Equipment
Building the perfect half set
Beyond physically putting clubs together, one of my favorite games to play is trying to build the ideal half set, and taking it out for some testing on the course. The goal is to see how few clubs I can play with before it becomes a detriment to my game and my scoring—while still having fun trying to hit all kinds of creative shots along the way
Many golfers have, at some point, played the “three-club challenge” (three including a putter), but that often becomes an exercise in caution and course management instead of what many would consider a usual round of golf. Although from the conversations I’ve had with golfers about trying out an extremely reduced set, the consensus generally ends up at, “I shot one of my best scores in a long time.”
I’m not sure how that sentiment potentially relates to handicap or not, but one way or the other, it’s a great way to lighten the load and have some fun thinking differently about your shots.
My ideal half set consists of 7-8 clubs including a putter, but in some cases, I will take it all the way down to 5-6. I love having the option to play with a full set and most times do, but I have gone weeks playing only with my half set and don’t see a noticeable variation in my scoring.
It actually makes me question why I carry a full set and in the grand scheme of golf. I think it would be one of the most entertaining experiments to have a PGA Tour event where players are limited to seven clubs. It would have the potential to make gearheads and the general fan engage in an interesting conversation.
Whatever way you choose to build your set, this is a quick start guide to play your best half set golf.
Thinking Your way Through Building a Half Set
- The Putter: This is the one club that probably isn’t going anywhere (unless you are a virtuoso putting with a bellied wedge). You are going to be using this club on every hole, and depending on your comfort level hitting certain shots, you might end up using it further off the green than normal—cheers to the imagination! Build out from here, because shots inside 100 yards are still going to take up the majority of strokes on your card, and your putter is going to save you shots.
- The “Wedge”: Remember that it wasn’t until the last generation of golfers that players started using a lob wedge. Tom Watson famously never put one in the bag and only carried up to a 56-degree. The ideal loft to start your set with is 52-54 degrees, because you can still hit shots out of the sand if needed, and it’s a great club to still hit full shots with—something that many golfers struggle to do with a lob wedge.
- Your “Go-To” Shot: I think most golfers agree that trying to get more out of a club distance-wise often ends with less than great results. This is why as you go through your set and start to pick clubs, it’s important to think about your favorite go-to shots. You want to do everything you can to avoid standing over a ball trying to manipulate a club because you don’t have “that distance” in the bag. This is hugely important when you realize that close to 90 percent of hazards are placed in front of the green or target areas and being able to get over comfortably should be priority number one.
- Know Your Iron Lofts: Most modern sets have 4-5 degrees between each club, but as you get to the longer irons, even towards the middle of the set (7-iron to 5-iron) loft gaps can get smaller quickly, and for some this can equal a diminishing point of return on distance gapping. Don’t just grab every other iron, take a few minutes to think about the carry distance of each club, because that’s going to be important.
- A Driver is Still Important: We all cant be Henrik Stenson with a 12-degree 3-wood we hit 300 yards. Unless you have plans to go truly minimalist, keeping a driver in the bag is a good idea. It is the largest and most forgiving club off the tee and will help put you into places that will make second shots a lot easier.
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- Jason Day what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.
Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees @10)
Shaft: TPT Driver 15 Lo
3-wood: TaylorMade SIM Max (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80 X
7-wood: TaylorMade Stealth (21 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80 X
Irons: Srixon ZX5 Mk II (3, 4), Srixon ZX7 Mk II (5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X Seven
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (52-08F, 56-10S, 60-04T), Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Tour Rack (56-10 MID, 52-10 MID)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X Seven
Putter: TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Spider Limited
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Bridgestone Tour B X (with Mindset)
Check out more in-hand photos of Jason Day’s WITB here.
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- Ludvig Åberg what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.
Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, D4 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
7-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 9 X
Irons: Titleist 718 TMB (2), Titleist T200 (2), Titleist T100 (4-PW)
Shafts: KBS Tour Hybrid 105 X (2), KBS Tour 130 X
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (50-08F, 54-10S, 60-08M, 60-04T), WedgeWorks Proto (60-10V)
Shafts: KBS Tour 130 X
Putter: Odyssey White Hot Versa #1
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Check out more in-hand photos of Ludvig Aberg’s clubs in the forums.
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We have seen a few new mini drivers from the likes of Titleist and TaylorMade being tested out on tour recently. Now, Callaway looks to be jumping into the mix at the RBC Heritage. We spotted Christian Bezuidenhout testing out a new Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 mini driver on the range. We don’t have any details yet but the club clearly states “mini driver” on it, and the “340” could easily refer to how many CCs the head is.
What we do know is that this mini driver has a very similar design to the current Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 3-wood. The sole looks to be made from steel or titanium, not forged carbon like the Paradym Ai Smoke drivers. It has weights up near the face and at the back of the club. Callaway’s OptiFit hosel is also present on this driver to allow loft and lie adjustments, and if you look closely on the face, you can make out the “Ai Smart Face” text at bottom center. The crown looks to have the familiar carbon fiber weave and Ai Smoke logos we have seen on the current clubs.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke DUW
The other Callaway prototype that was spotted looked to be a little more of a traditional fairway wood — but with non-traditional weight placements on it. Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke DUW looks to have four adjustable weights on it — two on the sole, one on the hosel, and one on the toe. This hosel isn’t adjustable, and I would assume that is to save some weight from creating spots for the movable weights.
