Starting a new adventure . . . Minimalist Golf

[WipeyFade]

11 hours ago, gvogel said:

You might be a candidate for a mini-driver or very strong fairway wood.  I used to play a Ping Rapture 13* with my short set.  I am now looking at a Titleist TSR2+ 13* fairway wood that I would play at 14* off the tee, and maybe at 43-1/2".  Easier to find the fairway than my driver.

It’s funny you mention that. It’s been a while since making that post, and I have been fortunate to play a lot of golf this year. I have played both my persimmon and Titleist recently and I’m actually hitting the persimmon better. I also have a Taylormade RBZ 3 wood that I’m going to experiment with. I hit it on the sim today and I was getting better numbers with it than with my Titleist, plus it gives me a little more versatility. 

[WipeyFade]

On 1/6/2023 at 10:16 AM, WipeyFade said:

I think I have finally decided on my bag for this year. I have found that golf is most enjoyable when I simplify down to 7 clubs. 

 

Driver- Alternate between Titleist 913 D2 and Todd Demsey Persimmon 

4i- Nike Vapor Speed

6, 8, PW- Mizuno MP-53

54*- Titleist Vokey 200 Series

Putter- Ping Zing 2i

 

I felt like I should update this. Even with a minimal bag I can’t quit changing it up lol. Current bag is:

 

Tee club- Todd Demsey, with an experimental Taylormade RBZ 3 wood

Hybrid- Nickent 3DX 20*
8i- Mizuno MP-53

SW- Maxfli 56

Putter- Ping Zing 2i

 

Recently I’ve dropped down to 5 clubs and my scores are close to the same or even a little lower. Back on June 22, the day after the Summer Solstice, I was inspired by the golfers walking 4 rounds at Bandon to do my own Solstice rounds at my home course. I walked 72 holes with my 5 club set throughout the day. I ended walking over 22 miles and around 42,000 steps. Most of my friends thought I was crazy, but I had a great time and I plan to do that every year as long as I am able. 

[HillbillyHoma]

Thanks to this forum and others online, I dipped my toes into the world of minimalist golf. I enjoy walking a quick 9 holes during the summer evenings. Contrary to what I had thought, my score was not affected in a negative way like I had expected. Having only 9 clubs made it easier on club selection as well. My WITB is attached below...

 

TM BRNR Mini 13.5° w/ GD Tour AD UB 7x

TM Stealth+ 19° w/ GD Tour AD HD 8s

TM p790 4 Iron w/ PX LZ 6.0

TM p790 6 Iron w/ PX LZ 6.0

TM p770 8 Iron w/ PX LZ 6.0

TM p7mc PW w/ PX LZ 6.0

TM MG3 54° w/ KBS $-Taper 120

TM MG3 58° w/ KBS $-Taper 120

Scotty Cameron Select Newport 1.5 (Not Pictured)

 

[gvogel]

19 minutes ago, jbeer7375 said:

Thanks to this forum and others online, I dipped my toes into the world of minimalist golf. I enjoy walking a quick 9 holes during the summer evenings. Contrary to what I had thought, my score was not affected in a negative way like I had expected. Having only 9 clubs made it easier on club selection as well. My WITB is attached below...

 

TM BRNR Mini 13.5° w/ GD Tour AD UB 7x

TM Stealth+ 19° w/ GD Tour AD HD 8s

TM p790 4 Iron w/ PX LZ 6.0

TM p790 6 Iron w/ PX LZ 6.0

TM p770 8 Iron w/ PX LZ 6.0

TM p7mc PW w/ PX LZ 6.0

TM MG3 54° w/ KBS $-Taper 120

TM MG3 58° w/ KBS $-Taper 120

Scotty Cameron Select Newport 1.5 (Not Pictured)

 

Very nice!  But they would look better in a smaller collapsible bag.

[HillbillyHoma]

1 minute ago, gvogel said:

Very nice!  But they would look better in a smaller collapsible bag.

Thanks! I agree! Thinking about getting a Jones Carry Bag.

[gvogel]

Just now, jbeer7375 said:

Thanks! I agree! Thinking about getting a Jones Carry Bag.

Ping Moonlight, Titleist LinksLegend, Titleist Premium Carry bag, or Titleist Carry bag would fit the bill.

[HillbillyHoma]

15 minutes ago, gvogel said:

Ping Moonlight, Titleist LinksLegend, Titleist Premium Carry bag, or Titleist Carry bag would fit the bill.

I have a Ping Crazelite but it’s not the most comfortable to carry.

[WipeyFade]

Since we are on the subject of bags, has anyone had any experience with the Koger Sunday bags? I’ve got a Moonlite now these have peaked my interest. 

