Tell me about Minimalist golf...

[Hit em good]

I'm starting to get curious about this Minimalist golf concept.  The idea of walking with a small carry bag and a few clubs sounds like a great idea this Fall. 

 

So, what is Minimalist golf all about?  Why do you do it?  Are there a max number of clubs to be legit at it?  What is your set up?  Is there a common set up?  Any other standards?  And anything else about it.  Thanks fellas. 

 

Hit em good

[chipa]

There's a few threads on this topic and even a WITB.

 

I have a 9 club minimalist set (I built myself) and from what I've seen most sets run 7-10 clubs.

 

I walk with a friend which I really enjoy. Since my clubs are new I still don't have the yardages down. My G is 128, 9i 150 yards and I think the 7i is 172 and the 5i 195 and the 4i off the tee 210 but since my course is hilly and there generally is a breeze I don't quite have them down yet. I also have a 4 wood and a driver. I'm still trying to trust myself by taking more club and swinging easier but I am consistently flying it over the green so I think I'm going to have to learn how to choke down. 

[14max]

My minimalist set is 10 clubs.  I cover all my gaps and am very happy that I can carry like I did when I was in my 20s.  To me, that's what it's all about: having the freedom to walk without a real burden.  The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and a real connection to the course...

[drn92]

1 hour ago, Hit em good said:

I'm starting to get curious about this Minimalist golf concept.  The idea of walking with a small carry bag and a few clubs sounds like a great idea this Fall. 

 

So, what is Minimalist golf all about?  Why do you do it?  Are there a max number of clubs to be legit at it?  What is your set up?  Is there a common set up?  Any other standards?  And anything else about it.  Thanks fellas. 

 

Hit em good

I find it is more creative. I also prefer to carry when I play, it is just easier than bringing my push cart and worrying about where and when to park it on each hole. I definitely save a little time as well since I can walk pretty much wherever I need to on the course. 
 

My scores have not changed that much. I’ve been a mid single digit for the last 25 years. Most of the time I find that I do not have a “stock” shot from the fairway. There is always a need to hit it high, or bring it in right to left, or keep it under the wind, so it seems like being between clubs is no big deal. 
 

The biggest improvement for me has been learning where to miss. I need to get better at this, but not short siding myself has been the best move for my scores. 
 

drn92

[DMartini]

use and carry the least amount of clubs possible, but what to drop.... that gets my OCD pinging! 

 

thinking of doing a summer carry bag up myself, will be following this for appropriate info. 

[jas904]

I like to go out in the evenings with my vintage irons (either Hogan Apex or Macgregor 1025) and use driver, 2hybrid, 4,6,8,PW, 56, and putter. Surprisingly my scores are just about the same as my gamers. 

[Tommy56]

There are a number of threads here, especially the long one entitled: Starting a new adventure... Minimalist Golf 

 

Since becoming a dedicated minimalist player several years ago, I love the game more than ever and have continued to lower my handicap.

 

Regarding max number of clubs – my opinion is something less than 10.

[Myherobobhope]

12 hours ago, Hit em good said:

I'm starting to get curious about this Minimalist golf concept.  The idea of walking with a small carry bag and a few clubs sounds like a great idea this Fall. 

 

So, what is Minimalist golf all about?  Why do you do it?  Are there a max number of clubs to be legit at it?  What is your set up?  Is there a common set up?  Any other standards?  And anything else about it.  Thanks fellas. 

 

Hit em good

 

There's not a checklist to be a "minimalist" golfer... it's just an effort to bring the least you need to play a round of golf (without it being a 3 club challenge). 

 

You want an ultralight bag (ditched of everything buy basically tees and balls), enough clubs to play a round of golf and a course that's walkable. 

 

I don't have one, but could easily build one... I'd probably go: Driver, Hybrid, 6, 8, PW, SW and Putter. I'd have a pretty huge gap between 6 and hybrid but other than that it would be about 20 yards between clubs... Just cut your bag in half, play a round and see what you miss.

[kleydejong]

I am not a full time minimalist.  I have my main gamer bag that I play most of the time.  But I put together a Sunday bag with a half set that I take out a few times a month.  It generally involves me going solo, walking, early in the morning or later in the evening, playing for fun, wishing to relax and enjoy the course, and it gives me an opportunity to play old iron sets I keep for nostalgia.  I think it helps me tap into the purity of the game and why I love it so much. 

 

Some other observations about these rounds:

 

- I usually play quite fast.  I'll sometimes do 3 holes in 30 minutes over a lunch break or before work.  9 holes in about 75 minutes.  The exercise is also really nice.

- I usually score just as well as with the full set. 

- I feel more creative and enjoy the challenge of shot shaping. 

- I finish the round feeling excited and invigorated.  I always wonder why I don't do it more.

 

To me the ideal set is about 7-8 clubs.  As a starting point I would try something like:

 

Driver - hybrid - every other iron - 56 wedge - putter

 

Had a great night with my 5 year old earlier this week.  We played 9 at dusk.  The rusty Titleists feel fantastic.

 

 

[robdalky]

I enjoy it.. big fan of being able to carry and walk without risking my back. I’ve even taken it to the point of taking a half bag to money games, as I found it rarely seemed to cost me more than a shot or two a round, and made me a much more capable player with in between yardages and controlling trajectory. I also don’t think I’ve ever lost a game with a half bag, I think it gets in a competitors head for some reason. I like to go:

driver, 4, 6, 8, p, 54, putter. 7 clubs. 
My other setup is driver, 3,5,7,9,50,58, putter, which is an additional club (8).

3 balls, couple tees, divot tool, that’s living.

 

i have played entire rounds with 4 clubs (driver, 7, 50, putter) but that’s unusual.

[OldCuss]

Notwithstanding the real inspiration for the score, Appalachian Spring, a soothing piece of music, includes the melody of "'tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free."

 

Simplicity. To unburden. To find ourself in the place just right.

 

Old Cuss

[RogerinNewZealand]

First thought is a Doxen clubs and two cans beer for 14. I have had mini sets 5 plus years ago with shoulder bag. 5 7 9 52 58 22 4 hybrid 4wood Putter is Eight.Great for 7.30pm fast 9 holes

[scruffynick]

Been minimalist for a while now, gave up golf for family reasons in 2010 then started up again in 2015, but I found I hated pushing or carting 14 clubs in a big heavy bag. I've got a locker and I just finish my round and put my stuff in and head for the bar. Anyway, I just enjoy golf so much more as I have one goal shot 78 or lower.... That's the fun target. 

I play 8 clubs mainly.... Driver, 5 wood, 4,6,8,pw,sw & putter.... Nice and lite in a lite weight carry bag.... But I need a stand as in the uk I can get caught out with the weather being utterly bonkers 

[animalgolfs]

9 clubs playing at yardage 

 

6 clubs playing muni's