Starting a new adventure . . . Minimalist Golf

[Hertsjoatmon]

Decided to tweak the lofts of my second minimalist set to get it down from 9 to 8 clubs (vs my nike 9).

Previously i had it set up so that there was tighter grouping in the short irons and longer in the longer clubs, but not I am going almost 8* across the board. I'll use it or the Nike set depending on my mood or lend this to friends (with the easier wedges and the driver and wood turned up to their highest lofts)

 

10.5* driver - Callaway BB Fusion

19* 5 wood - Callaway GBB

26* 5 hybrid - Adams Idea A12 pro

34* 7 Iron - Taylormade Tour Preferred MC ('14) (may change this)

42* 9 Iron - currently shopping on ebay to fill this slot... id love an Adams CMB.

50* Wedge - Cleveland CBX / Ping Glide

58* Wedge - Cleveland Smart Sole S / Ping Eye 2 BeCu.

 

Even with a minimalist set, its still hard not to experiment and chop and change clubs! haha

 

 

[kiwihacker]

1 hour ago, Hertsjoatmon said:

Decided to tweak the lofts of my second minimalist set to get it down from 9 to 8 clubs (vs my nike 9).

Previously i had it set up so that there was tighter grouping in the short irons and longer in the longer clubs, but not I am going almost 8* across the board. I'll use it or the Nike set depending on my mood or lend this to friends (with the easier wedges and the driver and wood turned up to their highest lofts)

 

10.5* driver - Callaway BB Fusion

19* 5 wood - Callaway GBB

26* 5 hybrid - Adams Idea A12 pro

34* 7 Iron - Taylormade Tour Preferred MC ('14) (may change this)

42* 9 Iron - currently shopping on ebay to fill this slot... id love an Adams CMB.

50* Wedge - Cleveland CBX / Ping Glide

58* Wedge - Cleveland Smart Sole S / Ping Eye 2 BeCu.

 

Even with a minimalist set, its still hard not to experiment and chop and change clubs! haha

 

 

👍 Very similar loft sequence to my 8 club setup though slightly different clubs.

 

Driver 10.5°

Hybrid 20.5°

5 iron 27°

7 iron 35°

9 iron 43°

Gap wedge 50°

Sand/Lob wedge 58° 

Putter

 

This setup is great. Makes the bag very light to carry but I have almost every club I need. 😎

[Stinger75]

I’ve settled on 10 clubs. Special ordered the G410s to have 6 degree gaps.  
 

G25 Driver 8.5

I25 3 wood 14.5

G410 4 iron 20.5

G410 6 iron 26.5

G410 8 iron 32.5

G410 9 iron 38.5

G410 PW 44.5

Glide 3.0 SS 50

Glide 3.0 Eye2 57

Ping Anser 2 Putter

[timbodtc]

8 hours ago, Stinger75 said:

I’ve settled on 10 clubs. Special ordered the G410s to have 6 degree gaps.  
 

G25 Driver 8.5

I25 3 wood 14.5

G410 4 iron 20.5

G410 6 iron 26.5

G410 8 iron 32.5

G410 9 iron 38.5

G410 PW 44.5

Glide 3.0 SS 50

Glide 3.0 Eye2 57

Ping Anser 2 Putter

That sounds like a fun set-up!

[MPix53]

Stumbled across this thread...

 

Having played a good bit of golf this year alternating between odd and even irons I decided to order a half set of Cobra MB's, 2-4-6-8-PW gives me pretty much the gapping I was looking for.  Will carry a driver/strong 3 wood, 54 degree wedge and a putter and I think that gives me just about everything I need. Might be a bit of a struggle when it's soft but as soon as it firms up the 2i goes far enough on anything upto 6200ish!!

[student of the game]

On 11/20/2020 at 7:53 AM, MPix53 said:

Stumbled across this thread...

 

Having played a good bit of golf this year alternating between odd and even irons I decided to order a half set of Cobra MB's, 2-4-6-8-PW gives me pretty much the gapping I was looking for.  Will carry a driver/strong 3 wood, 54 degree wedge and a putter and I think that gives me just about everything I need. Might be a bit of a struggle when it's soft but as soon as it firms up the 2i goes far enough on anything upto 6200ish!!

You will love the Cobra MBs I put them in my bag late this season they are fantastic. If you are looking for a strong 3 wood I would look at the Speedzone big tour it can be hit from the deck but has a bigger profile which makes it great off the tee.

