Jump to content
2024 Houston Open WITB Photos ×

the4clubsguy


Recommended Posts

I've been a minimalist for around 15 years. My best play (under 80) has been with 4-6 clubs. Like Petunia, my four club kit is 3W, 7,PW, and putter. Five club setup, 3W, 5,8.PW, and putter. For six, just add a driver.

 

Add a Jones bag, and a knit head cover, and you're all set. A tip, a lot of guys say a stand bag is necessary, so a person doesn't have to bend to lift the bag. I've always used the club I've just hit to lift the strap of the bag, so bending is unnecessary. With the minimalist kit, the bag and clubs are light as a feather, so the walking is enjoyable and healthful.

 

Golf became a riding sport, due to huge staff bags, 14 clubs, ball retrievers, extra shoes, dozens of balls, umbrellas, and all the other junk that the OEMs want everyone to believe is crucial to the golf "experience.".

 

Playing vintage is the next chapter to minimalist. Playing the minimalist with four or five ancient clubs (that couldn't be given away), and beating someone with the latest and greatest is most rewarding.

 

Enjoy!

 

Interesting thanks for posting.

 

How do you handle the inevitable comments when you get paired up with new partners in the first tee?

 

About the set make up, for me the driver is pretty forgiving, more so than a 3 wood so I'm happy to have it in the bag. I just need to remind myself that there are only a handful of holes where I want to max out my distance with it, the rest of the time I just need to hit fairway.

 

Are mp33s old enough to be classics now? I have a set in the garage.

 

People have looked at me like I'm nuts. When I started playing golf 50+ years ago, I played with 4 or 5 clubs. I got prosperous, bought a full set in the early 1970's, and played the worst golf in my life.

 

mp33's are classic, in my opinion.

 

Enjoy!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 60
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I'm a llittle self conscious rocking up to the first tee with just 4 clubs... I need to get over that.

 

The reason for getting into minimalist golf is because I wasn't playing well, scoring well or enjoying myself with a full set. I needed to do something drastically different. Funnily enough Ive been able to play to my handicap with just 4 clubs so what does that tell you.

 

The mp33 6 iron might get a run soon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm a llittle self conscious rocking up to the first tee with just 4 clubs... I need to get over that.

 

The reason for getting into minimalist golf is because I wasn't playing well, scoring well or enjoying myself with a full set. I needed to do something drastically different. Funnily enough Ive been able to play to my handicap with just 4 clubs so what does that tell you.

 

The mp33 6 iron might get a run soon.

 

The self-conscious thing is easily remedied. If someone gives you an odd look, and it's obviously about the four clubs (instead of some other weird habit of yours), just say "they're the only clubs I can hit", then look at their bag and say "wow, you must be really good." The end.

 

 

Some more thoughts...

 

When I was doing this regularly, just about the only thing I ever practiced were wedge shots. There was a little field near the apartment we were living in at the time and I would go over there about three days a week and hit all kinds of shots, sometimes, for hours. The field was slanted and was about 90 yards long and 40 yards wide. At one end of the field was an old, tragic looking pear tree. As part of my practice, I would see how close I could get to that tree and still hit balls over it. Needless to say, I got very comfortable with that club. I'm also sure that the practicing I did with that wedge translated well into the other clubs I was using. And that is really another benefit to playing with so few clubs - they feel like they're part of you, after a while.

Here's a pic of that wedge...

 

uIYpqQ4.jpg

 

 

There are a few other things you might consider that I found useful...

 

You might look into a strong 3wood, or a driver you can hit off the deck. I used a Callaway War Bird 3+. I could outdrive everyone I played with at the goat track (mostly old dudes and fools) and I could hit all sorts of shots with it off the fairway. When I came back to golf, after a nine year layoff, I found I could hit my FT-9 driver off the deck pretty well, as long as I needed a cut (other than very uphill punch hooks, left to right was out).

 

My 7iron I used is an old blade with a regular flex shaft. The thin sole of the blade made hitting it high a lot easier than with a thicker sole clubhead. The softer shaft gave it more of a 'wedge' feel, too. I think it gave me a better feel for hitting shots too long for my wedge. Also, I think it made it easier to nuke it when I needed it.

 

This is probably the least useful idea. I used a Wilson budget 8802 style putter (I think it's made out of lead and was probably marketed for putt-putt). It was great for punch shots off the fairway and great for the tee shot on one of the par 3 holes (145yds.).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm a llittle self conscious rocking up to the first tee with just 4 clubs... I need to get over that.

