Starting a new adventure . . . Minimalist Golf

[ciscojaws]

4 hours ago, Tommy56 said:

No need to feel silly; hey, whatever works!  I think part of the minimalist fun is not being constrained to conventional thinking, but having the freedom to try different set-ups.

I think it removes a lot of ego.  Also, when referring to minimalist golf, terminology kind of changes.  Instead of ‘Driver’ it’s ’Tee Club’.  Four wedges gets pared down to one or two.  Less analysis paralysis.  Perfect for a walk through the park.  Just has a more fun feel, if that makes sense.
 

From a practical standpoint, it’s easier to become proficient with less clubs, especially if you’ve got a busy schedule.

 

The minimalist feel has also crept into my golf accessories.  Less balls in the bag, less tees, less doo-dads.  I love it.

[aiyyer]

I goof around with setup all the time but I prefer to have Driver, Fairway, Hybrid in the bag for practice. Here’s my odds setup: 
Driver - G430Max

4 wood - Bridgestone Tour B X-F

4 Hybrid - Mizuno STZ something. 

5,7,9,G,S - Maltby TSW, Srixon, 

Putter - Phantom X5.0

50 degree gap and a versatile 56 S is enough wedge options for me. 

Jones Rover bag - been using this for the past 6 years.

Moonlite - never felt balanced. 2.5 - profile was too bid. Mackenzie - some day but the Rover is more practical. 

 

 

 

[3rutu5]

On 4/28/2025 at 11:19 PM, stryper said:

I’ve posted this before, but one of my favorite rounds ever was during the early days of COVID.  No bag, four clubs, three balls, and two tees…just a beautiful commune with nature.  And I scored well too. 😉

Sounds like a Xmas song.....

 

"And an eeeeagle on the hole threeeeee"

Edited April 30 by 3rutu5

[MorganM]

13 hours ago, ciscojaws said:

I think it removes a lot of ego.  Also, when referring to minimalist golf, terminology kind of changes.  Instead of ‘Driver’ it’s ’Tee Club’.  Four wedges gets pared down to one or two.  Less analysis paralysis.  Perfect for a walk through the park.  Just has a more fun feel, if that makes sense.
 

From a practical standpoint, it’s easier to become proficient with less clubs, especially if you’ve got a busy schedule.

 

The minimalist feel has also crept into my golf accessories.  Less balls in the bag, less tees, less doo-dads.  I love it.

This might be familiar to those good enough to play college golf, not me but I heard this from several coaches who did; a favorite drill of their coaches was to play the college practice course with one club and a putter. You got to know that club really well, what it could, and couldn’t, do. With your Tee club and putter, that familiarity happens and with only 3 - 5 other clubs it’s easy to accomplish through the bag; with 12 other clubs, not so much.

Great post ! I hear you about the terminology & the doo-dads/gadgets!

[9ClubberLang]

On 4/29/2025 at 12:40 PM, stryper said:

The part time minimalist in me never views a short set as a sacrifice.  Instead it’s an opportunity (and a welcome challenge) to work my way around with fewer options—how do I make a ball go this distance and stop, when nothing in my bag is designed to do that? 

Yes I can absolutely see that perspective @stryper. I probably should try to devise an 8 club bag with all my favourite clubs included, then I may be able to shake off that feeling.

[9ClubberLang]

14 hours ago, RH82 said:

I’m a huge fan of a 50/56 wedge setup. The 56 is the highest loft I need and is quite versatile. The 50 is great for those 3/4 approach shots.

Yes and I chip a lot with the 50. I'm really becoming a big fan of this set-up.

[Tommy56]

On 4/28/2025 at 2:26 PM, djrock89 said:

@Tommy56 the ping moonlight has a standing shoulder strap so dont need to bend down to pick it up ive got one its great

@djrock89 Thanks again for the recommendation... just received mine today. Feels perfect carrying my 5 club kit around the house. Will be eager to try it on the course if the rain ever stops.

 

Ping certainly knows how to make comfortable straps. My other bag is a Hoofer Lite... great bag, just more than I need most of the time.

