Starting a new adventure . . . Minimalist Golf

[subrew]

On 12/2/2024 at 5:00 PM, tatertot said:

Question for my minimalist brothers ... what do you do when it's time to get new irons? Do you go out and get just the irons you want, or do you get an entire set knowing you might only use half (but gives you the option of playing odds one day, evens the next).

 

I like to build all my own clubs, it's my main hobby.  Having gone minimalist allows me to search for short sets or sets that are missing a club in the middle.  A perfect purchase for me is something like a 6-PW set that is missing a 7 or 8 iron.  Sets that are missing a club will go for half price, and often, not very many people bid on them.  That way I can build the remaining four heads, and adjust lofts to a larger spread between clubs.  Something like a 30-35-40-45 set.  It might mean weakening the 6i a degree or two, strengthening the 8, strengthen the 9, weaken the PW. 

 

The area in the bag I've started to tinker with the most is the 23-26* range.  I started buying cheap hybrids from the different manufacturers, to pair up with the iron sets I've built.  I took advantage of some black friday sales and scored a few hybrids, including this Sim Max 5 hybrid.  It was $19 shipped, listed in "average" condition but is way better than average.  This will work great for all the sets of Taylormade irons I've built.

 

I also picked up a Cobra f6 hybrid, and will be on the lookout for cheap versions from Mizuno, Yamaha, Bridgestone, Callaway etc.  Something in that less than $30 range that fits around the 25* loft, between a wood and a 6i.

 

 

[g_nw]

Hey guys, @dlovage has a blue Koger bag for sale in Classifieds! That’s the limited color that was only available from Twirled Clubs (they’ve not had any stock on the site lately).

 

🔥

[WipeyFade]

It’s getting close to the end of the year and last year after hearing the NLU Goals podcast I decide to set some goals of my own. These aren’t really New Year’s resolutions, but more like things I wanted to accomplish in 2024. Some were life related and some were golf related.
 

Here were my 2024 golf goals (some were very ambitious lol):

Average less than 2 double bogeys per 18, did not happen 

 

One double bogey free round, 1 double on 11/26/24 was the closest I got

 

Break 80, got close shot 80 on 11/26/24

 

7.9 or better handicap, 11.6 in June was the closest I got

 

Play 500 holes, completed on 11/26 and I still have one more day of golf planned

 

50 birdies or better, I made 20 which isn’t terrible considering my handicap and I’ve played about ~29 rounds. 

I have tweaked my goals for 2025 slightly, but I did try to stay ambitious. This is the year of Double Bogey Elimination. The last one is easy but I’m a recovering junky:

Break 80

 

Have 3 double bogey free rounds 

 

<30 double bogeys for the year

 

9.9 handicap or better by 12/31/25, if I can do the first 3 this one will be easy

 

Don’t buy any clubs

 

Do any of you do something similar?

[tatertot]

2 hours ago, WipeyFade said:

It’s getting close to the end of the year and last year after hearing the NLU Goals podcast I decide to set some goals of my own. These aren’t really New Year’s resolutions, but more like things I wanted to accomplish in 2024. Some were life related and some were golf related.
 

Here were my 2024 golf goals (some were very ambitious lol):

Average less than 2 double bogeys per 18, did not happen 

 

One double bogey free round, 1 double on 11/26/24 was the closest I got

 

Break 80, got close shot 80 on 11/26/24

 

7.9 or better handicap, 11.6 in June was the closest I got

 

Play 500 holes, completed on 11/26 and I still have one more day of golf planned

 

50 birdies or better, I made 20 which isn’t terrible considering my handicap and I’ve played about ~29 rounds. 

I have tweaked my goals for 2025 slightly, but I did try to stay ambitious. This is the year of Double Bogey Elimination. The last one is easy but I’m a recovering junky:

Break 80

 

Have 3 double bogey free rounds 

 

<30 double bogeys for the year

 

9.9 handicap or better by 12/31/25, if I can do the first 3 this one will be easy

 

Don’t buy any clubs

 

Do any of you do something similar?

I would bet money one of these won't happen. Can you guess which one?

[WipeyFade]

@tatertot, there is a high likelihood that none will happen🤣. Honestly my gut is telling me that having less than 30 doubles for the entire year is very unlikely. I will admit my goals for last year and this year are pretty lofty, but I don’t see the point in making them easy. 

Edited December 15, 2024 by WipeyFade

[9ClubberLang]

13 hours ago, WipeyFade said:

Do any of you do something similar?