[aiyyer]

Yet to find anything better than the Jones Rover.

[Pack7483]

I like the SundayGolf brand bags. I have an El Camino and it is perfect for 10 clubs or less.  

[Mollydooker_78]

Great thread! I have returned to golf after a hiatus due to shoulder and knee surgeries, but coming back, and after following this thread for a while, I knew I wanted to do it going the minimalist route. After a lot of thought and testing of clubs, I decided to cap it at 7 and went with the following:

 

Driver- Titleist TSr2 10 degree

Hybrid- Titleist TSr2 18 degree

Irons- JPX 923 HM 6,8,PW (25, 33, 42.5)

Wedge- Cleveland RTX Full Face 56 

Putter- TaylorMade Truss w/ Superstroke 3.0 Flatso 

Bag- Sunday Golf Loma XL

 

I'm enjoying this setup immensely. After having golf taken away through injury, I just want to have fun out on the course and I'm falling back in love with the game, like I did as a kid when it was simple.

 

Also an FYI, the Loma XL is amazing bag and certainly worth checking out if you're in the market for a new one and rocking 8 or less clubs on the course

[HillbillyHoma]

27 minutes ago, Mollydooker_78 said:

Great thread! I have returned to golf after a hiatus due to shoulder and knee surgeries, but coming back, and after following this thread for a while, I knew I wanted to do it going the minimalist route. After a lot of thought and testing of clubs, I decided to cap it at 7 and went with the following:

 

Driver- Titleist TSr2 10 degree

Hybrid- Titleist TSr2 18 degree

Irons- JPX 923 HM 6,8,PW (25, 33, 42.5)

Wedge- Cleveland RTX Full Face 56 

Putter- TaylorMade Truss w/ Superstroke 3.0 Flatso 

Bag- Sunday Golf Loma XL

 

I'm enjoying this setup immensely. After having golf taken away through injury, I just want to have fun out on the course and I'm falling back in love with the game, like I did as a kid when it was simple.

 

Also an FYI, the Loma XL is amazing bag and certainly worth checking out if you're in the market for a new one and rocking 8 or less clubs on the course

Do you find a big gap between PW and 56°?

[Mollydooker_78]

8 hours ago, jbeer7375 said:

Do you find a big gap between PW and 56°?

It is a large gap, and I did think about an 8th club, but it hasn't really affected me too badly. Wedge play is probably the best part of my game, and it's made me be creative with how I use my PW. Depending on circumstance, I might choke down on the grip, play it forward in my stance or really open my stance up. But that's been the fun part. It's like I'm a kid again and have to make do with one club, therefore try different things to solve the problem. 

[gvogel]

I am thinking of picking up a Titleist Premium Carry bag with the short legs.

 

Anyone have experience with that bag?

[KeepCalmandCarry]

I carry seven:

 

Driver 9*

5w 17.5*
6i 28*
8i 38*
Pw 46*
54*
Putter

Every now and then I’ll face a long par-3 where 5w, even choked down, feels like too much, and a big 6i isn’t enough…but I just make a decision, and commit! This year was my first with a fairway wood—and I’m in love with it. Might one day try and put together a heavy, short-shafted 9w to fill between 5w and 6i. I like the look of ball flights that fly high and drop soft…so my 22* 4i stays in the closet!

 

 

 

 

[golf9596]

Just pulled out my carry bag and set it up for the winter..

 

Driver

Hybrid

5-7-9-52-58

Putter ( not sure I’ll carry it all the time)

[golferino]

34 minutes ago, KeepCalmandCarry said:

I carry seven:

 

Driver 9*

5w 17.5*
6i 28*
8i 38*
Pw 46*
54*
Putter

Every now and then I’ll face a long par-3 where 5w, even choked down, feels like too much, and a big 6i isn’t enough…but I just make a decision, and commit! This year was my first with a fairway wood—and I’m in love with it. Might one day try and put together a heavy, short-shafted 9w to fill between 5w and 6i. I like the look of ball flights that fly high and drop soft…so my 22* 4i stays in the closet!

 

 

 

 

love that bag, i recently started testing a 24 degree ut iron, that could be something to experiment with as well. i think i'm just gonna title it my par 3 club haha because those were the shots i was considering as well.

[Oh Hi Carl]

On 10/11/2023 at 5:50 PM, golf9596 said:

Just pulled out my carry bag and set it up for the winter..

 

Driver

Hybrid

5-7-9-52-58

Putter ( not sure I’ll carry it all the time)

Yeah, who needs a putter?! 