It is hard to tell from the photos, but the face looks to be a touch deeper than the traditional Triple Diamond fairways. This deeper face could be where the “DUW” name comes from. With three weights all pushed forward near the face this DUW has to be a very low spinning and launching head. The sole is made from metal and similar in design to the current Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond fairway woods as is the carbon crown.
- Check out more of our photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage here.
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Jason Day WITB 2024 (April)
Jason Day what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees @10) Shaft: TPT...
Ludvig Åberg WITB 2024 (April)
Ludvig Åberg what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, D4 SureFit setting)...
Max Homa WITB 2024 (April)
Max Homa what’s in the bag accurate as of the Masters. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting) Shaft:...
Bryson DeChambeau WITB 2024 (April)
Driver: Krank Formula Fire Pro (6 degrees) Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75g 6.5 Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver...
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ShortGolfer
Jun 23, 2021 at 9:16 pm
13 driver, 21 wood, 27 hybrid, 32 7I, 54 PW, 59 SW, Putter (7 clubs)
Rey S Tolentino
Mar 26, 2021 at 5:49 pm
Driver, 19 Hybrid, 5 & 8 Irons, 56 SW, Putter = 6
John Gleason
Apr 7, 2020 at 9:13 pm
I shot my career low 66 last month w only carrying 10 clubs
Paul
Apr 2, 2020 at 8:56 am
During these stressful times, I have been walking with 7 clubs including a putter. Surprised that my scores have not gone uo. I carry a lob wedge, pitching wedge, 7 iron, 3 hybrid, heavenwood, and driver..
Lou
Mar 30, 2020 at 1:05 pm
I switched to walking with a half set two years ago and I love it…it feels like real golf, go where you want, enjoy the day
Dale
Mar 30, 2020 at 11:15 am
Recently I’ve been taking only irons and playing the forward tees about once a week. Definitely is helping my iron game.
WhoaNellie
Mar 30, 2020 at 10:59 am
“Full” Set, or, Nine is Fine – 11* D, 18.5* 5W, 26* 5H, 31* 7I, 36* 8I, 41* 9I, 46* PW, 56* SW, P
Half set – 11* D, 18.5* 5W, 26* 5H, 36* 8I, 46* PW, 56* SW, P
Half Dozen Set – Drop the D
Thrive with 5 – 18.5* 5W, 31* 7I, 46* PW, 56* SW, P
3 and a P – 18.5* 5W, 36* 8I, 56* SW, P
3 Club Cfhallenge – 18.5* 5W, 46* PW, P
1 and Done – 31* 7I
I think about this far too much, but as that great American thespian and golfer, Clint Eastwood said, “A man’s got to know his limitations …” I only use 9 clubs for my Thursday scramble outings. Half set is my “own score” set unless the D is not cooperating, then I go with Half Dozen. I am probably most comfortable with Half Dozen–hit the 5W once (longer par 3), twice (par 4), or 3 times (par5) and then scramble to clean it up.
joro
Mar 30, 2020 at 10:26 am
No matter what your combo is you are probably finding out your scores are about the same as a full set. One thing is I have found out is that there are fewer decisions than with more clubs to choose from and it also improves your shotmaking to have to speed up or slow down your swing, in other words control the shot. I have tried it all and very little difference in scoring, even to a one time 1 over par with a six iron and a putter. But the main thing is make it fun and learn from it, you would be surprised how it ends up.
Acemandrake
Mar 30, 2020 at 11:49 am
All true. Learn while having fun & you’re never “between clubs”. 🙂
Karsten's Ghost
Mar 29, 2020 at 7:43 pm
6 clubs, if you must.
Driver, 19h, 6i, 9i, 54, putter.
If it’s down to just one club, I’ll take the 8-iron. I can putt with it.
Night putter
Mar 28, 2020 at 5:10 pm
7 clubs
2 woods. Driver, 5w Calloways
2 irons . 5 & 8 Hogan edge plus
2 wedges. Pw & sw Ping becu zing2 & eye2
Putters
tocino
Mar 28, 2020 at 2:36 pm
Driver
3 Hybrid
4, 6, 8, P
58*
Putter
I actually have this setup in the back of my car for whenever i have time to stop by the range after work. The irons are all miss matched between Titleist AP2, 714 AP2, 716 AP2, and a SCOR PW. I’ve been meaning to get a sunday bag to keep everything together. Haven’t tried this set yet playing an actual round but i could probably do “ok” if i had to
Dane Dresch
Mar 28, 2020 at 10:34 am
Modern 10 Club
Driver
3-wood
19 Hybrid
4 utility Srixon U65 23*
6 Game Improvement Srixon 565 31*
8 Forged Cavity Back Srixon 765 38*
PW Blade Srixon 965 46*
Cleveland RTX 3 52*
Cleveland RTX 3 *60
Cleveland TA Milled 2
Alex
Mar 27, 2020 at 11:35 pm
Driver, hybrid, 4 iron, 6 iron, 9 iron, 55 wedge, flat stick
Bob Jones
Mar 30, 2020 at 10:03 am
Yep. That’s my lineup, too.