I haven't had such specific goals @WipeyFade but you make me feel as though I should. I have so many targets and goals at work and life in general, and at their worst they can feel like failure points if not achieved. As golf epitomizes fun to me I've steered clear of making too many goals and just concentrate on enjoying myself.

 

I did have a goal last year to compile stats for the first time, which I achieved. I need to have a think if I can come up with two or three that add to the fun rather than detract from it for me. I like yours very much.

[WipeyFade]

@9ClubberLang, last year was my first year doing it. My main goal was to play at least 500 holes, the scoring goals were there just to have something to aim for. I got close on those and who knows, I might get it done, I’ve got one more day playing in 2024. 

[dizzydz]

Just posted my 9-club short set in the WITB forum - wanted to drop a note and say that y’all and this article (Let’s Play Nine) have inspired me to give the minimalist set up a go, and happy to report that I love it.  Can’t wait to get out and play again.  See my set up below - cheers!

 

• Driver: Srixon Z585, 9.5°, Hzrdus Red 60 6.0

• 4 Wood: Ben Hogan GS53, 16°, Tensei Blue 70s

• 3 Hybrid: Adams Idea Pro a12, 20°, Matrix Ozik Altus 85s

• 5 Iron: Snake Eyes TC-01, 27°, Dynamic Gold S300

• 7 Iron: Snake Eyes TC-01, 35°, Dynamic Gold S300

• 9 Iron: Snake Eyes TC-01, 43°, Dynamic Gold S300

• Gap Wedge: Wilson Harmonized, 50°, TT Wedge Shaft

• Sand Wedge: Wilson Harmonized, 56°, TT Wedge Shaft

• Putter: Ping G2i Zing

[kiwihacker]

24 minutes ago, dizzydz said:

Just posted my 9-club short set in the WITB forum - wanted to drop a note and say that y’all and this article (Let’s Play Nine) have inspired me to give the minimalist set up a go, and happy to report that I love it.  Can’t wait to get out and play again.  See my set up below - cheers!

 

 

• Driver: Srixon Z585, 9.5°, Hzrdus Red 60 6.0

• 4 Wood: Ben Hogan GS53, 16°, Tensei Blue 70s

• 3 Hybrid: Adams Idea Pro a12, 20°, Matrix Ozik Altus 85s

• 5 Iron: Snake Eyes TC-01, 27°, Dynamic Gold S300

• 7 Iron: Snake Eyes TC-01, 35°, Dynamic Gold S300

• 9 Iron: Snake Eyes TC-01, 43°, Dynamic Gold S300

• Gap Wedge: Wilson Harmonized, 50°, TT Wedge Shaft

• Sand Wedge: Wilson Harmonized, 56°, TT Wedge Shaft

• Putter: Ping G2i Zing

Perfect setup. That used to be my minimalist setup with my old irons with traditional lofts but I'd often drop the 4 wood for an 8 club setup. Otherwise almost identical. 

[tatertot]

55 minutes ago, dizzydz said:

Just posted my 9-club short set in the WITB forum - wanted to drop a note and say that y’all and this article (Let’s Play Nine) have inspired me to give the minimalist set up a go, and happy to report that I love it.  Can’t wait to get out and play again.  See my set up below - cheers!

 

 

• Driver: Srixon Z585, 9.5°, Hzrdus Red 60 6.0

• 4 Wood: Ben Hogan GS53, 16°, Tensei Blue 70s

• 3 Hybrid: Adams Idea Pro a12, 20°, Matrix Ozik Altus 85s

• 5 Iron: Snake Eyes TC-01, 27°, Dynamic Gold S300

• 7 Iron: Snake Eyes TC-01, 35°, Dynamic Gold S300

• 9 Iron: Snake Eyes TC-01, 43°, Dynamic Gold S300

• Gap Wedge: Wilson Harmonized, 50°, TT Wedge Shaft

• Sand Wedge: Wilson Harmonized, 56°, TT Wedge Shaft

• Putter: Ping G2i Zing

Trade in the hybrid for a 3 iron, and you've got my bag.

[tsped83]

On 12/21/2024 at 11:53 PM, dizzydz said:

this article (Let’s Play Nine) have inspired me to give the minimalist set up a go, and happy to report that I love it.  Can’t wait to get out and play again.  

Thanks for sharing that article! 9 is perfect for my minimalist set up, it just works. 

 

[ciscojaws]

On 12/21/2024 at 6:53 PM, dizzydz said:

Just posted my 9-club short set in the WITB forum - wanted to drop a note and say that y’all and this article (Let’s Play Nine) have inspired me to give the minimalist set up a go, and happy to report that I love it.  Can’t wait to get out and play again.  See my set up below - cheers!

