golf bag

As previously discussed, the 1938 rule limited the number of clubs during a round of golf to 14. If you ask 100 golfers I bet most would say that 14 is plenty. However, if you ask a professional golfer they would say it is not enough. Why the discrepancy?

When I started golfing 37 years ago…..OK, no old jokes….I had a started set. It consisted of a driver, 3-wood, 3-5-7-9 iron and a putter. As a beginner, this was plenty. I did not have to over think club selection or worry about any finesse type shots. Basically, I bashed the heck out of the ball and developed a passion for the game. Slowly, my game improved I started looking for another set of clubs.

My first full set of clubs was Spalding Rebels. I bought them 34 years ago; the set included 1-3-5 wood, 3-pw irons and a putter – 12 clubs in all. They were my first cavity back set of clubs and I used them for about 10 years. My game did not really improve because I played on and off during that time. This set was perfect for me because I did not have much money invested and they were of a good enough quality that it matched my game. I was about a 16 handicap during this period.

In 1990 things changed. I was given an old set of Ping Eye 2 red dot clubs and started golfing more seriously. 1990 was the first year I broke 80. I went from a 16 handicap to a solid 10 handicap in no time. I carried a 1-3-5 wood, 3-pw irons, sand wedge and a putter – 13 clubs in all. I used these clubs for about 10 years and only replaced the ping eye 2 persimmon woods with Callaway Warbird 1-3-5 metal wood. It was during this time that I had quality equipment, practiced 3 days a week and played approximately 100 games per year. The result of my increase play was a solid 8 handicap, which stayed that way for about 10 years.

From 2000 to present, my game improved exponentially. I have hovered around a 5 handicap with runs of breaking par once in a while. My success resulted in some club changes. I removed my 5-wood, added a 52 and 60 degree wedge, and change to hybrids for my 3-4-5 iron – I now carry 14 clubs.

This transition to more wedges has propelled my game to a new level. The extra wedges help with the scoring around the green and that is where most amateurs should focus. Currently, I use Cleveland Launcher irons, Callaway Razr Fit driver and 3-wood, Titlest vokey (52-56-60 degree) wedges and a pro gear putter.

The 14 club rule is limiting for some players. Personally, I would add my 5-wood and 64 degree wedge. The reality is that I would only hit these clubs once every 3 rounds because my other clubs cover all the normal gaps in distance and position. So I stick to 14 clubs because 16 clubs is not legal.

Ultimately, the skill and experience of any golfer will have a direct impact on the type, quality and number of clubs in their bag. As most players improve the number of clubs will change to match their abilities; there is not set rule or rule-of-thumb. The reason for club changes will vary, but low handicap players identify early that focusing on their short game will result in lower scores.

See what is in the pros golf bag:

What do you carry in your golf bag?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

While watching The Masters on the weekend, it was very obvious that caddies make a concerted effort not to leave the players bags anywhere in their line of sight. Originally, I thought it was a mental thing, but there appears to be a practical reason for their efforts.

According to the RCGA, rule 19-2. Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped By Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment states:

If a player’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by himself, his partner or either of their caddies or equipment, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke. The ball must be played as it lies, except when it comes to rest in or on the player’s, his partner’s or either of their caddies’ clothes or equipment, in which case the ball must through the green or in a hazard be dropped, or on the putting green be placed, as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball came to rest in or on the article, but not nearer the hole.

After reading this rule, golfers will receive a one-stroke penalty for saving steps. I knew the rule (actually thought it was a two-stroke penalty) and never paid attention during my regular games. How many golfers leave their bag in the field of play, then grab a driver and walk to the tee? How many golfers hit out of the woods or a hazard towards the general direction of their equipment because they were saving time and steps? If you are like me, I do this every round. At the Laurentide Golf Course in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, Canada, it is easy to leave your bag in the next holes fairway.

I was told a funny story many years back by a friend in this similar situation. He was in a foursome playing their Saturday morning game and the leader of that game was up to hit. Of course the jokes were flying and they were pestering each other as all good friends do. Well, the leader of the group hit a line drive off the tee towards all their bags (about 75 yards out). As the ball made contact, each of the players looked at each other with concern because they could not determine whose bag it actually hit. After the others hit with no incident, the four friends walked towards their equipment. The first guy there started to laugh out loud. As the others approached, he pointed to the leaders bag and showed him a hole in the side of his bag of where the ball went right through. To make it more painful, the group assessed him a two-stroke penalty instead of one. The leader was obviously upset and went on to lose their Saturday’s game. Talk about putting salt in one’s wounds! I am not sure if that extra penalty stroked caused him to loose the match, but if it did, this situation would be a great reason to read the rules of golf every year!

I have left my bag in the field of play for years and never came close to hitting it. However, while playing in a tournament I can honestly tell you that my friends story 20 years ago has prompted me to I make sure my equipment is brought to every tee, place my bag well away from the green, and not is any where close when hitting out of the woods. I am not sure if it ever saved me strokes, however I can tell you for certain it has never cost me any.

Reading the rules is important every year. Already I have saved myself a one-penalty stroke by reading rule 19-2. Anybody out there ever hit their golf equipment?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!