[djrock89]

@Tommy56 not a problem mate its the best bag ive ever had perfect for my 7 clubs and so light aswell

[Tommy56]

First time on the course today with the Moonlite, and it's everything that I hoped it would be.  Excellent quality and value for under $100. 

[MorganM]

Does anyone use, or has previously used, a pencil bag? Do they work ok?

[FG123]

Thinking to go with 8x clubs, Ping Moonlander bag, as my carry set

 

D
2h (or 5W)
5h
6i
8i
PW

56
P

[Tommy56]

@FG123  Solid. You can play anywhere with that. I played a nearly identical set-up several years ago.

[lil'mike]

This years bag is based on trying to keep it at eight clubs.

 

Driver

3wd at 16

4H at 23

6i at 30

8i at 37

PW at 45

SW at 56

Putter

 

 

 

[3rutu5]

19 hours ago, MorganM said:

Does anyone use, or has previously used, a pencil bag? Do they work ok?

 

I bought the New Era one from Japan and 3d printed myself an organiser, only use it to go to the sim really and think i need a fair bit of water if i'm walking a course in Queensland and doesnt leave me any room for balls, tees, glove etc

 

 

[Piter]

On 5/7/2025 at 2:09 AM, MorganM said:

Does anyone use, or has previously used, a pencil bag? Do they work ok?

I did for quite some time while working overseas. Mine looks a bit like this:

So a single and quite small pocket, enough for some tees and a few balls. As I live in the tropics, I need to carry a fair bit of water so I always combined it with a waste bottle holder like this:

 

I either wear the bottle holder or I strapped it around the bag. I t did not bother me to have a full 1.5 liter water bottle sitting in the small of my bag but at some point I just attached it to the bag.

 

The one issue is that I could not comfortable carry a sand bucket. Also, as my pencil bag is long enough for the even drivers to sit inside, I find having a driver blocks finding your other clubs in the bag (I know, small anuisance) so left it out.

 

For me it worked fine like this.

[3rutu5]

7 hours ago, Piter said:

I did for quite some time while working overseas. Mine looks a bit like this:

So a single and quite small pocket, enough for some tees and a few balls. As I live in the tropics, I need to carry a fair bit of water so I always combined it with a waste bottle holder like this:

 

I either wear the bottle holder or I strapped it around the bag. I t did not bother me to have a full 1.5 liter water bottle sitting in the small of my bag but at some point I just attached it to the bag.

 

The one issue is that I could not comfortable carry a sand bucket. Also, as my pencil bag is long enough for the even drivers to sit inside, I find having a driver blocks finding your other clubs in the bag (I know, small anuisance) so left it out.

 

For me it worked fine like this.

Never thought of the drink holder like that. 

 

i bought this one as mentioned before, but if i was to have my time again, i would go one of those sunday golf ones as they have the ability to have 6 clubs plus have about 4-5 pockets not the solo one i have

 

Edited May 8 by 3rutu5

[nzio]

On 5/7/2025 at 3:52 AM, lil'mike said:

This years bag is based on trying to keep it at eight clubs.

 

Driver

3wd at 16

4H at 23

6i at 30

8i at 37

PW at 45

SW at 56

Putter

 

 

 

I think this is the sweet spot. Also what i'm carrying. 

 

Just perfect

[g_nw]

Someone please go claim this before I’m forced to 😳

 

 

 

Edited May 16 by g_nw

[aiyyer]

Played a full set of irons and inexplicably the scores suffered. 
Going back to a half set. 

[DocBrown3887]

Played at North Shore CC in Snead's Ferry NC last week. I have a hurt finger so we played up at the senior tees but shot a 76 bagging D, 5W, 5h, 8, P, 50, 56, P

 

For those of us teetering on single digit HC I really don't think it makes much difference other than on occasional par 3s.