 

 

• Driver: Srixon Z585, 9.5°, Hzrdus Red 60 6.0

• 4 Wood: Ben Hogan GS53, 16°, Tensei Blue 70s

• 3 Hybrid: Adams Idea Pro a12, 20°, Matrix Ozik Altus 85s

• 5 Iron: Snake Eyes TC-01, 27°, Dynamic Gold S300

• 7 Iron: Snake Eyes TC-01, 35°, Dynamic Gold S300

• 9 Iron: Snake Eyes TC-01, 43°, Dynamic Gold S300

• Gap Wedge: Wilson Harmonized, 50°, TT Wedge Shaft

• Sand Wedge: Wilson Harmonized, 56°, TT Wedge Shaft

• Putter: Ping G2i Zing

Nice!  You should track how many times per round you use each club. 

 

After a season of playing a half set, I found I needed/used less of the longer clubs and more consistently <150 yard clubs so my yardage gaps morphed from being consistent across the board to much bigger gaps in the longer clubs and tighter gaps in the short irons/wedges.

[9ClubberLang]

Happy New Year to all the Minimalist golfers! I've enjoyed reading about your minimalist adventures throughout 2024 and have learned a huge amount from you all. I hope you all have a great time playing in 2025.

[Ca3l]

Can anyone help recommend me a golf bag? I have a Sunday Loma, which I like well enough, but I’d like a slightly bigger (9 clubs including putter) one with a magnetic range finder pocket. Quality double straps would be a nice bonus as well.

[CozBMB]

Vessel Sunday bag or GFore Sunday 2 is on a crazy sale right now as well.  3 way divider, dual strap, one magnetic range finder pocket.

[sxrxg]

I have made some specific updates to my setup based upon playing with 9 all last year, still playing with 9 however hopeful that the new options will allow me to score slightly better in 2025. 

 

Long clubs

Driver - Yonex GS 10.5° (playing at 9°) 44.75" - lofted down so slightly more fade biased, feels controlable yet allows me to take the left of the course out of play off the tee.

Wood - Cleveland Classic XL 5W 18° 42.75" - slightly higher loft then the 4w it replaced, slightly closed slightly lighter shaft and therefore more draw biased takes the right of the course out of play off the tee. Slightly deeper face as well than my old fairway where my poor shot out the rough or off the tee was popping it up from high on the face. Added bonus of lovely stock headcover. 

Hybrid - Wilson FG Tour M3 21° (playing at 22°) 40.25" - lofted up by 1° from what previously i played the club at, slightly closes the face and provides a nicer gap to the new fairway. 

 

Mid Irons

Long Iron - Cobra Tec Utility 25° 38.25" - loft may seem close to the hybrid however due the shaft length difference and different shaft material the gapping is actually pretty good. Hollow head design so pretty forgiving for my longest iron. 

Mid Iron - Cobra King Tour 7 32° 37.25" - most reliable club in the bag as everyones 7 iron should be... 

Short Iron - Cobra King MB 9 42° 36.25" - muscle back so nice transition to the wedges. Nice loft for bump and run chip shots as well when i don't want to use a wedge. 

 

Short Clubs

Pitching/Gap Wedge - Benross Rev 50° 8° low bounce 35.5" - on full shots slightly too close gapping wise to the 9 iron, i generally never hit a full shot with this club though and just use it for all shots <100 yards unless i need my more specialist wedge. 

Sand/Lob Wedge - Taylormade RAW Hi Toe 58° 10° mid bounce 35" - love the RAW finish, slightly more versitle than my old 56°. More loft so better for lob shots when required, slightly less bounce so works better from harder lies yet the high toe helps from fluffy rough when i sometimes catch it high in the toe. Also can be opened in bunkers to increase the bounce if required with fluffy sand. 

Putter - Cleveland HB Soft Milled 8P UST All In Shaft 34" - not sure if it is the face milling pattern or the all in shaft however my speed control with this putter seems to be greatly improved leading to less three putts. Also find the wide blade with a bit more head weight is a bit more stable on the short putts than my previous standard anser style blade putter leading to less misses at short range that wreck a score card. 

[tatertot]

18 hours ago, Ca3l said:

Can anyone help recommend me a golf bag? I have a Sunday Loma, which I like well enough, but I’d like a slightly bigger (9 clubs including putter) one with a magnetic range finder pocket. Quality double straps would be a nice bonus as well.

I have Volvik ultra-light that is the perfect size, and you can find them at good prices.

 

Jones also makes a number of nice bags in "our" minimalist sized.

