The Rules of Golf permit players to carry up to 14 clubs but it’s not mandatory to fill every slot in your bag. Have you ever questioned whether carrying all 14 clubs actually makes sense? We analyzed Shot Scope data to see how many clubs golfers of various handicaps typically carry.
How many clubs are most golfers carrying?
Most golfers in Shot Scope’s database take full advantage of the 14-club rule. The 20- and 25-handicappers drop the lob wedge and sometimes carry 13 clubs. Higher-handicappers are more likely to have two fairway woods than lower-handicap players who generally have more long irons and the additional wedge.
| Handicap | Average Number of Clubs |
|---|---|
| 0 | 14 |
| 5 | 14 |
| 10 | 14 |
| 15 | 14 |
| 20 | 13–14 |
| 25 | 13 |
Why higher-handicap golfers skip the lob wedge
Data from higher handicappers (25-plus) shows they rarely carry a lob wedge. Interestingly, they also only carry 13 clubs on average. They aren’t taking the lob wedge out to replace it with an additional hybrid or fairway wood. They just don’t carry the lob wedge.
Who skips the lob wedge?
- 20-handicap: Often drop the lob wedge and opt for a simplified short-game setup with a pitching, gap and sand wedge. Some 20-handicappers replace the lob wedge with an extra hybrid or fairway wood if they want 14 clubs.
- 25-handicap: Many use only 13 clubs and skip the lob wedge entirely. They might not see enough perceived benefit in a high-lofted wedge that averages 40 to 50 yards.
Why it matters
Golfers who skip the lob wedge rely on the sand wedge to cover all their greenside bunker and pitch shots. The lob wedge does offer a lot of loft and can help with difficult greenside bunkers. Most golfers who struggle with their lob wedge are using it in places where it may not make the most sense.
Better players know when and where to use the lob wedge, making it well worth having.
How do yardage gaps play into this?
Yardage gapping is one of the most important things to consider when getting fitted for golf clubs. You don’t want yardage gaps between clubs that are too far apart. At the same time, you must ensure the gaps between clubs are properly covered.
One thing we noticed when looking at the distance range of scratch golfers is that it’s quite extensive. You’ll see about 180 yards to fill with equipment between the average driver and sand wedge distance for a scratch player.
For higher-handicap players, this distance range is just 124 yards on average.
| Handicap | Driver Distance | SW Distance | Total Range (Dvr – SW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 285 yards | 105 yards | 285 – 105 = 180 yards |
| 5 | 261 yards | 86 yards | 261 – 86 = 175 yards |
| 10 | 259 yards | 98 yards | 259 – 98 = 161 yards |
| 15 | 236 yards | 84 yards | 236 – 84 = 152 yards |
| 20 | 225 yards | 85 yards | 225 – 85 = 140 yards |
| 25 | 204 yards | 80 yards | 204 – 80 = 124 yards |
What this shows
A larger total range between your driver and sand wedge typically means you want more clubs spaced out to avoid big yardage gaps. Slower swings yield smaller gaps and sometimes fewer total clubs are needed to cover the distance.
If you hit your 6-, 5- and 4-iron the same distance, it’s time to let a few of them go. Replace them with hybrids so that you have versatility when trying to get out of the rough or when dealing with a difficult lie.
Hybrids versus irons: Do you carry both?
If you’ve got an extra spot in your bag and are unsure how to fill it to benefit your game, most golfers look to hybrids and/or/fairway woods. The table below shows the greens hit percentage from 200 and 175 yards with a hybrid versus an iron. You’ll see the hybrid is almost always more accurate.
| Handicap | 200y Hybrid | 200y Iron | 175y Hybrid | 175y Iron |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 32% | 30% | 44% | 46% |
| 5 | 21% | 17% | 33% | 31% |
| 10 | 19% | 14% | 25% | 22% |
| 15 | 9% | 6% | 18% | 14% |
| 20 | 6% | 4% | 14% | 8% |
| 25 | 2% | 1% | 8% | 2% |
Carrying multiple hybrids (3H, 4H, 5H) can help higher handicapper significantly increase their greens hit percentage. Some players carry a 5-wood and a 3-hybrid to cover different lies and distance gaps. Other players carry a 5-iron and a 5-hybrid because of the variety of shots these clubs can create.
Bottom line: How many clubs do you really need?
After analyzing this data about the clubs golfers are carrying, here are the most important takeaways we came up with.
Take advantage of the 14 spots
If you have 14 clubs, use them. If the lob wedge isn’t a fit for your game, consider a professional fitting and see where another club may help you fill a yardage gap or improve your shot versatility (e.g., a 5-wood and 3-hybrid).
Think in “gaps” not just golf club names
Sometimes, it’s possible to have a 5-iron and a 5-hybrid in your setup. If you struggle to hit your 5-iron with a high launch but like the ability to hit controlled shots on windy days, you may keep both. When choosing your 14 clubs, consider shot variety, versatility, distance and overall consistency, not just pure yardage.
Consider the golf course
I have 13 clubs in my bag right now. I have all four wedges but only one fairway wood and one hybrid. Adding another fairway wood or hybrid is likely a smart choice and one I will make soon but, right now, I don’t need it. My home courses don’t present many shots where I would need a different club.
If you play the same course repeatedly, building a bag to match the course makes complete sense.
There’s no need to run out today and complete your golf set so you have all 14 clubs. Collect data and see where an additional club could save you a few shots. Remember, it’s not just about distance but about performance and versatility. There’s a reason golf professionals carry 14!
Mike
1 year ago
One of golf’s guarantees is that if I leave a certain club out of my bag that day, by the third hole, a shot will present itself where I really could have used that club!