Edited May 17 by DocBrown3887

[54CW]

Shot a 38 with Driver, long, medium, short irons, 49° and 56°, putter. It was fantastic, very simple round. I recently loft my driver up 1° to 10° and it’s been great. I didn’t even use the 56° I only carry it for bunkers. I’m still searching for a 3w/5w/7w type secondary club off the tee but not sure what to get. I’m hitting my long iron right around 200-205y max so it will do for now.  I’ll post some photos soon 🫡

[54CW]

On 5/16/2025 at 2:44 PM, g_nw said:

Someone please go claim this before I’m forced to 😳

 

 

 

I have a full set listed that I’m willing to split! 
 

https://forums.golfwrx.com/topic/2049271-for-the-discerning-golfer-maltby-irons-hybrid-woods/?do=getNewComment

 

[Green Valley]

I have 13 clubs (oversize grips) in my mackenzie (leather) golf bag (8 inches ) with two pocket. Ball pouch, glove holder with tees, markers and divot tools. A cigar box. Valuable pouch which carries my keys and wallet. I have a front, middle back watch with no rangefinder, and a small jbl speaker with a towels wrapped around my clubs. Also carry one wooden alignment stick and a prosendr. I don't use the ball really.

[grinder1320]

6 hours ago, DocBrown3887 said:

Played at North Shore CC in Snead's Ferry NC last week. I have a hurt finger so we played up at the senior tees but shot a 76 bagging D, 5W, 5h, 8, P, 50, 56, P

 

For those of us teetering on single digit HC I really don't think it makes much difference other than on occasional par 3s.

5h to 8i 💪. Turn into a 5h ninja.

[Nickb333]

40 minutes ago, grinder1320 said:

5h to 8i 💪. Turn into a 5h ninja.

My first thought too. Though I have a 5h I can work comfortably between 150 and 165. My 8i  is 125 to 140, but the 140 has to be a perfect strike. Probably leaves me with a true 20 yard gap. I tend to carry a 7i instead. 
 

That said, horses for courses. I swear I’ve played a lot of rounds hitting D,7w, W, P and nothing else on most holes. 

[DocBrown3887]

5 hours ago, grinder1320 said:

5h to 8i 💪. Turn into a 5h ninja.

 

Haha, yeah I had three 5h club down holes with 3/4ish swings, but they worked out OK. The big gap was mainly for the par 3s and not wanting a 6h in the bag if it were too windy since this was at the beach. 

[9woodfan]

I have so many variations on the minimalist setup now, it's hard to choose a favorite!

 

I have a set running D 5w 4h 6-8-P-S putter and that's my gamer usually.

 

My super fun set is made up of all my favorite old clubs. D 7w 5h 8-G-58 Putter and Ping ChipO

 

Sim2 Max Driver, Ping K15 7 wood, Cobra T-Rail 5 hybrid, 8-G Wishon Sterling, Ping Glide 2 WS 58*, Custom SGC Anser putter and old El ChipO (the ultimate money club)

 

I'll never play a full set ever again and haven't for years now.

[lil'mike]

9 minutes ago, 9woodfan said:

I have so many variations on the minimalist setup now, it's hard to choose a favorite!

 

I have a set running D 5w 4h 6-8-P-S putter and that's my gamer usually.

 

My super fun set is made up of all my favorite old clubs. D 7w 5h 8-G-58 Putter and Ping ChipO

 

Sim2 Max Driver, Ping K15 7 wood, Cobra T-Rail 5 hybrid, 8-G Wishon Sterling, Ping Glide 2 WS 58*, Custom SGC Anser putter and old El ChipO (the ultimate money club)

 

I'll never play a full set ever again and haven't for years now.

Wow, you do have a few to choose from!  For me, you first one listed is spot on for a set that I can use and play a course half way decent and that I don't feel I am giving too many strokes up right from the first tee.  I tried a few other variations but found that I am giving up too much and the course becomes too tough and/or I am not comfortable enough to play it.

 

Edited May 18 by lil'mike

[fgsfds]

Thought I'd share my progress for the year!

 

Goals for 2025:

• Reach single digit HCP (Currently 11.3)
• Break 80
• Play 50 rounds of golf (9 or 18 holes, currently 18/50)
• Never putt outside of the green
• Never go above 7 clubs

So far my best round is 82 and I'm starting to feel very comfortable with my setup. It's still the same as my previous post, 11 degree gaps from driver to sandwegde.

 

Thought I'd share some pictures of it too:

 

Spoiler

 

 

[djrock89]

Really cant decide on using 4h,6,8,PW,SW or 5h,7,9,GW,SW at the moment