Golf is an expensive sport, and newcomers might be reluctant to invest in their own set of clubs when they’re first trying out the sport.
Or alternatively, you might simply forget to bring a club and want to share your partner’s for the round.
For either scenario, you’re probably wondering: Can you share clubs on a golf course?
In this article, you will learn the USGA guidelines on sharing clubs with a playing partner while out on the golf course. Furthermore, you’ll learn how many clubs are allowed to be carried in the bag, as well as rules on swapping and adjusting clubs mid-round.
You can share golf clubs with a partner, provided the total number of clubs between you does not exceed 14. However, many golf course operators require that golfers bring their own set of clubs, as sharing can cause slow play. In such cases, consider renting a set of golf clubs.
Do You Need Your Own Clubs to Play Golf?
According to the USGA, two golfers can share clubs provided the total number of shared clubs does not exceed 14. For example, if you have 8 clubs and your partner has 6, the total number of clubs in one bag is 14 so you are permitted to share the set.
However, many golf course operators have their own policies preventing the sharing of clubs between playing partners on the course.
The main reason for this is the risk of slow play. With players passing through the course every few minutes, the extra time spent going back and forth sharing clubs can be an inconvenience for other players on the course.
Always check with the course directly to see if it’s OK to share clubs. However, if your local course doesn’t allow this, read on to learn the options for you.
Renting Golf Clubs
For situations when you can’t share clubs on the golf course, many golf courses will provide clubs that you can rent for the round.
This allows you to focus on your game, without risking slow play by going back and forth and sharing clubs with your playing partner.
It’s important to check with the course beforehand to see if renting clubs is an option.
Best Golf Club Starter Sets for Beginners
If your course doesn’t provide rentable clubs, or you wish to pursue the game of golf with your own clubs, consider purchasing a starter set.
Starter sets are designed to offer the new golfer plenty of forgiveness and include every club needed to start enjoying the game. Most starter sets will feature a driver, a hybrid club, a set or half set of irons, and a putter.
Here are three of our favorite starter sets for beginner golfers:
Callaway Strata Complete Set
Callaway is one of the largest golf manufacturers in the world, providing millions of golfers with high-quality clubs – from amateurs to pros.
The Callaway Strata Complete Set provides an inexpensive entry option for beginner golfers, with clubs offering excellent levels of forgiveness.
What’s Included in the Set?
The Callaway Strata 12-Piece Set contains a bag, two headcovers, and 9 clubs:
- Driver
- Fairway woods: 3 wood
- Hybrids: 5 hybrid
- Irons: 6, 7, 8, 9
- Wedges: pitching wedge
- Putter
The 14-Piece Set also includes an extra sand wedge and headcover, while the 16-Piece Set also includes a 4 hybrid and an extra 2 headcovers.
Reasons to Buy
- Very forgiving and easy to hit
- High build quality
- Variety of options: 12, 14, or 16-piece sets
Reasons to Avoid
- Driver shaft isn’t too stiff, less suitable for fast swing speeds
Rating: ★★★★★
>> You can order your Callaway Strata Complete Set here
TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite Complete Set
Another major brand in the golfsphere, TaylorMade have been manufacturing reliable golf clubs for all levels of golfer since 1978.
The TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite Complete Set is an excellent all-round set for golfers looking to fast-track entry into the game. The set features 12 high quality clubs, offering great forgiveness and value for money.
What’s Included in the Set?
The TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite 13-Piece Set contains a bag, and 12 clubs:
- Driver
- Fairway woods: 3 wood, 5 wood
- Hybrids: 4 hybrid, 5 hybrid
- Irons: 6, 7, 8, 9
- Wedges: pitching wedge, sand wedge
- Putter
Reasons to Buy
- Consistently solid feel off the face
- Would suit all golfing abilities
- Multiple shaft material and flex options
Reasons to Avoid
- More expensive than other starter sets, but does include 12 clubs
Rating: ★★★★★
>> Click here to order your TaylorMade RBZ Speedlite Complete Set
Wilson Ultra Plus Complete Set
Wilson Sporting Goods have been making golf clubs since 1914. With over a century of experience, they have created the most affordable set for beginner golfers on the market.
The Wilson Ultra Plus Complete Set is simplistic, with strong performance. If you’re looking to stop renting clubs and take your game to the next level, this set is an excellent contender.
What’s Included in the Set?
The Wilson Ultra Plus 10-Piece Set contains a bag and 9 clubs:
- Driver
- Fairway woods: 3 wood
- Hybrids:
- Irons: 6, 7, 8, 9
- Wedges: pitching wedge
- Putter
Reasons to Buy
- Ideal set for beginner golfers
- Excellent value for money
Reasons to Avoid
- Not suited to high swing speeds
- Golfers over 6′ 2″ might need to consider longer clubs
Rating: ★★★★☆
>> Click here to order your Wilson Ultra Plus Complete Set
How Many Clubs Are Allowed in a Golf Bag?
According to Rule 4.1b, players can carry up to 14 clubs in their golf bag. You can also choose to have fewer if you don’t wish to use all 14 available slots.
There’s also no restriction on the clubs you choose to carry. For example, some golfers choose to carry multiple putters, while others might choose to carry an extra wedge.
This rule applies to sharing golf clubs too. If two players are sharing a set, they can only have 14 clubs between them as this counts as a single bag allocation.
In golf, a scramble is a common tournament format played by a team of four. Each player takes a shot, and the best shot is chosen every time. All players use this spot to play their next shot.
You can usually share clubs in a scramble tournament. In fact, you can share up to 14 clubs between playing partners regardless of the format.
However, you should check with the organizers beforehand as they might have unique rules around sharing clubs in tournaments.
Can I Carry My Clubs in Another Player’s Bag?
If you have your own set of clubs but no bag, you might be wondering if your playing partner can carry your clubs along with their own.
Most golf courses would see this in the same light as sharing golf clubs, therefore it might not be permissible. Once again, this is because it adds time when going back and forth to collect your clubs, risking slow play.
With regard to tournament golf, there is USGA guidance in place. While it states that you are allowed to keep your clubs in another player’s bag, you should ensure the clubs are clearly identifiable from the other player’s to avoid the risk of a penalty.
Can You Adjust Golf Clubs During a Round?
Many drivers and woods these days have adjustable settings, with variable degrees of loft which can be altered using a screwdriver.
According to Rule 4.1a (3) set by the USGA, you can’t make a stroke with a club whose performance characteristics you “deliberately changed during the round.” If you use an adjustable feature to affect how it performs in making a stroke, you will be disqualified.
Of course, this rule only applies to tournament golf. If you’re playing for fun, feel free to adjust those settings all you like!
Conclusion
In summary, you can share up to 14 clubs on a golf course according to the USGA.
However, be aware that many golf courses have their own policies preventing the sharing of clubs between playing partners. This serves to minimize the risk of slow play on the course.
If you don’t have your own set of clubs yet, consider renting a set of clubs from the course, or invest in a starter set.
