Starting a new adventure . . . Minimalist Golf

[mlwyatt]

On 7/14/2024 at 6:58 PM, freddy1682 said:

Took the 50° and the 3i out for tonight’s 9. Goal is always pars, birds are a bonus. Might give this setup a full time spot. 

This thread brought me to WRX.  As an aspiring golf minimalist I love this setup!

[Tommy56]

6 minutes ago, mlwyatt said:

This thread brought me to WRX.  As an aspiring golf minimalist I love this setup!

Welcome to WRX ... and to minimalist golf!!!

[mlwyatt]

On 8/12/2024 at 8:28 PM, Tommy56 said:

Welcome to WRX ... and to minimalist golf!!!

Thank you Tommy56!    

[lil'mike]

Last weekend I played with Driver, 5wd, 5H, 4-6-8-PW, SW and putter.  I booked a course that was around 5600 yards and wanted to tryout the minimal golf setup but when I got there that course was too slow so the Ranger upgraded me to the course was about 5900 yards.

 

I shot a 47/46 which is in the range for me being a mid handicapper and I could have been lower but three putted like three times.  I also have my usual couple of blowup holes which resulted in double bogey between bad chip shots and not so great drives off the tee.  I felt like I left a few strokes or more out there including one great shot knocked right down from a big gusting wind right in my face.  Other than that, I felt pretty good about using the set that I made up so no complaints and will play this way again. 

 

My only thought is that I may change bag setup a little if playing a longer course to maybe a 3wd/5wd setup and leave out the hybrid since I have a four iron or possibly going 3wd, 4H.  Will ponder that.

 

 

[Tommy56]

I think half the fun of minimalist golf is pondering bag setups between rounds (which often involves how to drop another club). 

[WipeyFade]

Ya, I really like seeing how many I can take out of the bag and still shoot my same scores (80s/90s). Like I have mentioned before, I'm currently down to 5, Driver, 4, 8, 56, and putter. I think I could drop the 4 iron and still do just as well, though it is a good 2nd option of the tee. My home course was built with pushed up greens so the 56 is pretty valuable, but I honestly think I could get away with the 8 around the greens if I planned my shots better. Next time I go out I may just take Driver, 8, and putter. I'll report back.

 

Also, one thing that made me think about clubs/sets in this way was seeing what speed golfers use during their rounds. I'm not into running on the course, but I do like travelling light and what they do is very interesting. The best in the world seem to shoot even par or better with 5-6 clubs at the most. 

Edited August 15, 2024 by WipeyFade

[LumpyPockets]

what's their setup? 

 

[WipeyFade]

@LumpyPockets Most seem to use something fairly long off the tee like a driver or 3 wood. Then they go to something that goes around 200 yards and is versatile, usually a hybrid. Then they have a versatile iron like a 6, 7, or 8. After that they have some sort of wedge and a putter.

[9woodfan]

Picked up a Cobra ONE length 4 hybrid and I'm telling ya, what a versatile little club! Once I figured out how to position myself over the ball it became automatic.

 

Playing D, 4h, 8, G, 58*, P (all one length minus D and 58*)

[54CW]

Played my best round on 7/15 with this bag: Driver, mini driver, 7w, 4i-PW, 56, Putter. Still less than a full bag but more than I wanted to carry. I shot my first round at par on a par 71 course. Looking back at which clubs I played most without realizing were: Dr, MD, 7w, 4, 6, 8, PW, 56, putter. I did play one 9 iron that could’ve easily been a flighted 8 iron. 

 

Of course we took a family vacation with no golf and about a two week break between rounds and my scores are all over the place since. 
 

Taking a leap from 9 to 5 is daunting! 
 

I think I’d have to go with 5 clubs I hit best from that 9 club bag but it still feels too bare for me:
 

Driver, 7w, 8, 56, putter? 🥵

 

I don’t know how you guys do it. 

 

[Tommy56]

2 hours ago, 54CW said:

Played my best round on 7/15 with this bag: Driver, mini driver, 7w, 4i-PW, 56, Putter. Still less than a full bag but more than I wanted to carry. I shot my first round at par on a par 71 course. Looking back at which clubs I played most without realizing were: Dr, MD, 7w, 4, 6, 8, PW, 56, putter. I did play one 9 iron that could’ve easily been a flighted 8 iron. 

