Golf Clubs Allowed in Golf Bag & Why only 14 clubs?

Whether you’ve played a tournament yourself or not, you’ve probably wondered at one point how many clubs are allowed in a golf club. In tournaments and Majors such as the recently concluded Masters in Augusta, you’d see caddies carrying a bag with what looks like several clubs.

As a junior golfer, these were some of the questions I had and in this article (which is part of the learn-golf series), I’ll explain in detail the clubs in a golf bag, clubs allowed by Golf sport, typical clubs in a golf bag and the essential clubs that you must carry if you want to leave some and reduce the golf bag weight when walking the course.

So what are golf clubs?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a golf club is “a stick with a metal head that is used to hit a golf ball.” It’s one of the basic golf equipment you need along with golf balls and tees.

The game of golf as we know it today originated in 15th-century Scotland. And while the game has evolved and changed over the centuries, one thing remains the same: you hit a small ball with a stick (golf club) into a hole.

Golf clubs are made up of a shaft with a grip and a club head. The shaft is usually made of steel or graphite while the clubhead is typically made of steel, titanium, or composite material.

There are different types of golf clubs designed for different shots. For example, a driver is designed for long straight shots while a putter is made for short strokes on the green.

Golf clubs are designed so that you have clubs to hit long shorts (using mix of woods and driver), hit mid-range shots (using irons), hit short ranges around the green (using wedges) and putter to hit strokes on the green.

While there is some overlap, each type of club is designed for a specific purpose and shot.

How many golf clubs are golfers allowed to carry?

According to Golf Rule #4, a player is allowed to carry a maximum of 14 golf clubs during a round and this rule was adopted by the USGA in 1938 and by the R&A in 1939.

Golf Rule number 4.1 discusses the clubs and specifically conforming club designs, rules on club repair, and rules regarding change of clubs during a game.

In Section 4.1 (b), Golf rules specify that a player must not;

• Start a round with more than 14 clubs, or
• Have more than 14 clubs during the round

Why 14 clubs and not more?

The rationale behind the rule is that it provides enough clubs for a player to choose from without being excessive and slowing down your play.

If you’ve ever played with someone who has too many clubs, you know that it can be quite frustrating as they often take too much time trying to figure out which club to use.

There are also a few other reasons why the rule exists:

Golfers, especially those new to the game, often feel that they need more clubs than they actually do.

Carrying too many clubs can be tiring, especially if you’re walking the course.

Having too many clubs can actually make it more difficult to play as you have more options and this can lead to indecision and confusion.

What did players do before the 14-clubs rule was adopted in 1938?

Before USGA adopted the rule to have a max of 14 clubs during any round, golfers at the time kept increasing the number of clubs they’d use in a round. According to this USGA History of Changes in Rules (1774 to Present), some players had started using as many as 30 or more specialized clubs in a round.

After the 14-club limit rule was adopted in the UK and in the US, there wasn’t major changes until after World War 2.

The first-ever consolidated code or Rules of Golf was developed in 1899 by R&A and when USGA was formed in 1894, its by-laws indicated that it would follow the Rules of Golf as written by The R&A, but “with such modification as the [USGA] may from time to time adopt.”

What are the 14 Clubs in a Golf Bag?

Golfers are allowed a maximum of 14 clubs and in a setup, these are the clubs:

1. Driver
2. Pitching wedge
3. Sand wedge
4. Gap wedge
5. Lob wedge
6. 3-wood
7. 5-wood
8. Putter
9. 5 iron
10. 6 iron
11. 7 iron
12. 8 iron
13. 9 iron
14. 4 hybrid

Each club has its use and will explain them in detail below.

Driver:

The driver is used for long straight shots and is often the first club played from the tee. Its use is very straightforward and is often used to tee because it can move the ball to long distances. Occasionally but rarely, it’s also used in fairway

A driver can send the ball up to 300 yards and is often the most difficult club to master.

Its head is the largest of all golf clubs and the sweet spot is also the smallest. These two features makes it great at sending the ball flying several yards away.

Pitching Wedge:

The pitching wedge is used for shorter shots than the driver and is often used around the green. It can also be used for tee shots on short holes where accuracy is more important than distance.

The loft on a pitching wedge is between 46 and 52 degrees. Pitching wedges are also used to hit approach shots and sometimes even for driving on short holes.

It’s often used in combination with other clubs such as the 8-iron, 9-iron or sand wedge for shorter shots into the green.

Pitching wedges are also used to hit approach shots and sometimes even for driving on short holes.

Sand Wedge:

The sand wedge is primarily used to hit balls out of bunkers, hence the name. It can also be used for stance shots and flop shots around the green.