[cschweitzer29]

Long time follower of this forum but just set up an account so I could comment on this thread.   I'm thirty and have played the same set of irons since I was twelve (yes, for about the last fifteen years my clubs have been too small for me, being now 6'6").  My initial set came with thirteen clubs including the putter and I purposefully even since my teenage years started to dwindle that down to nine.  I ditched the crappy driver and woods, hit my 3 iron off tees, and only ever since invested in off-the-rack wedges and new putters.  I found a lot of clubs crowded within the same yardage, I tended to not like hitting my even clubs, etc.--it was just easier for me to play with less clubs.  Plus, I walk unless the course I play requires you to be in a cart.

 

This thread helped solidify my thought process as I went into my first fit experience for new clubs. 

 

First step: Irons. I've got my irons down with a recent fit: P770 5, 7, 9, and PW.   I wanted to get the gapping closer towards the scoring end of the bag; I'll be heading back for two more wedges to finish off the set.  7 clubs including the putter. 

 

I only play 10-15 rounds a year and about half are at Par 3 places where the longest shot I need is about a 200 carry.  I do plan to add a driver or wood in the future because I do often play places that are 6,500+ yards but for right now I'm good continuing to practice course management with my 215-ish iron shot off the tees.    Slainte! 

 

[jt2gt]

Great day with the shortie yesterday.  First shot with the 48 wedge lip out from the fairway for tap in birdie.  Now I am trying to figure out how to work a 48 into my full bag.🤣

 

Mav Max 3+-- 13.5

Cobra F7 Hyb -- 19

Srixon Z545 5i -- 24

Srixon z945 7i -- 33

Srixon Z965 9i -- 41

Cally MD4 -- 48

Cally MD4 -- 56

Oddy White Hot RX 2

 

Edited November 28, 2020 by jt2gt

[Hertsjoatmon]

I've always been a 2 bag player, a practice / casual set that I carry and then a gamer set which i push. My practice set has been settled on 9 clubs for over a year now but my gamer set has been all over the place. starting at a full 14 with small gapping, going all the way down to 8 when experimenting and now finally settling on 11 (although I may sometimes carry an extra driver (higher lofted and fade bias) and / or chipping wedge depending on how I'm feeling and the course conditions).

• 10.5 cally fusion
• 18 cally GBB wood (I am looking at importing a Super Hybrid though...)
• 22 Adams XTD-Ti hybrid
• 26 Adams A12 pro hybrid
• 31 z565
• 36 z765
• 41 z765
• 46 z765
• 52 CBX
• 58 Smart Sole S 3.0
• Putter

Not as minimalist as i was originally striving for but it gives me a great balance of forgiveness where i need it and accuracy in the scoring clubs. Its been fun taking clubs in and out and figuring out where I can make the most of each situation I'm in...

 

the extra clubs

• 13.5 (turned up to 15.5) XR Speed Driver with a 3 wood shaft. in the N setting. With the shorter shaft and standard lie it ends up playing a few degrees flatter than my main driver (which i play in the D setting). I love the extra control I have with this. I had a mini driver for a bit but still never used it off the turf so figured why not go full driver head. Its definitely a confidence inspiring club when i need to hit a target. Just don't use it in high winds!
• Smart Sole C. I just use this if its especially wet and boggy or if I've not practiced for a month and being extra safe. Yes, its considered a bit naff, but that thing is a weapon around the greens if you just treat the shots like extra long putts.

[vtpachyderm]

Interesting reading this thread. This past season, our golf society had a 3 club matchplay competition at the short 9 hole layout at our course. I played a 7i, 50 deg wedge and putter. As you can see in the scorecard we were playing off the yellows - longest hole was 300m (330yds), so my plan was to make sure I could hit every par 4 in 2, and then manipulate the 7 on all the par 3's.

 

[BallerNate]

Just came across this thread...very interesting concept for sure! Makes total sense, there are definitely a few clubs in my bag that I rarely use and could easily drop. One of those things that people just automatically carry 14 clubs because that’s what’s conventional and come in a set, but I would definitely consider trying this and dropping 4-5 clubs. I’ve actually had multiple rounds this year where I didn’t use my 4, 5, or 6 irons, 56 SW or even my PW for that matter. I just carry all my clubs since I use a push cart or power cart, so no real benefit of taking clubs out, but in a way I already play minimalist golf with the clubs I use most often from my set and could easily drop a few.

[CanadaCal]

I dropped clubs even when riding this year, doesn't really change the outcome much. 

 

I'll play an 8 or 9 club bag all year this year.  Just got a Jones in, and i'm looking forward to building a "half" set of irons this winter.   From the tees I play I rarely need a 5 or 6 iron in the bag.      

 

F9

818H1 21

7-pw

50

58

Spider X

[scomac2002]

I find that I typically play 11 or 12 clubs for any given round.  The thing is that it will be a different assortment of clubs from one course to another, so you end up carrying pretty much a full bag rather than picking and choosing.  Not an issue with a trolley, but definitely something to consider for those who carry.  Probably my most versatile setup was:  D, 7W, 5H, 6-PW, 52, 58, P.

