As you might imagine, I get many emails from golfers asking all kinds of questions about their equipment. These range from set make-up, to shafts, to fitting specifications to, well, you can just about name it. Compared to just about any other sport, golf presents a mind-numbing array of things to learn and understand. Rules and etiquette alone can boggle the mind, but let’s stay focused on the equipment for today. I want to sound off with some thoughts I have, and then ask all of you to chime in with your ideas and opinions in the comments.

Do you really need a full set?

I believe a great number of golfers are doing themselves a disservice by carrying a full complement of 14 clubs. When I was just starting out at about 6 years old, I had a 2-wood, 5-iron, 9-iron, and putter. What more did I need on that little 9-hole golf course? I could get close to the green with 3-4 shots with the 2-wood and 5-iron and then chip and putt to finish it off. As I gained strength and distance, I graduated to a set that had a driver and 3 wood, and 3-5-7-9 irons, and putter. That took me all the way to consistently shooting in the low 40s for nine holes.

The reality is that until I could hit the ball far enough to experience at least a 10-yard gap between irons, I didn’t need them all. This wisdom applies to many golfers today, particularly women, seniors and juniors that don’t hit it all that far. If you don’t hit a 7-iron at least 120 yards, I suggest you take out either the odd- or even-numbered irons and go play a few rounds. I think you’ll find, at the very least, it makes the game simpler, and at the best, lowers your scores by reducing your confusion.

Do you really need a driver?

This follows the prior point. Even as big as they are these days, the driver is a hard club to master. By my observation, too many golfers really can’t handle a club of that length with that low of loft. I challenge you to honestly answer this question: “Is your driver one of your most consistent clubs?”

If it isn’t, play a few rounds hitting your 3-wood off the tee and see what happens. I can share this with you from the golf club tech side – if you don’t hit a driver longer than 200 yards, you will likely get more distance from your 3-wood on average, as it will optimize your carry distance.

Do you really ‘know’ your irons?

If you’ve bought a new set of irons in the last few years, chances are that you are playing a set with lofts that are a club stronger than your old set. The iron manufacturers have been altering lofts and lengths so that they can win the “launch monitor battle” by having the longest-hitting 6- or 7-iron. The “victims” of this nonsense is that modern “P-clubs” are as low as 43 to 45 degrees of loft, and that is simply NOT a wedge! You cannot “pitch” the ball with a club of that low of loft.

Are you playing the right ball?

If your answer is “whatever I can find” or “whatever is on sale,” then you are not optimizing the science of the golf ball that is available to you. And you’ll never get the most out of your putting and short game by playing a variety of balls that feel and react differently from the scoring clubs. All of the top-tier golf balls today go plenty far, and no premium brand makes inferior products. Since the game of golf is all about scoring, I’m a big proponent of playing a softer, higher-spinning ball to give you better control around the greens. You will not lose any distance, but this type of ball will sharpen your short game. And that’s what scoring is all about.

So, there you have my four tips for getting more out of your equipment. I’m looking forward to hearing from all of you with those that you think should be added.

More from the Wedge Guy

• The Wedge Guy: Method or feel?
• The Wedge Guy: What really needs fixing in your game?
• The Wedge Guy: It’s not all about distance