 

Of course we took a family vacation with no golf and about a two week break between rounds and my scores are all over the place since. 
 

Taking a leap from 9 to 5 is daunting! 
 

I think I’d have to go with 5 clubs I hit best from that 9 club bag but it still feels too bare for me:
 

Driver, 7w, 8, 56, putter? 🥵

 

I don’t know how you guys do it. 

 

It gets easier the more you try it and gain confidence. Maybe try 7 or 6 clubs for a while and then decide where you can further consolidate from there.  

[WipeyFade]

6 hours ago, 54CW said:

Played my best round on 7/15 with this bag: Driver, mini driver, 7w, 4i-PW, 56, Putter. Still less than a full bag but more than I wanted to carry. I shot my first round at par on a par 71 course. Looking back at which clubs I played most without realizing were: Dr, MD, 7w, 4, 6, 8, PW, 56, putter. I did play one 9 iron that could’ve easily been a flighted 8 iron. 

 

Of course we took a family vacation with no golf and about a two week break between rounds and my scores are all over the place since. 
 

Taking a leap from 9 to 5 is daunting! 
 

I think I’d have to go with 5 clubs I hit best from that 9 club bag but it still feels too bare for me:
 

Driver, 7w, 8, 56, putter? 🥵

 

I don’t know how you guys do it. 

 

For me, I have tried to learn how to hit multiple distances/shots with one club. For instance, with an open stance and the ball up in my stance I can saw an 8 iron off and get it to go 125ish or I can play it back in my stance and really go at it and get 180 with good contact. Club selection is super easy too lol, less than 120 is 56 and 120-180 is 8 iron. I tend to use my 4 iron as more of a utility club rather than a certain distance. I use it off the tee, approaches into par 5s, punch shots under trees or to stay under the wind. My driver is a one trick pony, but that really all I need it for. I never was really all that comfortable going for a green with a fairway wood, so putting a 3 wood in the bag really doesn’t help me.

Lowering expectations helps too😂. I have gotten pretty comfortable with my 56 and honestly look forward to short game shots, so missing greens doesn’t bother me. My #1 objective when playing golf is finding the center of the club face on every shot. If I can do that a majority of the time, the score seems to take care of itself. 

[Pack7483]

Love my current 10 club setup  

BRNR Mini

21* 4 hybrid

6-GW

54* SW

Putter 

 

I played 9 today and, let a buddy borrow my BRNR to see if he wanted one, so I just used my 4hybrid off the tee.  With 9 clubs I shot a personal best for this course. And looking back on the clubs I used I could probably drop my 7 iron and 9 iron and get down to 8 clubs no problem.   

[Bhughes1335]

Hey everyone, introducing myself into this thread as I'm making the move to minimalist golf! Couple questions...

1. Does ANYONE have a miura/linksoul color theory half set they'd sell me??!? lol

2. Currently gaming a BRNR mini as my full time driver and loving it. My thinking is the the next club would either be a 7 wood or a driving iron. Does anyone have experience waffling between those two options and did you find yourself biasing one way or another based on your experience on the course?

 

Looking forward to following along with this thread. Need to have some more fun on the golf course!
 

Edited August 23, 2024 by Bhughes1335

[WipeyFade]

1 hour ago, Bhughes1335 said:

Hey everyone, introducing myself into this thread as I'm making the move to minimalist golf! Couple questions...

1. Does ANYONE have a miura/linksoul color theory half set they'd sell me??!? lol

2. Currently gaming a BRNR mini as my full time driver and loving it. My thinking is the the next club would either be a 7 wood or a driving iron. Does anyone have experience waffling between those two options and did you find yourself biasing one way or another based on your experience on the course.

 

Looking forward to following along with this thread. Need to have some more fun on the golf course!
 

I have played both, and for me the 7 wood worked better in a minimal set. It was easier for me to dial back the 7 wood. Those Linksoul irons are sweet, good luck finding some.

