There is no longer a cookie cutter set of clubs that fits every golfer. We encourage golfers to set up a fitting with a golf professional that uses a launch monitor to make sure you have the right mix of clubs for your game. Some golfers like hybrids versus long irons and this means this individual will have more hybrids and lesson irons in the bag. There are golfers that insist on carrying four wedges and there are other golfers that only want two wedges and that can work depending on their level of play and their swing speed. As you do your fitting use the launch monitor to see the distance of your clubs and this will eliminate the gaps between clubs and will confirm in your mind that you have a club for every distance.
The slower you swing the club means you will notice less distance between clubs and this can even allow us to skip clubs for some beginners. So for a beginner we might see a set look like a High Loft Driver (13-14 degrees), 7 wood, 5 hybrid, 7 iron, 9 iron, sand wedge and a putter. As they continue to improve and enjoy the game then they can add more clubs as needed. A low handicap player might need a driver, 3 wood, 3 hybrid/crossover, 4 iron – PW, AW and a lob wedge and a putter. As you can see it can vary depending on your level of play, swing speed, and what you like.
The important thing is to get fit with a launch monitor and get what you need in your bag to play your best golf.