Simplifying my bag, ended up with only 12 clubs, goodbye long irons!

[theothertwo]

I don't understand why people do not carry all 4 wedges? I get pros can do it, but they are practicing a lot more than the average golfer. The added benefit of an extra wedge to help with bounce shots for the average golfer should be so important to them that they wouldn't want to leave without 4. Let alone carry a bag with 12 or 13 clubs when you have the option to add another club. To me, its just being lazy and not wanting to work on your game or the shots that the extra club would provide to you to make you better and lower your score. My home course either has hardpan everywhere around the green or its thick grass depending on the year. Not having the option for a different shot that is needed because you didn't want to have the correct bounce or loft for the shot. Why do that to yourself. Your making the game harder than it needs to be IMO.

 

I wouldn't necessarily call it "lazy" but I can appreciate some of your other points. If anything, it gave me an opportunity to practice and master using the 2 wedges (or 3 if you count the PW). I should of mentioned that I originally did this to make room for a driving iron in my bag but since then have ditched my hybrid. I could easily go back to the 50, 54, 58 set up any time but I've had a lot of success with just the 52 and 58.

 

 

For me, the 58 with a C grind and about 8 to 10* bounce is ideal.

[jslane57]

I don't understand why people do not carry all 4 wedges? I get pros can do it, but they are practicing a lot more than the average golfer. The added benefit of an extra wedge to help with bounce shots for the average golfer should be so important to them that they wouldn't want to leave without 4. Let alone carry a bag with 12 or 13 clubs when you have the option to add another club. To me, its just being lazy and not wanting to work on your game or the shots that the extra club would provide to you to make you better and lower your score. My home course either has hardpan everywhere around the green or its thick grass depending on the year. Not having the option for a different shot that is needed because you didn't want to have the correct bounce or loft for the shot. Why do that to yourself. Your making the game harder than it needs to be IMO.

It is an interesting argument. Your second sentence said it all, "they are practicing a lot more than the average golfer." I have seen so many poor LW shots because the club is not practiced. Or GW that comes up way short because it is not practiced and just assumed how far it should go. If not practicing a bunch (and there is nothing wrong with not practicing) extra options are just confusing. How many times in life could you say just because I could have another _________ doesn't mean my life would be easier or more successful. The 14 club limit is not always something to strive for...

[Middler]

I carried 13 clubs for most of the last two seasons, and did just fine. I added a 60° wedge about a month ago, knowing I'll only use it occasionally, and not at all some rounds. But if you're allowed 14 clubs, why not IMO.

[bigmoneyp]

I only roll with 11.

 

Mini Driver 14*

Heavenwood 20*

5H 25*

6-PW (46*)

52* (bent to 50*)

58*

Putter

[bullsfan]

I don't understand why people do not carry all 4 wedges? I get pros can do it, but they are practicing a lot more than the average golfer. The added benefit of an extra wedge to help with bounce shots for the average golfer should be so important to them that they wouldn't want to leave without 4. Let alone carry a bag with 12 or 13 clubs when you have the option to add another club. To me, its just being lazy and not wanting to work on your game or the shots that the extra club would provide to you to make you better and lower your score. My home course either has hardpan everywhere around the green or its thick grass depending on the year. Not having the option for a different shot that is needed because you didn't want to have the correct bounce or loft for the shot. Why do that to yourself. Your making the game harder than it needs to be IMO.

 

Well to each their own. I use two wedges and I don't have any problem around the greens and in fact my short game has improved going back to more of a traditional setup for me. Growing up sets consisted of 3-pw with a sw, wasn't until the late 80's and early 90's when lw started gaining popularity and now with the jacked lofts, fitters are saying everyone needs a gw?? Most average golfers tend to see this and have up to 5 wedges in their bags, how confusing does that make it? What if they are in a distance where that can't take that full swing? All these wedges have taken the creativity out of golf. I'll take the simplicity of my two wedges and knowing how to play them any old day over a bag full of different loft wedges.

 

btw, I use 12-13 club depending on the course.

[Shades234]

I don't understand why people do not carry all 4 wedges? I get pros can do it, but they are practicing a lot more than the average golfer. The added benefit of an extra wedge to help with bounce shots for the average golfer should be so important to them that they wouldn't want to leave without 4. Let alone carry a bag with 12 or 13 clubs when you have the option to add another club. To me, its just being lazy and not wanting to work on your game or the shots that the extra club would provide to you to make you better and lower your score. My home course either has hardpan everywhere around the green or its thick grass depending on the year. Not having the option for a different shot that is needed because you didn't want to have the correct bounce or loft for the shot. Why do that to yourself. Your making the game harder than it needs to be IMO.

 

I feel like you're contradicting yourself. Or maybe I'm just lazy or lack creativity, but I carry 4 wedges so that I have to practice less. I have a bunch of different approach yardages at my disposal while making the same swings. I don't have to flop my 56 because I have a 60. Makes my practice more efficient so that I can focus on what really matters...

 

Increasing my driving distance.