 

Ghost has their Weekender bag (that may or may not be made by Vessel) that is a great size ... but I personally think has too many pockets.

 

If you like your Loma, Sunday makes the El Camino that's perfect for a 9-10 club set up.

[tatertot]

16 hours ago, CozBMB said:

Vessel Sunday bag or GFore Sunday 2 is on a crazy sale right now as well.  3 way divider, dual strap, one magnetic range finder pocket.

If I didn't already have 5 bags, the GFore would be headed my way.

[Ca3l]

39 minutes ago, tatertot said:

If I didn't already have 5 bags, the GFore would be headed my way.

Yeah, for $150 at Carl’s, that is a spectacular deal. Thanks @CozBMB for finding. The only thing holding me back is that bold design. It’s not really my style — I prefer something more low key.

Edited January 3 by Ca3l

[tsped83]

3 hours ago, sxrxg said:

 

Mid Irons

Long Iron - Cobra Tec Utility 25° 38.25" - loft may seem close to the hybrid however due the shaft length difference and different shaft material the gapping is actually pretty good. Hollow head design so pretty forgiving for my longest iron. 

Mid Iron - Cobra King Tour 7 32° 37.25" - most reliable club in the bag as everyones 7 iron should be... 

Short Iron - Cobra King MB 9 42° 36.25" - muscle back so nice transition to the wedges. Nice loft for bump and run chip shots as well when i don't want to use a wedge. 

 

 

 

Like the irons choices here and it's not something I've considered for my own set, blending different irons together. My irons are 6, 8 and P all in G400. A slightly tighter PW wouldn't hurt if I can get the gapping right. Might take a lead from you here and look at one of the Ping i series PWs. 

 

Like your 7 iron, my 8 is the most reliable stick for me. Like chipping with it, knocking it down, all sorts. 

[CozBMB]

2 hours ago, Ca3l said:

Yeah, for $150 at Carl’s, that is a spectacular deal. Thanks @CozBMB for finding. The only thing holding me back is that bold design. It’s not really my style — I prefer something more low key.

I agree!  That’s why I haven’t pulled the trigger either.  The vessel is much more understated but also double the price.  I believe vessel made the g fore bag and they put their logo on it.  Similar looking build.  For a 9 club setup I just love the three way dividers.  

[tatertot]

4 hours ago, CozBMB said:

I agree!  That’s why I haven’t pulled the trigger either.  The vessel is much more understated but also double the price.  I believe vessel made the g fore bag and they put their logo on it.  Similar looking build.  For a 9 club setup I just love the three way dividers.  

Yep ... I'm guessing every bag I buy from here on out will be a 3 way divider. There something symmetrically pleasing about seeing 3 clubs in each slot. Not to mention the club tangle is much better.

Edited January 3 by tatertot

[Georgie Z]

On 1/2/2025 at 1:23 PM, Ca3l said:

Can anyone help recommend me a golf bag? I have a Sunday Loma, which I like well enough, but I’d like a slightly bigger (9 clubs including putter) one with a magnetic range finder pocket. Quality double straps would be a nice bonus as well.

The 2.5 from Sun Mountain is great especially if you switch out the straps with the 3.5.

[tatertot]

20 minutes ago, Georgie Z said:

The 2.5 from Sun Mountain is great especially if you switch out the straps with the 3.5.

I hate the double strap ... I switched out the double strap for a single on my current bag, and I'll never go back.

 

[Nickb333]

IDK. I love the SM 3.5. I usually carry just 7-9 clubs, but the double strap is great when needed. It also works very well as a single. 
 

The 3.5 is a very versatile bag IMO. 

[Nickb333]

And here’s my latest iteration. Who knows how long it will last? But I’m encouraged so far. 
 

Tsr2@9.25

2009 TM rescue @ 22

P790 7i on a 6i length shaft

P770 8i

Mg3 46

Mg3 56

SC 2012 

[petep52]

I’ve been on 10 clubs for about a year. Not so much because I need some of them, but I spent money on them so I may as well carry them all. 
 

dr, 5w, 5i to PW, SW, putter. 

[azgreg]

46 minutes ago, petep52 said:

I spent money on them so I may as well carry them all.

 

I like this reasoning but how in the hell am I going to carry all these?

 

 

[petep52]

25 minutes ago, azgreg said:

 

I like this reasoning but how in the hell am I going to carry all these?

 

 

I’m not sure this thread is for you. 

[azgreg]

21 minutes ago, petep52 said:

I’m not sure this thread is for you. 

 

I actually have a minimalist bag. Not as minimalist as most here (10 clubs), but a minimalist bag nonetheless. 🙂