Played my last few rounds with 6 clubs...

[jordan2240]

... and I have never had three better rounds in a row. Granted, I am a hacker, and I don't usually keep score, but I had more legitimate birdie chances over those three rounds than I typically have in a season, had maybe 3 'duffs,' and no disaster holes. Clubs are mini-driver, 3H, 6i, 8i, PW, and putter. Couldn't convince my playing buddy to 'lighten up' as he hacked his way around the course. Doesn't really do you any good to try to decide between 5i and 6i when chances are you aren't going to hit it very solidly anyway. I'm 59 and play from the white tees, though most of the courses near me aren't terribly long. I find that having fewer choices makes the game way more fun, and it's also easier to keep the swing consistent. I'm also typically forced to choose a longer club than I might if I had them all, which provides a bit more leeway for error, I think. So anyway, if any of you hackers out here are having trouble with your game, perhaps trying fewer clubs will provide some improvement. Oh, and I typically walk, and carrying a 'Sunday bag' is a breeze.

[Tommy56]

There are a number of minimalist players on this board, and some really good threads including a very lengthy one ... search for “starting a new adventure”

[gvogel]

Welcome to the club.

Check out: Starting a New Adventure...Minimalist Golf.

[Fade]

I played 7 clubs my last round (and first of the season). I had to walk (no carts allowed), I could not procure a push-cart in time, therefore I took a half, Sunday-bag. Driver, 4i, 7i, 9i, gw, sw, putter. On the front 9 I felt I didn't have the right club a few times. On the back 9 I was used to it, I couldn't care less really, as I was having a lot of fun. 25 yard gaps seem to be 'playable', when 'in between', the hole-layout and other conditions make the decision easy, no big deal. I might keep this up, both the walking and the minimalist approach. I will get some enjoyment from 'tweaking' my set-makeup for the next rounds, at different courses, as well.

[jordan2240]

Yeah, Tommy56 mentioned that one and I checked it out. Loooooong thread, but definitely plenty of players taking the minimalist approach.

[jordan2240]

Could be that the covid precautions create a good number of minimalist players. Unless you are a solid ball-striker and can accurately gauge the gaps in your clubs, most people are probably carrying a lot of them just as extra weight. I can guarantee all of the guys I play with are, but psychologically it can be hard to set some aside 'just in case' you think you might need them. Took me a bit to take the driver out, but with the mini, my consistency is way better, and I lost very little distance because I tend to hit it more solidly - but that's another story.

[Sweetdraw]

It's a fun way to play requiring shot making and course management.

I play d, 3WD, 4, 6, 8, PW, 54, putter. I believe it's called a short stack.

[indianagolf2]

Teaches you to hit different shots etc.

[WristySwing]

I have a friend that is basically half set for a good 50-60% of his rounds. He doesn't miss a full bag one bit. Sure he hits the occasional shot long or short but I mean that happens to the best of us even if we have a full bag anyways. Personally I think an 8 club set up is about perfect and would be something like the below. It would hit all the right shot heights I would expect and be able to go more or less after every type of hole, long, short, if needed.

Driver

4 wood

22/23 hybrid or super forgiving long iron

30* forgiving iron

38* iron

46-48* PW

54-58* Wedge

Putter