[g_nw]

2 hours ago, Bhughes1335 said:

Hey everyone, introducing myself into this thread as I'm making the move to minimalist golf! Couple questions...

1. Does ANYONE have a miura/linksoul color theory half set they'd sell me??!? lol

2. Currently gaming a BRNR mini as my full time driver and loving it. My thinking is the the next club would either be a 7 wood or a driving iron. Does anyone have experience waffling between those two options and did you find yourself biasing one way or another based on your experience on the course.

 

Looking forward to following along with this thread. Need to have some more fun on the golf course!
 

 

Man, good luck with the color theory irons, I’ve been searching for ages 😭

[Tommy56]

2 hours ago, Bhughes1335 said:

Hey everyone, introducing myself into this thread as I'm making the move to minimalist golf! Couple questions...

1. Does ANYONE have a miura/linksoul color theory half set they'd sell me??!? lol

2. Currently gaming a BRNR mini as my full time driver and loving it. My thinking is the the next club would either be a 7 wood or a driving iron. Does anyone have experience waffling between those two options and did you find yourself biasing one way or another based on your experience on the course.

 

Looking forward to following along with this thread. Need to have some more fun on the golf course!
 

Congrats on the move to minimalist golf and enjoy the journey.

 

Personally, I find 7 wood is the best option as it's more versatile.

Good luck finding the Linksoul color theory irons ... I considered those years ago but never pulled the trigger.

 

[subrew]

I have been building some half sets, using previous years 6 or 7 iron demo heads as a basis, which can often be found for $15-30 each.  I had no idea anyone made demo heads outside of the usual 6 or 7 iron, so I was surprised when I saw these.  Just landed all the way from Finland, $75 with free shipping.  Forged Tec One 5 and 9 to go with a "regular" Forged Tec 7.  They are all within 1g of each other, so this should be a fun and cheap way to build up a little three-club one-length minimalist set.

 

 

[DocBrown3887]

1 hour ago, subrew said:

I have been building some half sets, using previous years 6 or 7 iron demo heads as a basis, which can often be found for $15-30 each.  I had no idea anyone made demo heads outside of the usual 6 or 7 iron, so I was surprised when I saw these.  Just landed all the way from Finland, $75 with free shipping.  Forged Tec One 5 and 9 to go with a "regular" Forged Tec 7.  They are all within 1g of each other, so this should be a fun and cheap way to build up a little three-club one-length minimalist set.

 

 

 

Sweet! Where are you finding non 6/7 demo heads from? I may have to check this out.

[subrew]

On 8/23/2024 at 5:09 PM, DocBrown3887 said:

 

Sweet! Where are you finding non 6/7 demo heads from? I may have to check this out.

I found this 3-pack of heads on eBay, from a guy in Finland believe it or not.  

[subrew]

On 8/23/2024 at 3:57 PM, subrew said:

I have been building some half sets, using previous years 6 or 7 iron demo heads as a basis, which can often be found for $15-30 each.  I had no idea anyone made demo heads outside of the usual 6 or 7 iron, so I was surprised when I saw these.  Just landed all the way from Finland, $75 with free shipping.  Forged Tec One 5 and 9 to go with a "regular" Forged Tec 7.  They are all within 1g of each other, so this should be a fun and cheap way to build up a little three-club one-length minimalist set.

 

 

Built these up yesterday.  I needed a bit more weight so I turned up some aluminum ferrules (3.0g each) that nestle into the step on the adapters.  
 

Even though head weights were fairly close, they needed a bit of adjustment to take into account for differences in shaft and grip weights.  I was able to use slightly different adapter screws from 1 to 2g in weight to get where I wanted to be at.

 

So minimalist and one length in one short set.

 

 

[WipeyFade]

On 8/15/2024 at 10:42 AM, WipeyFade said:

Ya, I really like seeing how many I can take out of the bag and still shoot my same scores (80s/90s). Like I have mentioned before, I'm currently down to 5, Driver, 4, 8, 56, and putter. I think I could drop the 4 iron and still do just as well, though it is a good 2nd option of the tee. My home course was built with pushed up greens so the 56 is pretty valuable, but I honestly think I could get away with the 8 around the greens if I planned my shots better. Next time I go out I may just take Driver, 8, and putter. I'll report back.