A sand wedge has a loft between 54 and 58 degrees. The club’s head is also flatter than other wedges, which allows it to glide through sand more easily.

Gap Wedge:

The gap wedge is used for shots between the pitching wedge and sand wedge. It can also be used for tee shots on short holes or for hitting approach shots to the green.

A gap wedge usually has a loft between 50 and 54 degrees.

Lob Wedge:

The lob wedge is used for high shots with a lot of spin. It can also be used for tee shots on very short holes.

A lob wedge has a loft between 58 and 62 degrees. The club’s head is also flatter than other wedges, which allows it to glide through sand more easily.

3-Wood:

The 3-wood is used for long straight shots and is often the second club played from the tee. It can also be used for approach shots to the green.

A 3-wood usually has a loft between 15 and 20 degrees. The sweet spot on a 3-wood is also smaller than on a driver, which makes it more difficult to hit.

5-Wood:

The 5-wood is used for shots between the 3-wood and driver. It can also be used for approach shots to the green.

A 5-wood usually has a loft between 25 and 28 degrees. The sweet spot on a 5-wood is also smaller than on a driver, which makes it more difficult to hit.

Putter:

The putter is used for short shots on the green. The goal is to hit the ball into the hole with as few strokes as possible.

A putter usually has a loft between 2 and 5 degrees. The sweet spot on a putter is also smaller than on a driver, which makes it more difficult to hit.

5 Iron:

The 5 iron is used for shots between the 4 hybrid and 6 iron. It can also be used for approach shots to the green.

A 5 iron usually has a loft between 28 and 32 degrees. The sweet spot on a 5 iron is also smaller than on a driver, which makes it more difficult to hit.

6 Iron:

The 6 iron is used for shots between the 5 iron and 7 iron. It can also be used for approach shots to the green.

A 6 iron usually has a loft between 30 and 34 degrees. The sweet spot on a 6 iron is also smaller than on a driver, which makes it more difficult to hit.

7 Iron:

The 7 iron is used for shots between the 6 iron and 8 iron. It can also be used for approach shots to the green.

A 7 iron usually has a loft between 34 and 38 degrees. The sweet spot on a 7 iron is also smaller than on a driver, which makes it more difficult to hit.

8 Iron:

The 8 iron is used for shots between the 7 iron and 9 iron. It can also be used for approach shots to the green.

A 8 iron usually has a loft between 36 and 40 degrees. The sweet spot on a 8 iron is also smaller than on a driver, which makes it more difficult to hit.

9 Iron:

The 9 iron is used for shots between the 8 iron and pitching wedge. It can also be used for approach shots to the green.

A 9 iron usually has a loft between 38 and 42 degrees. The sweet spot on a 9 iron is also smaller than on a driver, which makes it more difficult to hit.

Do I really need all the 14 clubs?

The governing bodies of golf, the USGA and The R&A, have stipulated that a player may carry a maximum of 14 clubs during a round.

While you are not required to carry all 14 clubs, it is generally advisable to do so. This is because each club is designed for a specific purpose and can help you to score better if used correctly.

If you are a beginner, it is recommended that you carry all 14 clubs so that you have the option to choose the right club for each shot.

As you become more experienced, you will be able to narrow down the selection of clubs that you carry and focus on the ones that suit your game the most.

Read this guide on golf club performance and improvement techniques to learn why each club’s performance will depend on various factors including;

1. Grip Size: The size of the grip on a club will affect how well you can control the club. If the grip is too small, you will have difficulty holding on to the club and may find that your shots are inaccurate. If the grip is too large, you may find that your shots lack power.
2. Shaft Flex: The flex of the shaft on a club will affect how far the ball will travel. If the shaft is too stiff, your shots will lack distance. If the shaft is too flexible, your shots will be inaccurate.
3. Head Material: The material of the head on a club will affect how well the club transmits energy to the ball. If the head is made of a soft material, the ball will compress more on impact and will travel further. If the head is made of a hard material, the ball will not compress as much on impact and will not travel as far.
4. Club Length: The length of the club will affect how well you can control the club. If the club is too short, you may find that your shots lack power. If the club is too long, you may find that your shots are inaccurate.
5. Shaft Weight: The weight of the shaft on a club will affect how fast the club head is traveling when it hits the ball. If the shaft is too light, your shots will lack power. If the shaft is too heavy, your shots will be inaccurate.
6. Swing Weight
7. Total Club Weight
8. Lie Angle
9. Loft Angle
10. Face Angle
11. Bounce Angle

As you can see, there are various factors that will determine the effectiveness of each club and it is essential to try out different ones to get a feel of which ones you are most comfortable with.