[kvikkenof]

For 2021 (and beyond?) I’ve decided to go with a minimalist: M5 driver, Mavrik Max Heavenwood, Sim Max 7 Hybrid, Smart Sole 4 C and Smart sole 4 S along with a TFI 2135 8.0 putter.

As a weekend wannabe, I decided to get as much help at possible from each club, while still maintaining a sensible gap through the set, and still having a feel for the different swing types (driver, fairway, iron(like) and feel shots.

Thought about putting it all in a Moonlite bag, but ended up spotting a deal on a lightweight stand bag from Big Max.

From gripping down and changing my stance, i can just about reach every distance. 

Edited May 15, 2021 by kvikkenof

[harlequine]

4 hours ago, kvikkenof said:

For 2021 (and beyond?) I’ve decided to go with a minimalist: M5 driver, Mavrik Max Heavenwood, Sim Max 7 Hybrid, Smart Sole 4 C and Smart sole 4 S along with a TFI 2135 8.0 putter.

As a weekend wannabe, I decided to get as much help at possible from each club, while still maintaining a sensible gap through the set, and still having a feel for the different swing types (driver, fairway, iron(like) and feel shots.

Thought about putting it all in a Moonlite bag, but ended up spotting a deal on a lightweight stand bag from Big Max.

From gripping down and changing my stance, i can just about reach every distance. 

Like the forgivness point in this set up. For me the only question is how do you use the chipper? I have had both Smart Sole C & S and l love the S around the green. The chipper was not my taste because it sometimes put a lot of spin on short chips that checked and stopped or gave a funky bounce to the ball. I also tried longer bumps’n runs from the 30-50 yards range and here l got ok results but not better then going with my 8 iron. In my opinion this chipper is not ideal for full shots but more a speciality club around the green.

[mtcowdog]

This is a fun thread. I picked up a hoofer craz-e-lite bag and have started carrying with 11-12 clubs. It’s glorious! I was thinking about how to setup at 10 clubs. Lots of good ideas here. I’m in! 

[kvikkenof]

3 hours ago, harlequine said:

Like the forgivness point in this set up. For me the only question is how do you use the chipper? I have had both Smart Sole C & S and l love the S around the green. The chipper was not my taste because it sometimes put a lot of spin on short chips that checked and stopped or gave a funky bounce to the ball. I also tried longer bumps’n runs from the 30-50 yards range and here l got ok results but not better then going with my 8 iron. In my opinion this chipper is not ideal for full shots but more a speciality club around the green.

I agree with you when it comes to the chipper, in some ways. A while back on a Trackman sim it measured 13000 backspin from a full shot. 
I’ve never seen that kind of Numbers and checks anywhere else, though. 

On the course i use it for both full shots, pitching and chipping - in combination with the S, depending on distances and obstacles. The simplicity of choice is so worth it, IMO

[kvikkenof]

57 minutes ago, mtcowdog said:

This is a fun thread. I picked up a hoofer craz-e-lite bag and have started carrying with 11-12 clubs. It’s glorious! I was thinking about how to setup at 10 clubs. Lots of good ideas here. I’m in! 

Yeah! Hours of reading and giggles 😜

[Tommy56]

5 hours ago, mtcowdog said:

This is a fun thread. I picked up a hoofer craz-e-lite bag and have started carrying with 11-12 clubs. It’s glorious! I was thinking about how to setup at 10 clubs. Lots of good ideas here. I’m in! 

 

Yes, it's a fun journey.  I've worked my way down to 8 clubs and been there for the last several years ... would like to get down to 7.

[harlequine]

One year ago l went away from playing 7-8 clubs in my bag to 12 at the moment. Driver, 5w, 5h, 6-gw, 54*, 60*, putter is my setup. I bought a set of irons because l thought l would score better by playing the right club for every yardage. Of course l have been scoring worse and l lost all confidence in my iron play. Last 2 rounds l needed a change and l took out my Ping Moonlite Bag and filled it with driver, 5h, 8i, pw, 54*, putter. Sooooooo nice to walk again with minimal weight in sunny weather.   This freeing up my mind and instead of indecision l started to see shots, not yardage. I am so close to put my new set of irons on the selling list so l do not get tempted again to play a full bag of 14…

[harlequine]

At the moment l use a Ping Moonlite one strap pencilbag when l use 5-6  clubs and it is dry grass. If it is wet grass l use a Mizuno Aerolite Micro standbag. On rainy days and on my golftravels l have Ping Hoofer Monsoon standbag and l usually have 9 clubs then. The Ping Monsoon is a little to big l think for 5-7 clubs and therefore l am searching for a small standbag that is waterproof. I have my eyes set on https://fastfold-golf.com/product/fastfold-7-standbag-orbiter-rain-dry-black-beige/

Does anyone have any input to this bag???

