Why Only Fourteen Golf Clubs

Why Only Fourteen Golf Clubs is a short golf blog post that looks at the reasons behind this questionable rule of golf. Have you ever wondered why we, as golfers, are only allowed a certain number of clubs in our bag? Well, let’s get into it and find out why. R&A Rules of Golf – Rule 4 – The Player’s Equipment. Under this rule, you will find the section regarding the maximum number of clubs allowed on the course. Rule 4.1b – Limit of 14 clubs. A player must not: Start a round with more than 14 clubs, or Have more than 14 clubs during the round. This limit includes all clubs carried by or for the player. Rule 4.1b – Continued But it does not include parts of a broken club and separated parts. This includes a club head, shaft or grip that is being carried by or for a player at the start of their round. If the player starts a round with fewer than 14 clubs, they may add clubs during the round. But only up to the 14-club limit (see Rule 4.1b(4) for restrictions in doing this). A club is considered added when the player makes their next stroke while the added club is in the player’s possession. When the player becomes aware that they are in breach of this Rule by having more than 14 clubs. The player must take the excess club or clubs out of play before making another stroke using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1): If the player started with more than 14 clubs, they may choose which club or clubs will be taken out of play. If the player added excess clubs during the round, those added clubs are the ones that must be taken out of play. Rule 4.1b – Continued After a player’s round has started, if the player picks up another player’s club that was left behind, or a club is mistakenly put in the player’s bag without their knowledge, the club is not treated as one of the player’s clubs for purposes of the 14-club limit (but it must not be used). (2) No Sharing of Clubs. A player is limited to those clubs they started with or added as allowed in (1): The player must not make a stroke with a club being used by anyone else who is playing on the course. Even if the other player is playing in a different group or competition. When the player becomes aware that they have breached this Rule by making a stroke with another player’s club. The player must take that club out of play before making another stroke using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1). The History of this Rule In 1938, the USGA introduced this rule for good reason. It was previously allowed to carry as few or as many clubs as you wished. Some players were turning up at tournaments with up to 32 clubs in their bag. The governing bodies decided that things had gone a little too far. They had 3 main reasons to create a new rule, and they were… To preserve the element of skill involved in the game. To keep a level playing field as far as equipment was concerned. To look after the health and well-being of the Caddies, Soon after, the 13th edition of the rules of golf was released, which included the following rule… The clubs used by a player during a round shall not exceed 14, and the clubs carried shall be restricted to that number. Nobody knows why 14 became the maximum amount. But some believe it had something to do with a conversation between Bobby Jones & John Jackson. Bobby Jones was the best golfer at the time, and John Jackson was the President of the USGA. What are your thoughts on Why Only Fourteen Golf Clubs? Please leave a comment by filling out a Contact Form. To read more of my golf blog posts, click here.