Which 14 clubs should you always carry with you on the golf course
Golf is often described as the “sport of kings” and that’s not necessarily for the reasons people might expect. While it is often perceived as a game solely for the very wealthy, there are actually hundreds of affordable golf clubs out there. But whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there are always going to be a certain number of clubs that are absolutely necessary if you want to give yourself the best shot at a hole in one.
However, with golf regulations stating you can carry no more than 14 golf clubs on the course, which clubs would you want to carry with you at all times as a beginner and intermediate player?
Basic golf club choices
A beginner may carry:
- 2 hybrids or 3 wood
- 3 and 9 iron
- Putter
- Putting wedge
- Gap wedge
- Driver
- Lob wedge
Whereas an intermediate may carry:
- Drivers
- 3 wood
- Pitching wedge
- Sandy wedge
- 4 and 5 hybrids
- 6, 7, 8, and 9 putters
Golf clubs for beginners
The are no rules specifying which golf clubs you must take on a course, only that 14 is the absolute maximum. Indeed, golfers who fail to know what is the minimum number of clubs in a bag and decide to carry more than the maximum club limit would have to face a penalty.
Of course, you don’t even necessarily need to take 14 but one club you will always need is a good golf putter. The putter is the club you’ll use on the putting green to finish off your play and is arguably the most important club in your arsenal.
Beginners will also want to carry a set of irons and wood and at least one driver, which is typically used for the first swing. Of course, as you get more into the hobby and you start to find your style, your choice of clubs is going to change but it’s always best to start off with a more traditional arrangement.
Golf clubs for intermediates
Once you’ve got a hang of the game you might want to start investing in some more unique golf clubs that will take your age to the next level. Hybrid golf clubs are generally easier to control than traditional iron or wood clubs and are significantly more flexible.
Seasoned golfers might also want to try teeing off with something other than a driver. A three wood is a common choice here as there is less control but more power. At this skill level, you might also want to consider adding a gap or lob wedge for pulling off trickier shots.
The best golfers will know when to change up their game and switch up their club selection but that’s something that will take time and patience to figure out. Choosing your golf clubs is all about leaning into your strengths and mitigating your weaknesses.