[kiwihacker]

I always loved playing the following 8 club setup:

 

Driver

20.5° hybrid

27° 5 iron

35° 7 iron

43° 9 iron

50° wedge

58° wedge

Putter

 

Having just upgraded irons to the ZX5 irons the above lofts means I'll be carrying 6, 8, PW instead of my trusty old 5, 7, 9. Hmm... 🤔

 

Shouldn't matter but my OCD mind liked the odd numbers. Plus these new irons, despite the strong lofts, do launch higher. Decisions, decisions. 

[drn92]

15 hours ago, kiwihacker said:

I always loved playing the following 8 club setup:

 

Driver

20.5° hybrid

27° 5 iron

35° 7 iron

43° 9 iron

50° wedge

58° wedge

Putter

 

Having just upgraded irons to the ZX5 irons the above lofts means I'll be carrying 6, 8, PW instead of my trusty old 5, 7, 9. Hmm... 🤔

 

Shouldn't matter but my OCD mind liked the odd numbers. Plus these new irons, despite the strong lofts, do launch higher. Decisions, decisions. 

Same here … I like the 5-7-9-Gap setup but lofts keep getting stronger. I’m looking at a set of PXG’s and the 6 iron is the loft of my typical 4 iron (24 degrees). 
 

drn92

[Soccerrick10]

The golf league I play in has a 3 club tournament 1x / year.  I play a 5 wood, 7 iron and putter.  One yer we played a course back to back with the first being a full 14 club bag and the net was the three club.  Having shot only 1 stroke more with three clubs then the full set really made me wonder about buying, carrying and caring for a full set.

[scruffynick]

2 minutes ago, Soccerrick10 said:

The golf league I play in has a 3 club tournament 1x / year.  I play a 5 wood, 7 iron and putter.  One yer we played a course back to back with the first being a full 14 club bag and the net was the three club.  Having shot only 1 stroke more with three clubs then the full set really made me wonder about buying, carrying and caring for a full set.

I bought a new carpet for the house with what I sold 🤣 made Mrs very happy that I'd got this money from nowhere.....but in truth we really needed a new carpet 

[kthomas]

I'm still rocking the minimalist setup:

 

- 10* Ping G30 driver

- 16* Callaway Epic Flash SZ 3W

- Cobra F7 3H hybrid (set to 19*)

- Ping Rapture 4, 6, 8 & PW

- Ping Glide 2.0 Stealth 52 & 58* wedges

- Odyssey white hot tour #1 putter

 

If I wanted to drop another club and get even more minimalist, I would look at replacing the driver & 3W with the new Taylormade mini driver. That club seems like a great choice for a minimalist setup. 

[SteelieD]

Fun thread! Last few rounds have been… Driver, 4H, 6, 8, PW, 56, P

 

Takes a little getting used to but what a blast! 
 

[kiwihacker]

37 minutes ago, SteelieD said:

Fun thread! Last few rounds have been… Driver, 4H, 6, 8, PW, 56, P

 

Takes a little getting used to but what a blast! 
 

I need to get back to a setup like yours. The only difference is I add a gap wedge for 8 clubs. I used to play D, 3h, 5, 7, 9, GW, SW, Pt with my old clubs but with my new ZX5 irons with the stronger lofts the equivalent would be D, 3h, 6, 8, PW, GW, SW, Pt. 

 

I've been carrying 13 but it's just too heavy. 😫

[SteelieD]

1 minute ago, kiwihacker said:

I need to get back to a setup like yours. The only difference is I add a gap wedge for 8 clubs. I used to play D, 3h, 5, 7, 9, GW, SW, Pt with my old clubs but with my new ZX5 irons with the stronger lofts the equivalent would be D, 3h, 6, 8, PW, GW, SW, Pt. 

 

I've been carrying 13 but it's just too heavy. 😫

It’s super nice on the back! 
 

Funny, I did just throw a GW in the bag for tomorrow’s round. Seems like that was a club I wish I’d had quite a few times. So I’m up to eight clubs. 
 

I play the Z785s and, for me, three of the par 3’s at my muni are an 8 iron so that’s the reason for my selection/gapping. Not sure I’d run this set up on an unfamiliar course but since 90% of my rounds are at my home track, it works well and makes things a little more interesting! 

[pitchnputt]

Played d, 3w, 5w, 7w, 4i, 7i, 9i, gw, putter for years. Dropped the 5w at some point early in.  

 

Going to put a new version together with  8.5*d, 19*h, 7i, pw, (maybe)56, putter

 

It really does make you play the shots and use your brain creatively