Why carrying fewer clubs in your ‘Sunday bag’ can actually help your game

For those golfers who still enjoy strolling the fairways of their favorite course with a bag slung over their shoulder, the Sunday Bag has become a must-have item. Weighing as little as 2-3 pounds without gear — many have a waterproof belly in place of stand legs so you can lay the bag on the ground — the no-frills bag has enough space for your most important gear.

The only issue Sunday bag carriers tend to grapple with is the number of clubs that should go along for the ride. Should you carry the usual 13-14 or shake things up and go with fewer clubs? Golfers sounded off recently when I asked them to give me their ideal equipment setup for a Sunday bag on social media.

Below are some of the best responses I received. Hopefully, they give you a better idea of what other golfers are doing when it comes to stocking their bag with gear.

The case for carrying a half set

I’ve been part of the half-set squad for two years now. Not impacted my scores and I enjoy playing more now than ever.

— Jamie Kennedy (@jamierkennedy) November 19, 2019

evens. D, 2, 4, 6, 8, PW, L, putter

— Job Fickett (@jwfickett) November 18, 2019

Driver, Hybrid, 5 iron, 8 iron, 50, 56, 60 and putter

— Warren Aplin (@warrenaplin) November 18, 2019

D, 5w, 6, 8, pw, 56, putter ? and genuinely play better with this set

— kevin (@kwr260) November 18, 2019

This time of year I carry 8-10 clubs and that’s for comps, county knockouts or just a round with my kids. Really helps me understand distances, helps me control my face angle as I’m having to swing at different tempos and I’m too lazy to carry a full set!

— David Richards (@DavidR1301) November 19, 2019

At my home club I carry ~8 clubs. Otherwise a full set of 13.

— Michael Williams (@acontinuouslean) November 18, 2019

D, 4w, 4, 6, 8, PW, 52°, 58°, P. A ball marker, divot tool, hand full of tees, and a sleeve of Pro V1’s.

— RJ Atkins (@RJamesAtkins) November 18, 2019

The case for carrying a full set

Full 14 clubs… the Sunday bags are so good now you’ve got plenty of room and function.

— Brent Mertz (@Ult_HoneyBadger) November 18, 2019

Full 14. D-3W- 2 hybrids – 4 thru 9 – W & 3 Cleveland gap wedges. All come in handily on the course due to yardages, pin placements and wind ! ??

— ⓐⓝⓨ ⓜⓐⓙⓞⓡ ⓓⓤⓓⓔ ??‍♂️ (@ENewill) November 19, 2019

I’ll carry 14 clubs, 3 balls, three plastic tees, range finder, ball marker, Bluetooth speaker and a towel in my Sunday bag. It’s way lighter than my stand bag and makes for a much more enjoyable round.

— PAUL. (@WDWtourist) November 18, 2019

Full bag but pick 2/3 from 3 wood, 5 wood, and hybrid

— Micah Gill (@MicahGi55374628) November 18, 2019

Pick & choose if playing a par 3 otherwise full set.

— R_Consumer (@Slicyman) November 18, 2019

Full set, a sleeve of ProVs, a water bottle and a glove

— Luca Imwinkelried (@uw0agd) November 18, 2019

I’ve been carrying a full set, barely used more than 3 of them. I knows what I like… 3 wood, wedge, putter

— Westy (@OfficialWesty) November 20, 2019