Do you really need 14 clubs? Focus on this instead

Walk into most big box golf stores and you’re surrounded by the idea that every player needs all 14 clubs in the bag. However, if your driver club head speed is under 90 mph, it’s time to take a hard look at that assumption. Carrying a full set might look complete on paper, but if several clubs in your bag are just different shapes that go the same distance, you’re not helping your game — you’re adding confusion and limiting your potential. 

Let’s break down what matters, why, and how you can build a set that actually works for you. 

Why club head speed changes everything 

Speed affects everything — launch, spin, peak height, descent angle and, ultimately, carry distance. The faster you swing, the easier it is to create speed gaps between clubs and keep trajectory windows separated. But at slower to moderate speeds (below 90 mph with the driver), those gaps shrink fast, especially in the long irons. 

Why? Because when you don’t generate enough ball speed, lower-lofted clubs struggle to launch high enough or spin enough to stay in the air. A 4-iron might come off low, knuckly and roll out 5 yards past your 5-iron. That’s not a “gap” … that’s redundancy. 

If you swing at 85 mph with the driver, your 4-iron might carry 165 yards. So does your 5-iron. That overlap adds nothing, except a harder-to-hit club and more inconsistency. 

That’s where proper gapping becomes your secret weapon. 

Gapping: It’s not about club numbers — it’s about ball speed and launch 

Most golfers are taught to think in terms of loft gaps, like 4° between irons, for example. But that only works IF you have the speed to create separation. What you really need to pay attention to is ball speed gapping. 

A good rule of thumb? You want around 5 mph of ball speed between each club. That should translate to about 10-12 yards of carry separation, enough to matter on the course and to give you confidence pulling the next club in the bag. 

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If two clubs are separated by 2-3 mph of ball speed and are flying within 5 yards of each other, one of them needs to go. Instead, use that spot for a club that gives you more launch, more spin and a totally different window. That might be a 7-wood instead of a 4-iron, or a 28° hybrid in place of a 5-iron. 

Every club in your bag should have a purpose. If it doesn’t, it’s just bag clutter. 

Higher loft and spin aren’t the enemy — they’re the answer 

A lot of players fear spin because they’ve been told it kills distance. And yes, if you’re swinging 120 mph and spinning your driver at 3800 rpm, we have a problem. But if you’re swinging 85–90 mph, spin is what keeps the ball in the air long enough to carry. 

Let’s say you hit your 5-iron at 100 mph of ball speed. Without enough spin, the ball falls out of the air like a rock. With the right launch and spin combo, it stays in the air longer, flies higher and carries farther, even if it rolls less. At your speed, carry is your distance. You’re not chasing 20 yards of rollout. You need to get it to the number in the air. 

That’s why higher lofted clubs matter. Higher loft equals higher launch and more spin. Both are key to maximizing carry and controlling your distance. This is especially true in the long game. A high-lofted 7-wood or hybrid can often carry farther and land softer than a low-lofted iron, even if they’re the same length. 

So don’t fear the loft. Embrace it. It’s helping you hold greens, carry hazards and stop shots where you want them. 

What a smarter set looks like 

Let’s get practical. If you swing under 90 mph, your bag doesn’t need to follow the PGA Tour template. Here’s how you might rethink your build.

Driver 

It’s still important, but it needs to be properly fit. For this swing speed, loft matters. You’re likely best in the 10.5°–12° range to keep launch and spin optimized. Look for something forgiving that helps with face stability and vertical launch consistency. 

Fairway Woods 

This is your chance to shine. Instead of a 15° 3-wood that’s tough to launch, consider a 16.5° or 17.5° 4-wood — they’re easier to hit and often go farther for slower-speed players. Add in a 7-wood (21°) or even a 9-wood, typically around 24°, and you’ll see a higher, softer flight that actually holds the green. 

Hybrids 

Long irons are rarely your friends. Replace the 3- through 5-irons with hybrids ranging from 22° to 30°. These clubs are easier to launch, better from a variety of lies and will help you keep gapping consistent through the middle of the bag. 

Irons 

Start your set at the club where you see a true distance and ball speed jump beyond your longest hybrid. That might be a 6-iron or even a 7. And that’s OK. From there, stick to traditional loft spacing and make sure each iron gives you a consistent carry and descent angle. 

Wedges 

Don’t overload on wedges unless you use them all. A basic setup like PW–GW–SW covers most needs. If you’re confident around the greens, a lob wedge can be useful, but only if you practice with it. 

Putter 

The one club everyone needs. Just make sure it’s fit for length, lie and feel. 

The big takeaway: Fewer clubs, smarter setup, better scores 

If you swing under 90 mph and you’re carrying 14 clubs, chances are you’re duplicating distances and making the game harder than it needs to be. A tighter, better-fit set, maybe 11 or 12 clubs, gives you more consistency, more confidence and better gapping. 

You don’t need to keep clubs just because they came with the set. Build your bag around what gives you height, carry, spin and separation. Lean into loft. Prioritize launch. And remember: you’re not trying to play like the pros; you’re trying to score like you. 

Ready to find the right setup for your bag? Book your fitting at True Spec Golf.