[gvogel]

Current bag - 10/16/23:

 

Titleist 910 D2 12* driver, Ventus TR Red 5R

Ping G25 5-wood, stock shaft

Titleist TSR1 26* hybrid, Atmos Red R

T300 7 and 9-iron, Nippon 950 NEO R

AP2 (714) PW, 105T R

Vokey TVD 54*, 105T R

Odyssey # 7

 

I am scheduled for a cortisone shot in my elbow next week, so I anticipate playing if we get a good day here or there.

 

[HalfSet]

On 9/29/2023 at 5:06 PM, jbeer7375 said:

Thanks to this forum and others online, I dipped my toes into the world of minimalist golf. I enjoy walking a quick 9 holes during the summer evenings. Contrary to what I had thought, my score was not affected in a negative way like I had expected. Having only 9 clubs made it easier on club selection as well. My WITB is attached below...

 

TM BRNR Mini 13.5° w/ GD Tour AD UB 7x

TM Stealth+ 19° w/ GD Tour AD HD 8s

TM p790 4 Iron w/ PX LZ 6.0

TM p790 6 Iron w/ PX LZ 6.0

TM p770 8 Iron w/ PX LZ 6.0

TM p7mc PW w/ PX LZ 6.0

TM MG3 54° w/ KBS $-Taper 120

TM MG3 58° w/ KBS $-Taper 120

Scotty Cameron Select Newport 1.5 (Not Pictured)

 

Awesome setup! Very similar to mine - I swap in a 4 hybrid instead the 4iron and then use a 52 instead of 54 

[54CW]

Paring my bag down after worrying too much about scoring and not about having fun and relaxing. Played a lot of half-sets prior to this year but for some reason I strayed this last summer. I really struggled with approach play and over playing to precise yardages. I left too many shots short thinking that way. My goal with this set up will default to taking more club in most scenarios. 
 

Right now I’m rounding it out to this set up below.

 

TM BRNR 11

G410 3 iron

TM P7MC 4

TM P7MC 6

TM P7MC 8

TM P7MC PW

Ping GFP - 58

Ping Anser 2 

 

This my guide for now with an NCW order placed for four irons. I also have a driver and hybrid I’ll mix in here and there depending on courses and weather.

[trying2scratch]

Final days of golf up north is always a good time to ditch some clubs and add some beverages to the bag 🍻😜

 

My Crazy 8's winter bag(Datrek Trekker):

 

Radspeed cranked up to 10.5

Adams LSP 18*

5,7,9 Maxfli A10 Tour Ltd

48* Scratch 8620 DS

56* Scratch 8620 DD

Putter

 

 

[thedunedain]

For the ones that like to bounce between short set and normal size set, do you have a dedicated short set? If so, are the specs (shafts mainly) the same as your normal set?  There's a lot of 9 hole golf around me and I'd like to get into doing 9 after work with a half set coming up in the summer, but am wondering that if I veer too far off my current specs that the inconsistency would throw me off from bouncing between sets.  I also find it appealing to use different iron heads than my traditional gamers though so caught in a pickle 

[gvogel]

6 minutes ago, thedunedain said:

For the ones that like to bounce between short set and normal size set, do you have a dedicated short set? If so, are the specs (shafts mainly) the same as your normal set?  There's a lot of 9 hole golf around me and I'd like to get into doing 9 after work with a half set coming up in the summer, but am wondering that if I veer too far off my current specs that the inconsistency would throw me off from bouncing between sets.  I also find it appealing to use different iron heads than my traditional gamers though so caught in a pickle 

I use my same clubs (which live in my car) and just remove the clubs that I don't want to carry.

 

For me, that's getting easier.  My bag consists of driver, 5-wood, hybrid, 7-9, PW, SW, Putter.  I remove the 8-iron.

Next year I hope to add a 23* hybrid to the 26* hybrid, and a 7-wood.  Those would come out when I carry.

 

If I left my bag at the club, I would have a back-up driver with the same shaft (Ventus Red 5R), another 5-wood, Hybrid, 7 and 9-iron with the same Nippon 950 NEO, and a PW and SW.  I already own a set of irons that would be reshafted, and the PW.  My present 54* SW would be replaced by a new one in the main set.  I am currently using an old Titleist 12* driver, and have a new TSR1 12* driver on order.  One would be designated back-up.  But that probably won't happen as I like to keep my clubs handy.

Edited November 9, 2023 by gvogel

[Tommy56]

Personally, I've found it simpler to just stick to one bag set-up (7 clubs in my case) no matter the course, carry or ride.  I know exactly what to expect with each club and never second guess which ones to swap in/out.  Again, that's just what works best for me.

[14max]

I love this thread.  My retro/nostalgia minimalist setup is below.

