Do You Think Reducing the Number of Clubs Can Improve Distance Control?

I have played tournaments that require we just use 4 clubs and it is amazing how well you can play with just 4.

no contest

Pros will find a way to make it work for them.

The number of clubs won’t matter. Pros could play different shots with different clubs to accomplish what they need to do. It still is a bomb and edge game. Change courses to more doglegs and put traps and narrow fairways at 280-320 yards. Why do you have a boxing writer writing about golf?

I would go a step farther. How about giving them the following 10 clubs from their favorite manufacturer: seven irons: 60, 54, 48, 42, 36, 30, 24 degrees; two metals: 17 degree fairway metal and a 10 degree driver; and their choice of putter. Uniqueness would still be found in shape, size, materials and shafts. This would force shot making, reduce driving distance and save the backs of caddies. In fact, we should all play with such a set.

I think the reality remains to be seen. But, fewer clubs will create a more strategic approach on each hole. Hitting fairways and target distances would become crucial.

Make all heads smaller, perhaps to 80’s dimensions. Driver reduced to 325 to 350 ccs.

If you limit the number of clubs the pros can use, then you might impact overall scoring for the round. They would have many more shots to vary their swing length and speed and probably carry fewer wedges and hybrids.

But it will cut back the endless discussions on club choice and lighten the unnecessary load for caddies

A driver in the bag and one less wedge I.e. 52 degree will not affect the pro and his performance Mr. Pat Savannah. GA

It will make it worse

Reducing the number of clubs is an interesting thought. Let’s assume players select a driver and putter. Now, you only have 7 clubs. I believe most carry 3 wedges, now you’re down to 4. What are the 4, 9 wood, hybrid, 6 iron, 8 iron?

Actually, I like the idea of going back to persimmon woods, where woods were woods. I had a swing speed of 114 and, if hit well, I could go 265, which was super when I was 25.

Not having a club specifically for a given shot will require a skill to adjust swing for a club that may be too long or short for a given shot. It’s called shot making which has gernerally gone by the wayside with technology.

Starter’s set used to be only 7 clubs

If number of clubs was limited the tour players would just add specialized wedges to limit their yardage gaps. Longer irons would no longer be needed so they would carry 9 clubs, Driver, long wood, putter, 4 or 5 wedges and one ore 2 irons to use on each course for their specific par threes. Wouldn't accomplish any of the intended results, but would completely eliminate short hitters on tour.