Building the right set of clubs is one of the most overlooked aspects of scoring lower in golf. It’s not just about having 14 clubs; it’s about having the right 14 clubs that cover every distance gap, suit your swing speed, and play to your strengths.
Our comprehensive video, “How to Properly Setup Your Golf Bag (For Every Type Of Player)”, breaks down the essential strategy behind club selection. We go beyond the basics to provide customized bag setups for golfers across all skill levels, ensuring you never face a yardage you can’t cover.
The Fundamental Rule: Gapping is King
The goal of a well-organized golf bag is to ensure you have consistent distance gaps of roughly 10–15 yards between each club. This allows you to choose the perfect club for any approach shot.
Most golfers get the driver and wedges right but struggle with the long game: the gap between their 3-wood, utility club, hybrids, and long irons. Our guide helps you fill those crucial voids.
The Three Essential Bag Sections
When setting up your bag, think of it in three distinct sections:
- Long Game (Distance): Driver, 3-Wood, Hybrids, and Utility Irons.
- Mid-to-Short Game (Accuracy): 5-Iron through Pitching Wedge.
- Scoring Zone (Finesse): Wedges (Gap, Sand, Lob) and Putter.
Here is how you should customize those sections based on your handicap:
Custom Bag Setups for Every Golfer
1. The High-Handicapper / Beginner Setup
The beginner’s primary focus should be forgiveness and getting the ball in the air.
| Club Type | Recommendation | Why It Works |
| Long Game | Replace 3-iron and 4-iron with Hybrids (3H and 4H). | Hybrids are easier to hit high and travel further than long irons. |
| Irons | Game-Improvement Irons (Thick top-line, cavity back). | Maximum forgiveness on mishits. |
| Wedges | Focus on three wedges (PW, GW, SW) with high bounce. | Keeps the leading edge from digging, reducing chunks. |
| Total Clubs | 14 clubs (Driver, 3W, 3H, 4H, 5-PW, 52°, 56°, Putter). | Simplifies gapping and maximizes forgiveness. |
2. The Mid-Handicapper Setup (10-18)
The mid-handicapper needs a blend of forgiveness and workability. You can start introducing more demanding clubs.
| Club Type | Recommendation | Why It Works |
| Long Game | One Hybrid (3H or 4H) and one Utility Iron. | Offers controlled trajectory with the utility iron and easier launch with the hybrid. |
| Irons | Players Distance Irons. | Thinner top-line with internal technology for slight forgiveness and better feel. |
| Wedges | Four Wedges (PW, GW/50°, SW/54°, LW/58°). | Essential for covering the 100-yard scoring zone more precisely. |
3. The Low-Handicapper / Scratch Golfer Setup
The low-handicapper prioritizes shot-shaping and feedback. Forgiveness is secondary.
| Club Type | Recommendation | Why It Works |
| Long Game | Driving Iron or 5-Wood. | Preferred for controlling trajectory in windy conditions. |
| Irons | Player’s Blade or Compact Forged Irons. | Maximum feedback and ability to hit deliberate fades and draws. |
| Wedges | Customized Grinds and Lofts. | Specific bounce and grind setups for maximum versatility around the green. |
The 14-Club Limit Explained
Always remember the rules of golf: you are limited to a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag for any competition. Before your next round, check that you are maximizing your club selection based on your true skill level, not your aspirational one.
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