 

Also, one thing that made me think about clubs/sets in this way was seeing what speed golfers use during their rounds. I'm not into running on the course, but I do like travelling light and what they do is very interesting. The best in the world seem to shoot even par or better with 5-6 clubs at the most. 

I said I would report back about just taking D, 8, and putter. I didn't go to the actual course, but I did use just those clubs in the sim and while I still think it would work, I don't think it's something I would find enjoyable. I still think 5 clubs is my sweet spot though, there is just something about hitting a pure 4 iron or playing a wedge perfectly that adds to the fun level of my round.  

[tatertot]

On 9/1/2024 at 1:45 PM, subrew said:

Built these up yesterday.  I needed a bit more weight so I turned up some aluminum ferrules (3.0g each) that nestle into the step on the adapters.  
 

Even though head weights were fairly close, they needed a bit of adjustment to take into account for differences in shaft and grip weights.  I was able to use slightly different adapter screws from 1 to 2g in weight to get where I wanted to be at.

 

So minimalist and one length in one short set.

 

 

Dude ... that is super impressive. Nice work.

[Gladan]

3 hours ago, tatertot said:

Dude ... that is super impressive. Nice work.

+1

[loheiman]

Been playing rarely for 15 years on a 20+ year old set and as I'm starting to play more, I'd like to get some new clubs that are more forgiving, better-fitting (am going to try to get a fitting for length/lie/flex before ordering) and MOI-matched (across the irons and hybrids w/ iron lengths). I love the idea of fewer clubs to make club selection/walking easier and lower cost. I'm very drawn to Maltby/Golf works clubs due the ability to purchase individual, custom-made and head-weight adjustable clubs at very affordable prices. I'm a high handicapper and actively working on improving my swing.

 

This is what I'm thinking:

Srixon ZX5 10.5* driver (already purchased)

Maltby TC Pro IST 3H: 20* ($90)

Maltby TC Pro IST 5H: 26* ($90)

Maltby KE4 Max 7i: 30* ($63)

Maltby KE4 Max 9i: 38* ($63)

Maltby KE4 Max GW: 48* ($63)

Maltby Max Milled Wedge: 56* ($65)

Maltby PTM-5 Putter (already purchased)

 

I don't have experience hitting hybrids but I understand they're more forgiving than irons. I like the idea of playing them at iron-length so they are a true substitute for irons (and can be MOI-matched with the rest of the irons through the GW). Just not sure how I should gap them with respect to the irons. I understand they often hit further than the equivalent lofted iron but is that because of the hotter face and/or longer club length/higher club speed? If I go with the iron-length for the hybrid, will it still hit further? Should I just go with a single 4H at 23*?

 

Any and all feedback is appreciated! Thanks!

 

Edited September 10, 2024 by loheiman

[54CW]

@loheiman Your set up looks great. I like your idea of starting with only a 4h. I think a 3h is a harder to hit. Maybe go for a 5w if you really want to fit your gap between a 4h and driver. But as we say, less is more. I don’t mind going driver -> 4h. 
 

I’m not super knowledgeable on the technical side of club lengths. I would stick with manufacturer or fitter’s recommended length based on what fits you because you want that extra club head speed on longer approaches. 
 

 

[Tommy56]

@loheiman  You have a good thought process on putting together a very playable minimalist kit. Another option you might want to consider is a 7w instead of the 2 hybrids. Like many others, I’ve found the 7w to be highly flexible, which is key for minimalist golf. I go D, 7w, and then into my irons. Enjoy the journey. 

[9ClubberLang]

I still love reading about everyone's minimalist adventures. This is my favourite thread by far on here. For me, It's just such a joyful read. The enthusiasm of the contributors in here shows such a great love for the game. What a great game it is. I'm so glad I play it.

 

I haven't played a full 14 club set all year. I suppose technically I can put together a 13 club bag, it's just I've never taken all 13 out with me at the same time. Being in the UK and having slower greens than I believe most of you have in the US, I don't own a lob wedge, so that's the missing one.