What does this mean for beginner golfer?

If you are a beginner, it is recommended that you carry all 14 clubs so that you have the option to choose the right club for each shot. As you become more experienced, you will be able to narrow down the selection of clubs that you carry and focus on the ones that suit your game the most.

As you perfect your Putting skills, you will find that you use your Putter more often than any other club, so it is important to choose one that feels comfortable in your hands.

You may also want to consider carrying a few extra clubs such as a Rescue Club or Sand Wedge as they can be very useful in difficult situations.

If you are playing a tournament, remember that it is your responsibility to find clubs that conform to the Rules of Golf highlighted in the Golf Equipment Section (Section 4.1).

Conforming vs Non-conforming clubs

If you have some old clubs, perhaps borrowed them from somebody, check to see when they were manufactured. In 2008, the change in Golf rules made it so that some clubs manufactured before 1999 are only considered to conform to the rules if they have a ‘spring-like effect’ and have not been modified.

If you are using a cloned club, be aware that these do not always conform to the rules and it is your responsibility to check this before using them in a tournament. In most cases, golf club clones referred to as “direct clone” of a club on the “Conforming List” are considered suitable for ‘Club Golf’ but do always check if they are on the list.

There is an international database of conforming golf club brands and is being hosted on USGA’s website here.

Below is a snapshot of the database’s homepage:

You can enter a name of manufacturer, for example, TaylorMade and you’ll get a list of all conforming clubs made by TaylorMade.

What are the essential clubs that I need?

While you are not required to carry all 14 clubs, there are a few that are considered to be essential. These are the driver, the putter, and the irons (3-9).

The driver is used for tee shots and is the longest club in the bag. It is important to carry a driver that is the right loft and length for your game.

The putter is used for shots on the green, and it is important to have a putter that you are comfortable using.

The irons (3-9) are used for approach shots and are some of the most versatile clubs in the bag. It is important to have a set of irons that are the right loft and length for your game.

While these are the essential clubs, you may also want to consider carrying a wedge or two. Wedges are used for shots around the green and can be very useful if you find yourself in bunker or rough.

What are the typical clubs in a golf bag?

The driver, the putter, and the irons (3-9) are the most common clubs that you will find in a golf bag. However, you may also find a few other clubs such as wedges, hybrids, and fairway woods.

Which golf clubs are least useful/used the least when playing?

This is a matter of personal opinion, but some people may find that they do not use their driver very often. This is because the driver is only used for tee shots and is not always the best club to use for approach shots.

Some people may also find that they do not use their 3 wood or 5 wood very often. This is because these clubs are only used for long shots and are not always the best club to use for approach shots.

What should i have in my golf bag

At the minimum, you should have the following in your golf bag;

1. Clubs – You can carry all the 14 or can choose to carry only the most essential 3 or 4 clubs discussed above.
2. Balls – You should have at least 1 dozen golf balls.
3. Tees – You should have at least 3 tees.
4. Marker – You should have a marker to mark your ball on the green.
5. Gloves – You should have a golf glove to improve your grip.
6. Hat – You should have a hat to protect you from the sun.
7. sunscreen – You should have sunscreen to protect you from the sun.
8. Water – You should have water to stay hydrated.
9. Golf bag – You need a golf bag to carry all your clubs and gear.
10. Drink cooler – A drink cooler can be useful to keep your water and drinks cold.

What happens if I carry more than 14 clubs in my bag?

If you are caught carrying more than 14 clubs, you will be penalized 2 strokes for each hole where you had more than 14 clubs.

If you have 16 clubs and don’t realize until you are playing the 2nd hole, you’ll receive 2 strokes for each of the holes that you played with extra clubs – making a total of 4 strokes.

If you realize that you have excess clubs that the 14 max allowed when you are in the 3rd hole, you’ll be penalized 4 strokes as the maximum penalty for this offense is 4 strokes.

If you realized the mistake of carrying excess when you are about to start playing a hole, the penalty will be applied after you hit the ball. If you realized the mistake between holes, the assessment of the penalty will be done on the hole you just completed.

And what if I want to take clubs out of the game when playing?

To remove an extra club when playing, there is a straightforward procedure that requires you to immediately take action to correct the mistake of carrying excess clubs. You can do this by;

1. Notifying other player or players about the violation
2. Turn the offending or excess clubs upside down on your golf bag.

You need to ‘clearly indicates each club that you are taking out of play.’ In other words, a player is not allowed to simply lay the club down beside the bag.

The player should also announce to their opponent or opponents that they are taking a club out of play and how many clubs they have in their bag now.

