Putters are unlike any other club in your golf bag. Their design is fundamentally different from other clubs because its purpose is unique.
All the other clubs in your bag are designed to be able to hit the ball far distances. Your putter, on the other hand, is built for accuracy and consistency when hitting the ball short distances on the green.
Given this underlying difference between the role of your putter from other clubs, you may wonder if putters are dealt with differently from other clubs in your bag. Specifically, does a putter count against the club total in your bag?
In the article below, we will cover if a putter counts as part of the club total. Plus, we will cover if multiple putters count towards the 14 club max as well as what clubs you should carry. There is a lot to look at so let’s jump in!
How Many Clubs Are Allowed In A Golf Bag
Before we get started, we need to cover the basic rules of how many golf clubs are allowed in your golf bag. Golfers are allowed to carry up to 14 clubs in their bag during a round of golf. This limit includes any clubheads, not counting the grip or the attachments that may be on the clubs.
Golfers can choose which clubs to carry in their bag. The most common configuration of clubs includes a driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and a putter.
However, some golfers might choose to carry fewer clubs if they want a smaller bag. Others might decide to carry all 14 clubs with a second putter or a specialist club like a chipper or a driving iron.
Does The 14 Club Total Include Your Putter?
Yes, the putter counts as one of the 14 clubs a golfer is allowed to carry in their bag during a round of golf. The other clubs may include a driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and possibly additional putters if the golfer chooses to carry multiple putters. Carrying more than 14 clubs during a competitive round of golf will result in disqualification.
Can I Carry Two Putters During My Round?
As we covered above, golfers are allowed to carry up to 14 clubs in their bag during a round of golf. These clubs can be of any type, including multiple putters.
Keep in mind that packing extra putters may occupy room in your bag that could be used for other clubs. The advantages of carrying several putters should be weighed against any potential advantages that you will need to leave at home.
What 14 Clubs Should I Carry?
The clubs a golfer carries can vary depending on their individual preferences, strengths, and weaknesses on the course. Some golfers might prefer to carry fewer woods while others carry more wedges. Additionally, golfers can choose between different types of clubs with varying lofts, shaft lengths, and other features to fit their game.
Here are 14 common clubs that you will find in most golfer’s bags:
Driver: This is the club used for tee shots on par 4s and par 5s.
Fairway woods: These clubs are used for longer shots from the fairway or rough.
Hybrids: These clubs are a cross between a wood and an iron and are versatile for a variety of shots.
Irons: A set of irons typically consists of 3-9 irons, which are used for a variety of distances and shots.
Wedges: Golfers usually carry at least two or three wedges. This includes a pitching wedge, sand wedge, and/or lob wedge, for shots around the green and out of bunkers.
Putter: This is the most important club in the bag, as it is used on the green to put the ball into the hole.
What Are Uncommon Golf Clubs That Golfers Use?
There are a few uncommon golf clubs that some golfers use. However, their popularity varies depending on the player and the course they are playing on. Here are a few examples:
Chipper: A chipper is a club that is designed to help golfers hit chip shots around the green. It has a shorter shaft than a traditional iron, a putter-like appearance, and a loft of around 30 to 37 degrees.
Baffler: A baffler is a hybrid club that combines the best qualities of a fairway wood and an iron. It has a low center of gravity, a wider sole, and a higher loft, making it easier to hit out of rough or sand.
Driving Iron: A driving iron or 1-iron is a club that is designed to hit long, low shots off the tee or from the fairway. It has a smaller head and a lower loft than a traditional fairway wood, making it more accurate and easier to control.
Lob Wedge: A lob wedge is a high-lofted wedge that is designed to hit high, soft shots around the green. It has a loft of around 58 to 64 degrees, making it ideal for hitting over obstacles like bunkers or tall grass.
Belly Putter: A belly putter is a putter with a longer shaft that is designed to be anchored against the golfer’s belly. This helps golfers stabilize their stroke and reduce the amount of wrist movement, resulting in more accurate putts.
It’s worth noting that some of these clubs, such as the belly putter, have been banned by the USGA for use in competitions. However, they are still legal for recreational play.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, your putter does count towards your 14-club limit. However, you are allowed to carry multiple putters if you choose to if your bag doesn’t contain more than 14 clubs.
When it comes to choosing which clubs to carry in your bag, it ultimately depends on your individual preferences and strengths on the course. Some golfers may opt for a smaller bag with fewer clubs, while others may carry more specialized clubs like chippers or driving irons.
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