Good.Shepherd
New member
Had a great conversation today on XM radio's PGA station about the 14 club rule. What struck me is how little is really understood about the origin of the rule (the USGA website tells a different story than other sites that track golf history) and why 14 was the magic number. .
Now I know it's possible to play with fewer. I often find I only have 13 in my bag.
But I actually think there's an argument to made to allow for MORE clubs in the bag. I'd like to see 16 allowed. Here's why:
1. Golf courses are very different today than in times past. At 7K yards on some courses, I think there's room for an extra distance club (5w or 7w?) or a variation in loft. Further, recent research suggests that approach shots from 100+ yards have a greater contribution to scoring than either driving or putting.
2. Courses are also allowing for much faster greens, and I think most players don't carry enough wedges for their approach and short game. This is also a big issue for Pelz as he recommends using more club slots for wedges than for distance.
3. It's not THAT historic of a rule. Bobby Jones usually carrier more than 14 and no one puts an asterisk by his victories because of it.
If they allowed 16, I'd add in an additional wood, probably something easy to de-loft in case of wind and weather, and I'd add another lob-class wedge.
Basically, if 14 clubs was a great rule for 1940, I think there is room to look at it in 2014 when we have more available technology, much different (and longer) courses, and much faster and more demanding greens.
Now I know it's possible to play with fewer. I often find I only have 13 in my bag.
But I actually think there's an argument to made to allow for MORE clubs in the bag. I'd like to see 16 allowed. Here's why:
1. Golf courses are very different today than in times past. At 7K yards on some courses, I think there's room for an extra distance club (5w or 7w?) or a variation in loft. Further, recent research suggests that approach shots from 100+ yards have a greater contribution to scoring than either driving or putting.
2. Courses are also allowing for much faster greens, and I think most players don't carry enough wedges for their approach and short game. This is also a big issue for Pelz as he recommends using more club slots for wedges than for distance.
3. It's not THAT historic of a rule. Bobby Jones usually carrier more than 14 and no one puts an asterisk by his victories because of it.
If they allowed 16, I'd add in an additional wood, probably something easy to de-loft in case of wind and weather, and I'd add another lob-class wedge.
Basically, if 14 clubs was a great rule for 1940, I think there is room to look at it in 2014 when we have more available technology, much different (and longer) courses, and much faster and more demanding greens.