Bag Check...the basics
Don't be Tommy Bolt
Tommy Bolt was a pro golfer in the 50s and 60s. Though a talented player, his temper was what he was known for best, mainly for throwing golf clubs during his rounds. One such story appeared in a book, "It's Unlucky to Be Behind at the End of the Game", with quick hit quotes and stories from sports.As the story goes, Bolt was looking over a 150-yard approach and inquired of his caddie about a club selection, to which the caddie replied, "I'd say either a five-iron or a wedge."
"What kind of choice is that?" asked Bolt.
"Those are the only two clubs you have left, sir," said the caddie.
I would have been looking for a 6- or 7-iron myself. It's obvious to tell you not to throw clubs, but equally important is having the right clubs in your bag to begin your round. But how many clubs do you really need anyway?
Start with the Dirty Dozen...or a Baker's Dozen
Actually, the USGA (United States Golf Association,) the governing body of golf in this country has rules for playing the game. Among those are how many clubs are allowed during sanctioned play. Rule 4-4 stipulates a maximum of 14 clubs during a stipulated round. This generally isn't a difficult rule for recreational golfers to follow, but has proven a challenge for even elite golfers, from time time, trying to determine the right clubs to make all the shots they may need on a particular course.The average set of golf club includes:
- "Woods" - Driver, 3-, and 5-wood
- Irons - 3- through 9-iron
- Wedges - at least a Pitching Wedge
- Putter - for finishing on the green
Into the Woods
The term is antiquated since since they're made of metal, carbon and various composites now, but the fact was that back in the day, woods were, well, made of wood. Solid, large heads (not nearly as big as now) designed to move the ball the greatest distance from the tee or on the fairway. Don't worry about spending too much money on the driver, especially if you are just starting out. This is the club that you will replace the most as you try to develop your swing. It's also the club that will get you in the most trouble. If you can find a set that is the same brand, shaft flex (regular, stiff, etc.) then get them all together for consistency, but really feel comfortable with the 3- and 5-wood. You can get a deal on used clubs based on their cosmetic condition, but still very playable. You can get woods for $10-15 and a decent driver for $20-30. Depending on the deal, you could spend around $40-50 for this combo (or less if you are a savvy shopper).Strike while the Iron's hot
Irons sets are fairly common and these will be the clubs that you use regularly, mostly the 5-iron through PW. The most common setup is 3 through PW, but you will find some 4-P, or additional wedges. I have enjoyed tinkering through the years with various sets. If you want to go cheap then you can get a set for $30-40. Some nicer sets of used clubs can be had for a bargain though. King Cobra SS oversize are valued around $60-90 depending upon condition and Tommy Armour 845s Silver Scots or the oversized version can be found for $50 or less. Both are very nice clubs for a beginner.Wedges can be confusing
There's a little overlap here since most iron sets include at least a Pitching Wedge for your short shot and chips. We've already got eleven clubs in your bag so let's just get to the last, and vitally important club, then we'll back track a bit.Don't be a Putz
The most expensive club in your bag should be a putter. Let's say you're a scratch golfer, shooting par on a regular basis (simply for illustration, it's going to be awhile until you get there.) Most courses are par 72, that's how many shots it will take you to complete a round of 18 holes, 4 shots averaged per hole. You want to have no more than two putts per hole, so even a scratch golfer could be using HALF of their shots on the green with a putter. You may be a bogey or double-bogey player to start. That means even at 108 shots per round (double-bogey golfer) you'll be using your putter up to a third of the time. That's the most (by far) that you'll use any one club.You can also try it out before you buy it to check how it feels. Most sporting goods stores with a decent golf selection have a putting green. Even resellers like Play It Again Sports have a small area where you can test it out. I have an Odyssey White Hot 2-ball putter in my bag which could resell between about $35-50. Ping made some nice old putters years ago, some of which are collectible, so the values can be all over the place.
Extra Time
Twelve clubs makes up the basic bag of tools, and you can do amazing things with them, both good and bad, but you have two more slots you can fill, so what can you do with those? Give yourself more options.Add a sand wedge. This is your first move, because you'll spend some time getting into trouble, even when applying The Uncle Dennis Rule. You'll hit a shot short, or long, or it will go left or right and you'll end up in the sand. This is the best way to get out.
Lastly, add a wood or a rescue club. Including a 7-wood or a hybrid club will give you some wiggle room when you miss a fairway and end up in the rough. A smaller head with more forgiveness on off-center hits, and not having an edge that might dig into the ground will help take your mind off getting the ball in the air and back into a more playable situation. As a beginner, this will likely be a replacement for your 3- or 4-iron, since it will have a similar loft, but again, be easier to hit.
That's the basics, in a bit more than a nutshell. Next time we'll talk more about what NOT to have in your bag.
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