 

10* Callaway FT-3 (Aldila NV 65 (S))

17.5* Callaway Steelhead (Callaway Memphis "10" '98)

5/7/9/S PING ISI-S (PING AWT 2.0 (R))

PING Darby (35")

Jones Players Series #001

[GMcF]

Long time lurker here and I have enjoyed reading through this thread and thought I would join in.

 

I am quite partial to playing a half set but always found myself reverting back to my full set (12 clubs) when playing comps/medals or new courses however I am committing to using my half set full time going forward as I find it a lot more enjoyable, comfortable (I carry 100%) and my scores are generally not affected and are often actually better.

 

My current set up is;

 

Titleist TS3 Driver - 10.5deg

Titleist 915H Hybrid - 19deg (18 adjusted)

Titleist 716CB 5 iron - 27deg

Titleist 716CB 7 iron - 35deg

Titleist 716CB 9 iron - 43deg

Vokey SM8 - 52deg

Vokey SM8 - 58deg

Scotty Cameron Futura X

Ping moonlite pencil bag

 

I'm contemplating bending the 52 deg to 51 deg to satisfy my OCD and keep the 8deg gap from 9i. Any thoughts on this?

 

Thanks. 

 

 

[GMcF]

On 10/9/2023 at 1:23 AM, gvogel said:

I am thinking of picking up a Titleist Premium Carry bag with the short legs.

 

Anyone have experience with that bag?

 

I bought the 2023 Titleist premium carry bag with the short manual legs earlier this year but just recently sold it. I really wanted to like it as I have all Titleist clubs but disliked the following things;

 

1. The material of the bags feels quite cheap and I didn't think it would hold up too well long term. I appreciate the material is probably similar to the current players 4 etc but coming from a 10yr old Titleist stand bag, the quality was noticeably poorer. 

2. The bag doesn't have a proper base, and is very flimsy feeling.

3. The bag does not have a waterproof belly and with the issue above, if the ground was wet it would actually soak through and my grips were becoming wet.

4. When you fold down the mini legs they would sometimes get caught in the shafts and dig in to my back this resulted in me keeping the legs out all the time when carrying which probably looks a bit silly.

5. Only 3 dividers, clubs can get stuck easily, even when carrying a half set. 

 

I've went back to a Ping Moonlite which I feel is a much better bag in every way.

Edited November 14, 2023 by GMcF

[JungleJimbo]

40 minutes ago, GMcF said:

Long time lurker here and I have enjoyed reading through this thread and thought I would join in.

 

I am quite partial to playing a half set but always found myself reverting back to my full set (12 clubs) when playing comps/medals or new courses however I am committing to using my half set full time going forward as I find it a lot more enjoyable, comfortable (I carry 100%) and my scores are generally not affected and are often actually better.

 

My current set up is;

 

Titleist TS3 Driver - 10.5deg

Titleist 915H Hybrid - 19deg (18 adjusted)

Titleist 716CB 5 iron - 27deg

Titleist 716CB 7 iron - 35deg

Titleist 716CB 9 iron - 43deg

Vokey SM8 - 52deg

Vokey SM8 - 58deg

Scotty Cameron Futura X

Ping moonlite pencil bag

 

I'm contemplating bending the 52 deg to 51 deg to satisfy my OCD and keep the 8deg gap from 9i. Any thoughts on this?

 

Thanks. 

 

 

IMHO... if the 52* wedge is working well ... i wouldn't mess with it w.r.t. bending it to 51* (which would change the bounce too i.e. reduces the bounce by the same loft adjustment?)
happy golfing.

Edited November 14, 2023 by JungleJimbo

[gvogel]

1 hour ago, GMcF said:

 

I bought the 2023 Titleist premium carry bag with the short manual legs earlier this year but just recently sold it. I really wanted to like it as I have all Titleist clubs but disliked the following things;

 

1. The material of the bags feels quite cheap and I didn't think it would hold up too well long term. I appreciate the material is probably similar to the current players 4 etc but coming from a 10yr old Titleist stand bag, the quality was noticeably poorer. 

2. The bag doesn't have a proper base, and is very flimsy feeling.

3. The bag does not have a waterproof belly and with the issue above, if the ground was wet it would actually soak through and my grips were becoming wet.

4. When you fold down the mini legs they would sometimes get caught in the shafts and dig in to my back this resulted in me keeping the legs out all the time when carrying which probably looks a bit silly.

5. Only 3 dividers, clubs can get stuck easily, even when carrying a half set. 

 

I've went back to a Ping Moonlite which I feel is a much better bag in every way.

Thank you for the report on the Titleist Premium Carry Bag.  I was considering that, but find the Moonlight is very well made.  I'll be sticking with the Moonlight next year, and beyond.