Bonus Post: What’s in My Bag – 2014

Over the years I have posted the composition of my playing set to let you know where my thinking is going, and just to have some fun. This year I’ve stopped turning in scores for a USGA handicap (never used it anyway). I simplified my swing to take the load off my back.

I simplified my bag, too.

Driver – Titleist 975D, 11.5 degrees
Hybrid – Ben Hogan CFT, 21 degrees
Irons – Ben Hogan Apex Red Line 5, 7, 9
Wedge – Vokey 56/08
Putter – Ping G2 Tess

That’s it. Seven clubs. Lets me carry, which gives me a greater sense of communication with the course and my shots (whatever that means). Also forces me to be creative, which is lots of fun.

How am I doing, scoring-wise? I played the back nine one Monday morning and shot 38. I played the front nine the next Monday morning and shot 36, from tees appropriate to my length. Can’t say I miss the clubs in the gaps.

You might not, either.

7 thoughts on “Bonus Post: What’s in My Bag – 2014”

  1. Yes really rate this approach for getting a lot out of the game- it’s much more fun , you develop real feel for the game and a variety of shots -and it speeds up the game no end.. .try to hit fades…. draws (if you want to hit it further) and just learn to improvise. Funnily enough I usually use the same combination; 3 wood/ 21 degree hybrid/5 /7/9+wedge of some sort! (GPS devices have no place either!!)

  2. My “legacy set”–I’ve been through the alphabet, and these are the clubs that will see me through my dotage, to the 5500 yard course in the sky…
    Ping G20 10.5* driver and 16.5* 4 wood. Karsten 4 & 5 hybrids, 6-PW, 54* (bent to 55*) Tour Gorge Wedge, Scottsdale putter.
    I am always looking for clubs to leave in the car, but Ping did a great job gapping these clubs. So, here’s my “To Do” list for thinning the herd:
    Try 5 hybrid for shots that need to start out low and run along the ground and pull the 6 iron that’s $ on those shots but not much longer than 7 iron on full shots.
    Try 7 & 9 irons for chipping to see if either comes close to 8 iron (knocked one in from 50′ today, plus two kick in pars) in that category.
    Compare full shot distance on 9 iron & PW to see if I need both.
    This is always a fascinating topic for me–thanks for the update!

    1. I think you have the idea. Figure out which shots you want to use to get the ball around the course, then take the clubs with you that hit those shots and leave the rest home.

      1. Road tripping to Maine with my wife, so lightening the load took on more urgency. The sticks that made the cut:
        Ping G20 10.5* driver
        Ping G20 18* 5 wood
        Karsten 22* 4 hybrid
        Karsten 30.5* 7I
        Karsten 40* 9I
        Tour Gorge 54* (bent to 55*) wedge
        Scottsdale putter
        I have approximately 20 yard gaps, but these clubs cover the shots I need. I am looking forward to fall golf.

    2. yep this is sound thinking and with the winter coming up and wheels to be avoided this is the way to go. I’m constantly trying different combinations -currently 3 wood/21degree rescue (Sonartec brilliant) 5/7/9/ and if nothing else a 58 degree wedge/ blade putter WS8813.

      Don’t leave clubs round the course when I carry!!

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