If you have more than 14 clubs in your bag and do not take corrective action before hitting your next shot, you will receive a 2-stroke penalty for each hole where the violation occurred. This is in addition to any other penalty that may be assessed for hitting a shot with an extra club.

The rules also specify the following on penalties and rectifying the mistakes:

“When the player becomes aware that he or she is in breach of this Rule by having more than 14 clubs, the player must immediately take the excess club or clubs out of play, using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1):

• If the player started with more than 14 clubs, he or she may choose which club or clubs will be taken out of play.
• If the player added excess clubs during the round, those added clubs are the ones that must be taken out of play.

After a player’s round has started, if the player picks up another player’s club that was left behind, or a club is mistakenly put in the player’s bag without his or her knowledge, the club is not treated as one of the player’s clubs for purposes of the 14-club limit (but it must not be used).” Snippets from USGA Golf Rules

Can I share clubs with other players?

You are not allowed to swap out clubs during a hole – meaning if you decide you don’t want to use your 5 iron anymore, you can’t replace it with your 9 iron or pitching wedge. You also can’t put the 5 iron back in your bag and take out another club, like your putter. If you do any of these things, you will be penalized 2 strokes for each hole where the violation occurred.

According to Rules of Golf Section 4.1 (b) 2, “a player is limited to those clubs he or she started with or added as allowed in.” It goes on to say that any “player must not make a stroke with a club being used by anyone else who is playing on the course“

Does the putter count in the 14 clubs?

In the set number of 14 clubs allowed in a golf bag at the start of a round, the putter is included. However, there is no limit on the number of putters allowed. You can have as many putters in your bag as you want!

You may, however, not need to carry more than one putter. If you feel confident with your current putter and don’t want to change it up, then there’s no need to bring an extra one along.

How many clubs allowed in golf bag including putter?

A golfer is allowed to carry a maximum of 14 clubs in their bag, including the putter. This rule is set forth by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A. While you are only allowed to carry 14 clubs, there is no limit on the number of putters that you can have in your bag.

How to arrange golf clubs in bag – Key tips

To arrange a golf bag perfectly so you can easily access all the clubs during a round, follow these instructions.

• Have the woods first, then hybrids, then irons, then wedges, and finally the putter.
• The woods (driver, 3 wood, 5 wood, etc.) should be arranged with the driver at the top of the bag followed by the 3 wood, 5 wood, and so on.
• The hybrids should be arranged with the longest hybrid at the top of the bag followed by the shorter hybrids.
• The irons should be arranged with the longest iron at the top of the bag followed by the shorter irons.
• The wedges should be arranged with the pitching wedge at the top of the bag followed by the gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge.
• The putter goes at the bottom of the bag.

Now that you know how to arrange your golf clubs in the bag, here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• 1. Make sure all of your clubs are easily accessible so you don’t have to waste time rummaging through your bag to find the one you need.
• 2. If you’re carrying a lot of clubs, consider using a golf cart or push cart to avoid having to carry your heavy bag around the course.
• 3. Don’t forget to pack extra balls, tees, and other essential items in your bag so you’re prepared for anything.
• 4. Be sure to practice with all of the clubs in your bag so you’re comfortable using them on the course.
• 5. Always consult with a professional golf instructor if you have any questions about which clubs to use or how to properly arrange them in your bag.

FAQs

Q: What is a conforming golf club?

A: Any club that meets USGA standards as defined in the Rules of Golf. Equipment that does not meet rules standards is said to be “non-conforming.” You can find all the conforming clubs on USGA’s database here.

Q: What do I do if I have a non-conforming quality club?

A: USGA allows golfers to submit clubs currently not included on the Conforming List using the form on their website here. USGA will evaluate your club and may choose to include it on the conforming list.

Q: How many clubs am I allowed to carry in my golf bag?

A: You are allowed to carry up to 14 clubs in your golf bag.

Q: Why am I only allowed to carry 14 clubs?

A: The USGA believes that limiting the number of clubs will promote skill and Shotmaking over brute force.

Q: Can I share clubs with my playing partners?

A: You may not share clubs with other players during the round. Each player must carry their own set of clubs and may not use a club belonging to another player. To summarize, you are not allowed to share clubs with other players in the course whether you are competing or not. .

Q: Do I need to carry all 14 clubs in my bag?

A: No, you are not required to carry all 14 clubs. You can choose to carry only the most essential clubs for your game.

Q: What makes a golf ball non-conforming?

A: There are a few things that can make a golf ball non-conforming. The most common is if the ball does not meet the size, weight, symmetry, and initial velocity requirements set by the USGA.

Q: Can I use a non-conforming golf ball?

A: Yes, you can use a non-conforming golf ball, but you will be at a disadvantage compared to players using a conforming ball.