Joe Exotic
Mar 27, 2020 at 10:45 pm
What is the driver set at? It’s 8* and set even lower, dang!!
Josh
Mar 27, 2020 at 9:48 pm
Driver
7 wood
6 iron
8 iron
PW
56
Putter
WhoaNellie
Mar 30, 2020 at 10:16 am
Nay laddie. I turn 67 on Friday, arthritic knees, achy right shoulder, decidedly non-hipster. I don’t need 11 clubs to divide up the paltry distance between D and SW.
WhoaNellie
Mar 30, 2020 at 10:25 am
Also, my vision is going. My comment should be on the post below.
Jbone
Mar 27, 2020 at 9:08 pm
Half sets are so hipster
dave
Mar 27, 2020 at 8:36 pm
Happened to have just posted on this in the thread re Linksoul Color Theory irons the other day. Here’s my post cut and pasted:
Highly recommend trying a short bag. With a short bag I’m currently scoring as well as or better than I ever have with a full bag.
Have always enjoyed playing with one club (usually 4 iron) or three clubs (usually hybrid/5w/7w, 8 iron and putter).
I’ve been playing with only 7 or 8 clubs since early January. D, 3w, 22 deg hybrid, 6i, 8i, (PW), SW, P. Irons are Mizuno MP-69.
Played for a long time with 7 clubs, added PW a few weeks ago. But haven’t scored better since adding it.
I have played to or below my current hcp. in every round since I switched to the short set (about 10 rounds), though admittedly my hcp was a bit high going into the no-score-posting season — it was a 12, usually a 9 or 10.
I also shot my lowest lifetime score on my home course on a crappy cold and wet day in January — WITH 7 CLUBS.
I carry a single strap Jones bag with no stand and it’s an absolute joy to walk our very hilly course with the short bag.
15th Club
Mar 27, 2020 at 8:16 pm
1. 13* 3 wood
2. 5i
3. 7i
4. 9i
5. 52 gw
6. 58 sw
7. Putter
To whatever extent distance is an issue, I very happily move up a set of tees.
Driver is by far the easiest thing to leave out.
Knuckles
Mar 27, 2020 at 5:40 pm
Start with the scoring clubs first (the ones I play on 80% of my shots and work it from there).
Putter
56deg
PW
9 iron
7 iron
4 iron
3w tuned to 13.5
Gerwyn
Oct 10, 2021 at 2:40 am
Yeah this setup seems like my starting point, I’ll leave a half set in he car, for “emergencies” after work games etc and have a full trundler set option
I Will need a second set of wedges to get the right gapping
Jifmoli
Mar 27, 2020 at 5:35 pm
Agree, forget the driver if you want to go below 7 clubs, one-trick pony for me really. But I own 2 and they are expensive so they do go in the bag at times. I vary what I stick in the bag, just for fun and a bit of change:
3w, 5h, 7i, 9i, pw, 56o, p = 7
D, 4h, 6i, 8i, pw, aw, 60o, p = 8
Or extra minimal: 4h, 7i, aw, p
I never play with full sets
[email protected]
Mar 27, 2020 at 4:36 pm
comment sections is cry baby central get a life
BringBackOldSchool
Mar 27, 2020 at 4:23 pm
This is truly a lost art. While starting to see a bigger comeback in this new millennium, this is exactly how golfers started out years ago. The half set was, and I believe still is, the best way to start golfers out in this game. It wasn’t until a golfer honed their games with a half set, that they’d graduate to a full set and fill in the needed gaps. I also believe most average golfers hinder their development and play because of all the options of 14 clubs. Imagine if most average golfers played a half set and limited their confusion on the course how faster golf would be? And more enjoyable? I might even solve some of the aliments the game struggles with today?
Ojhs
Mar 27, 2020 at 2:25 pm
How is a driver the most forgiving club off the tee? And it’s also the only place where you can use it. I’d go driving iron or fw wood without a doubt.
gdb99
Mar 30, 2020 at 11:23 am
Because it’s the biggest?
Ojhs
Apr 8, 2020 at 2:13 pm
Fair enough, guess I confused ‘safe’ and ‘forgiving’. Just thought of most people going literally any other club to play safe.
Joey
Mar 27, 2020 at 2:19 pm
Played half-sets for quick rounds after work. Forgot to put the rest back for an outing and raked. Haven’t looked back since.
3W-4H-6-8-PW-56-P
Max
Mar 27, 2020 at 2:03 pm
Dude, this is Golfwrx. Nobody here is trying to have LESS golf clubs. LoL
But since you planted the seed, maybe I will go and price out a half set of PXG’s.
JT Pope
Mar 29, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Lol
Acemandrake
Mar 27, 2020 at 1:32 pm
After much trial & error…
12° Driver…24° Hybrid…6…8…PW…SW…Putter (7 total)