 

The reason for getting into minimalist golf is because I wasn't playing well, scoring well or enjoying myself with a full set. I needed to do something drastically different. Funnily enough Ive been able to play to my handicap with just 4 clubs so what does that tell you.

 

The mp33 6 iron might get a run soon.

 

A couple years ago, I met up with a guy (we're in our 60's.) on the 7th hole. I never played golf with him; he was supposed to be a good golfer, and a club champion. He had come off the 3rd hole, and skipped to the 7th. He asked if he could finish the last three holes with me. OK, by me. Anyhow, I had a FT-IZ 3W, Callaway 09 x forged 7,PW, and Bulls Eye, four clubs total.

 

He drives the ball 50 yards farther than my 3W. I hit my 7 into the green 8 feet from the pin. Birdie putt in. He pars the hole. Hole 8, he outdrives me another 50 or more. I hit the 7 again, to 15 feet from the pin, make the birdie putt again. He pars the hole, and is rattled. 9th hole, a par three, I'm short of the green. He hits his tee shot in a greenside bunker. He hits the bunker shot over the green and into another bunker. He picks up and I do likewise. We shake hands, and walk our own way. The fellow always speaks to me, and I leave it at that.

 

This fellow is the kind of guy that thinks our goat track of a club is Augusta National. Decent fellow, but in another world, like a legend in his own mind. My two birdies and four clubs really shook him up. I probably couldn't repeat my performance again for my life, but golf is an odd game. Stuff like this will happen without rhyme or reason.

 

I know I would have blown up in a regular 9 or 18 hole match, but for three holes, I was in the "zone."

 

Enjoy!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you don't mind me asking with regards to your 7 iron. How often do you find yourself hitting greens when it's a 9 iron or PW distance?

 

And when you do miss the green, do you find yourself short more often vs long?

 

I'd be very curious to know.

 

Wouldn't mind if Petunia Sprinkles or Wriggles chimed in either.

 

Thanks

David

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you don't mind me asking with regards to your 7 iron. How often do you find yourself hitting greens when it's a 9 iron or PW distance?

 

And when you do miss the green, do you find yourself short more often vs long?

 

I'd be very curious to know.

 

Wouldn't mind if Petunia Sprinkles or Wriggles chimed in either.

 

Thanks

David

 

That's a tough distance, I'm still trying to figure out the best way to play it. At the moment I'm choking down a half inch or so & swinging easier. I'll hit the green probably 1 in 3 but misses are literally just off.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just picked up this ex demo 7 iron.

 

If it works I may just end up alternating between my two 7 irons every couple of rounds.

 

If not I'll cut it down and give it to my son to play around with at the range, he's a Nike fan.

 

Dudes only got 4 clubs in his bag and he's still ho'ing!

 

Sorry, but this is one of the funniest things I have read around here in a LONG time! :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just picked up this ex demo 7 iron.

 

If it works I may just end up alternating between my two 7 irons every couple of rounds.

 

If not I'll cut it down and give it to my son to play around with at the range, he's a Nike fan.

 

Dudes only got 4 clubs in his bag and he's still ho'ing!

 

Sorry, but this is one of the funniest things I have read around here in a LONG time! :)

 

I wish I had wrote this!!! So so funny!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

New head cover & 52 wedge

 

Looks like you're moving to an all Nike bag....

 

 

Got to say, I like this 4-club golf idea way more than 3 clubs. I think it's because you can carry one of each of the main club types*: woods, irons, wedges, putter. This means, for example, that unlike 3-club golf, you don't have to sacrifice a putter (though you could if you wished).

 

For the record, from my current set up I would probably go 7w, 7i, 56*, putter, though I might put the 4w in on longer courses and stick an 8i on shorter courses. Really interesting. Next time I go for a casual round, I want to try this.

 

 

*Club types here being somewhat arbitrarily decided by me

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah but hoing iron sets or drivers is a little more expensive than a couple of different ex demo irons @ $20 each.

 

You're a genius! You still get to have all the fun of ho'ing for a fraction of the price. The only change I would make is your bag ... there are some really nice pencil or range bags out there that are perfect for this set up.

