How many clubs in a golf bag?
The Rules of Golf allow up to 14 clubs. You can carry fewer, and most beginners should. Here's what to carry at each level, and what it costs second-hand today.
Beginner (8-9 clubs)
- Driver or 3 wood
- Hybrid (5H)
- Irons 6-PW
- Sand wedge
- Putter
Club golfer (12-13 clubs)
- Driver
- 3 or 5 wood
- Two hybrids (4H, 5H)
- Irons 6-PW
- Gap and sand wedges
- Putter
Low handicap (14 clubs)
- Driver
- 3 wood
- Hybrid or driving iron
- Irons 4-PW
- Three wedges (50°, 54°, 58°)
- Putter
What each club costs used, today
| Club | Typical used price, eBay UK |
|---|---|
| Driver | £153 |
| Fairway wood | £126 |
| Hybrid | £89 |
| Iron set | £258 |
| Wedge | £60 |
| Putter | £134 |
The middle model of each type across every brand we track. Older models cost much less.
Questions
How many clubs are you allowed in a golf bag?
Up to 14, under Rule 4.1b of the Rules of Golf. You can carry fewer. Starting a round with more than 14 costs a two-stroke penalty for each hole where the breach happened, up to four strokes a round in stroke play.
How many clubs does a beginner need?
About 8 or 9: a driver or 3 wood, a hybrid, irons from 6 to pitching wedge, a sand wedge and a putter. Fewer clubs means fewer decisions while you learn, and it's much cheaper second-hand.
Does the putter count towards 14?
Yes. Every club counts, including the putter and any wedges.
What does a full bag of used clubs cost?
At today's typical used prices on eBay UK, a middle-of-the-road driver, fairway wood, hybrid, iron set, wedge, putter come to about £821. Older models and full package sets cost far less: try our bag builder with your budget.