 

Through 2024 I've kind of evolved into three set ups. I own two sets of irons, one is a dedicated winter half-set with wide soles and the ability to cope with wet heavy clay in the winter here in the UK. That gives me a bag of 7 clubs although I can easily drop a club at the top of the bag and play 6. I debated this earlier in the year in here. I don't yet know my yardages for this set.

 

The other set can be split and I've found myself swapping between an 11 club set-up and a 9 club set-up. I'm not a long hitter and to be honest I almost can't quite bring myself to call the 11 club bag minimalist, in that it doesn't really feel that anything is missing. This just feels like a full-bag to me with plenty of tools to do the job. If the powers that be said the rules are changing and we are only allowed to carry a maximum of 11 clubs, it's definitely a "no problem" from me. I stack my 11 club bag a bit more at the top-end to give me options being a shorter hitter.

 

The 9 club bag I carry rather than use a push trolley. This completely rocks. I always walk when I play but love having a slim line carry bag rather than a larger trolley bag and trolley. To be honest the 9 club bag doesn't feel like too much of a compromise either. This is a bit more balanced top to bottom I feel. I really admire those that can play rounds with less than half a set. I doth my cap and bow respectfully to those on here playing with 6 clubs or less. You are golfers in the true sense of the word.

 

I would probably face ridicule anywhere else in the world other than in this one thread, where hopefully this is the one and only safe place that will understand. But does anyone have a spreadsheet to mess around with set-ups? Here's mine.

[tatertot]

41 minutes ago, 9ClubberLang said:

I still love reading about everyone's minimalist adventures. This is my favourite thread by far on here. For me, It's just such a joyful read. The enthusiasm of the contributors in here shows such a great love for the game. What a great game it is. I'm so glad I play it.

 

I haven't played a full 14 club set all year. I suppose technically I can put together a 13 club bag, it's just I've never taken all 13 out with me at the same time. Being in the UK and having slower greens than I believe most of you have in the US, I don't own a lob wedge, so that's the missing one.

 

Through 2024 I've kind of evolved into three set ups. I own two sets of irons, one is a dedicated winter half-set with wide soles and the ability to cope with wet heavy clay in the winter here in the UK. That gives me a bag of 7 clubs although I can easily drop a club at the top of the bag and play 6. I debated this earlier in the year in here. I don't yet know my yardages for this set.

 

The other set can be split and I've found myself swapping between an 11 club set-up and a 9 club set-up. I'm not a long hitter and to be honest I almost can't quite bring myself to call the 11 club bag minimalist, in that it doesn't really feel that anything is missing. This just feels like a full-bag to me with plenty of tools to do the job. If the powers that be said the rules are changing and we are only allowed to carry a maximum of 11 clubs, it's definitely a "no problem" from me. I stack my 11 club bag a bit more at the top-end to give me options being a shorter hitter.

 

The 9 club bag I carry rather than use a push trolley. This completely rocks. I always walk when I play but love having a slim line carry bag rather than a larger trolley bag and trolley. To be honest the 9 club bag doesn't feel like too much of a compromise either. This is a bit more balanced top to bottom I feel. I really admire those that can play rounds with less than half a set. I doth my cap and bow respectfully to those on here playing with 6 clubs or less. You are golfers in the true sense of the word.

 

I would probably face ridicule anywhere else in the world other than in this one thread, where hopefully this is the one and only safe place that will understand. But does anyone have a spreadsheet to mess around with set-ups? Here's mine.

I, too, have a spreadsheet.

 

Not saying it's not nerdy, though.

[14max]

I had a really great minimalist round yesterday and was pleased with how the clubs played.

 

The newest club in the bag is a 2005 FT-3 and it still packs quite a punch.  Not as long as my G series driver, but definitely long enough.  Another welcome surprise, even though it shouldn't be, is the length and accuracy of the original Steelhead fairway woods.  The 3 and 7 stayed online and were really easy to hit.

 

The standouts were the ISI irons.  Straight as a Kansas highway and, in my opinion, they are much more aesthetically pleasing than said highway.

 

Overall, a great experience.  I'll be playing minimalist again next time I go out.