pulled all of my odd numbered clubs and I broke 80 for the first time. Coincidence? Who knows, but I did well. Thanks for the advice.
What wedges do you recommend for a beginner? I have a pitching sand and lob. Is that too many under this concept?
That will be enough for sure
1st hole, A player dorked a 130 yard 9 iron. He washed the club, put it's cover on, returned it to it's tube, pulled his cart to the ball, checked his range finder, and topped a wedge into a sand trap. Luckily i had a gas cart, went to the bar and waited for another opening. (Oh, it was a par 3 hole)
The reason there are 14 clubs in a set is because at one time amateur golfer would bring up to 30 different clubs. Some players would show up with a complete set of right and left handed clubs. In 1936 the USGA and R&A adopted the 14-club limit with it going into effect in 1938. It has been in effect since.
Oh, and why 14? No one really knows, although it has been surmised that most common set makeup at the time was four woods, nine irons and a putter. You don’t even need a calculator to know that’s 14 bats.
I play with just my woods wedges putter
No. I use Driver, 3-wood, 3/5 hybrid, putter, 6i, sand wedge, chipper. 8 total and a pencil with a good eraser 🤣
R&A decided on the 14 club set after the masters was won with 28 clubs in a bag.
The USGA instituted the rule of 14 clubs in the bag in 1938. The reason being people would show up to play with 20 or more clubs
Next time just shake a big ass ring of keys, it will be less annoying than the music.
I’ve done this and found in the end there was no noticeable difference in the result. If I found I needed a 6 iron that was left home, just choke down a little on the 5 iron and you won’t know the difference.
Story goes Bobby Jones only used about 9-10 clubs and he played a few rounds with Walter Hagen who used over 20.....after a few rounds 14 came the number they thought was max.....then adopted by usga in 38......how torrid that is is anyone's guess.....good story though
I play with 8 clubs,counting putter.I really can't control 1 club all that well.High shot ,low draw fade,high spin,low spin. What made me think I could control 13 more?!?
usga initiated that rule in 1938
Callaway
I think it is a great idea. Might even make it possible for some of us older guys to walk and get some exercise because we don’t have to carry all that weight. Just a thought.
Arent you the fly fishing guy as well?
I carry around a full set. However, I have a friend...who is a better golfer....and he probably only uses about 6 or 7 clubs....and no driver...lol. He is just consistent with the clubs he uses.....and he can just carry everything in a pencil bag.
Play 6 or 7 clubs depending on how I'm striking. Leave the driver out.
I liked this video; I’ve always convinced myself that as a high handicapper I should have a full set of clubs so as to give me as much help as possible, but this video has convinced me to do the opposite..that should lighten the bag!!👍
The 14-club limit was introduced by the USGA in 1938 and adopted by the R&A in 1939.
If most of us lose our retiree belly , we can play better with 3 clubs.
Wear a mic this was so quiet especially when not facing the camera.
So basically 8 clubs and a Sunday bag
It’s bonkers to use a half set in my opinion. The game is hard enough so why not give yourself the best opportunity!
Have you ever tried half a set? It is hard but you learn new skills and adapt. Thanks for watching
Odd clubs because your like me a little odd ha ha ha. To be fare you are used to playing with less clubs. I've seen your results in battle golf ha ha ha
Can't argue that
Not quite a half set I carry Driver, 5w, 7w, 7-pw, gw, sw and putter. I have played one club golf when it's raining and half sets on occasions, my scores don't change too much if I'm having a good day, but it's score suicide if I'm having a bad one.🤣
The more you do it, you will become better at hitting different shots and being creative and see your scores come down