Driver #1: Callaway Epic Max LS, 9°

Driver #2: Adams Speedline F11, 9.5°

Fairway: Callaway Rogue ST Max LS, 18°

Utility Iron: Titleist 718 AP3, 19°

Irons: Titleist 718 AP1, 5-GW, 24°-48°
UW: Titleist Vokey SM8, 52°F

LW: Titleist Vokey SM8, 60°D
Putter: Cameron Studio Style Newport 2.5, 33"
Ball: Bridgestone Tour B RX
Bag: Sun Mountain Metro Sunday Bag

Link to comment
Share on other sites

New head cover & 52 wedge

 

Looks like you're moving to an all Nike bag....

 

 

Got to say, I like this 4-club golf idea way more than 3 clubs. I think it's because you can carry one of each of the main club types*: woods, irons, wedges, putter. This means, for example, that unlike 3-club golf, you don't have to sacrifice a putter (though you could if you wished).

 

For the record, from my current set up I would probably go 7w, 7i, 56*, putter, though I might put the 4w in on longer courses and stick an 8i on shorter courses. Really interesting. Next time I go for a casual round, I want to try this.

 

 

*Club types here being somewhat arbitrarily decided by me

 

I'm still trying to score low when I play so a putter is a must.

 

Give it a try, it's fun.

 

Loving the simplicity of this bag - I put together a bag with one each wood, hybrid, iron, wedge and putter this winter. I like the simplicity of four clubs even more though!

 

I think I will have to sort through all my extra clubs and use one of my sunday bags to find my ideal four club setup!

 

Let us know how you go.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah but hoing iron sets or drivers is a little more expensive than a couple of different ex demo irons @ $20 each.

 

You're a genius! You still get to have all the fun of ho'ing for a fraction of the price. The only change I would make is your bag ... there are some really nice pencil or range bags out there that are perfect for this set up.

 

Yep, I'll be getting a Sunday bag as soon as I find one on sale.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I played again today and what really stood out is how atrocious my short game is, I mean I knew it was bad but it's really bad.

 

I have to rely so much on chipping in order to score that if my short game is bad then my scores are bad.

 

Also I struggled with driver on the opening holes today which didn't help overall score, however I'm very pleased with my iron play (I'm loving the feel of the Nike 7 iron, also tighter dispersion and better trajectory).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just picked up a new bag

 

Nice Ping bag!

 

I use a Jones Original carry bag most of the time. However, when I play my old Pings from 1975, I play an old Ping bag. The Ping setup is usually a Eye2 3W, 5,8.PW, and Bulls Eye. I've remarked elsewhere, that years ago, I read an article by an English fellow, that the above five are all one needs to play a decent game of golf.

 

He's right.

 

Play well!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just picked up a new bag

 

Nice Ping bag!

 

I use a Jones Original carry bag most of the time. However, when I play my old Pings from 1975, I play an old Ping bag. The Ping setup is usually a Eye2 3W, 5,8.PW, and Bulls Eye. I've remarked elsewhere, that years ago, I read an article by an English fellow, that the above five are all one needs to play a decent game of golf.

 

He's right.

 

Play well!

 

Pretty cool looking Ping there.

 

I really enjoy walking & it allows me to play quick too, I hate long rounds.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just picked up a new bag

 

Nice Ping bag!

 

I use a Jones Original carry bag most of the time. However, when I play my old Pings from 1975, I play an old Ping bag. The Ping setup is usually a Eye2 3W, 5,8.PW, and Bulls Eye. I've remarked elsewhere, that years ago, I read an article by an English fellow, that the above five are all one needs to play a decent game of golf.

 

He's right.

 

Play well!

 

That is one cool Ping bag right there, the moonlite is a great Sunday bag too

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos
      Please put any questions or Comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Thorbjorn Olesen - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ben Silverman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jesse Droemer - SoTX PGA Section POY - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      David Lipsky - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Martin Trainer - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Zac Blair - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jacob Bridgeman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Trace Crowe - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jimmy Walker - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Daniel Berger - WITB(very mini) - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Chesson Hadley - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Callum McNeill - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Rhein Gibson - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Patrick Fishburn - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Peter Malnati - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Raul Pereda - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Gary Woodland WITB (New driver, iron shafts) – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Padraig Harrington WITB – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Tom Hoge's custom Cameron - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Piretti putters - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ping putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Kevin Dougherty's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Bettinardi putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Erik Barnes testing an all-black Axis1 putter – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Tony Finau's new driver shaft – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
       
      • 9 replies
    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies

×
×
  • Create New...