The short answer to the question of “how many clubs in a golf bag?” is that it depends on the golfer.
Think in terms of how many clubs you think it will take you to get the ball from the tee to the hole.
Are you playing a full-size golf course? If so, you’ll probably want a driver, a couple of fairway woods, and some longer irons or hybrids to help you cover the distances of the longer holes. Conversely, if you’re playing a Par 3 course, you can likely leave the big clubs out of the bag and carry only your short irons, wedges, and putter.
The same differences apply when it comes to skill level. Generally speaking, longer clubs (drivers, fairway woods, long irons) are more difficult to hit accurately. So, while a skilled golfer may choose to carry a full set, a beginner might be better off sticking to the clubs that give them the best chance at consistently good contact.
Then there’s the matter of walking vs. riding. If you’re taking a cart, you might as well bring every club that’s allowed. But if you’re walking, you may be looking for opportunities to lighten your load and might choose to bring only your most dependable sticks.
In other words, there is no right answer to the question of how many clubs in a golf bag. It’s a very personal choice. Which is why a manufacturer like Stix Golf makes a lot of sense for a lot of golfers.
Stix offers their clubs a la carte. You can purchase a full set or partial sets. You can even buy their clubs individually. It’s a great solution for a golfer who’s growing into the game. Rather than make a full investment up front, you can instead buy only the clubs that align with your skill level, where you’re playing, and whether you’re walking or riding.