If you’ve ever lugged a full set of 14 clubs across 18 holes, you know the grind is real. But here’s something I’ve tried that totally flips the script: playing a round using only one golf club. This approach might sound strange at first, but it’s caught on with plenty of golfers looking for a new challenge, a simpler walk, and maybe even a smaller dent in the wallet. If you’re curious about how this style shakes up the game—on and off the course—I’ve got some ideas and experiences to share.
Why Try Playing One Club for Every Round?
The idea of tackling an entire round with just one club is about way more than difficulty or trying to show off. It brings a fresh attitude to the game and comes with benefits that might surprise you. I first gave this a shot when a buddy dared me, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
- It Forces Creativity: When you only have a 7iron or 6iron in your hand, there’s no crutch to lean on. Every shot, from tee to green to bunker to putt, needs imagination and adaptability.
- It’s a Throwback to Golf’s Roots: Early versions of golf weren’t played with a huge bag of clubs. Going minimalist gives a little taste of how the game was in its early days, and it’s eye-catching to experience that history.
- It’s Challenging, but in a Fun Way: Par becomes a different animal when your short game and long shots rely on the same tool. Every hole feels fresh and interesting.
The Advantages of Only Using One Golf Club
Oneclub golf isn’t just a way to show off your skills (though it can lead to some bragworthy moments). Here are a few practical perks I’ve found:
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- Makes Every Shot Count: You slow down and focus on your swing technique and ball positioning, because you can’t rely on equipment changes to save you.
- Gives Your Short Game a Boost: Since you have to bump and run chips or improvise putts with an iron, your feel around the green gets a serious boost. This new skill sticks with you when you return to a full set.
- Speeds Up Play: There’s no digging through your bag or overthinking club selection. Just grab and go; your pace picks up, which is super handy if you’re playing solo or the course is busy.
- 100% Portable: Walking the course gets so much easier with just one club. Ditching the heavy bag makes those last few holes feel a lot less grueling.
Life Gets Simpler
One of the biggest surprises for me was how much this approach strips away distractions. For once, you’re not thinking about launch angle or distance gaps. You’re working with what you’ve got, adjusting swing speed and stance to make the shot fit. That laser focus can be incredibly calming, and I always notice I’m more present in the moment.
Without the noise of a big bag or constant club swapping, you start to appreciate each shot and each walk between holes. There’s nothing to juggle—just you, the club, and whatever challenge the next fairway throws at you.
Golf Minimalism and the “Less is More” Mindset
Golf minimalism extends beyond the singleclub challenge. I’ve become a fan of playing with lighter bags or only bringing a partial set for casual rounds. It’s all about cutting out unnecessary baggage, both literally and mentally. Once you realize you can enjoy your best hole with only a trusty 7iron or 6iron, it’s hard not to see the beauty in keeping things simple.
Minimalist golf lines up with other trending vibes too, like walking instead of driving a cart, using the same ball until it’s properly lost, or finding creative shot solutions without always reaching for gear. The “less is more” vibe can totally change how you see the course and your own game. Many golfers have shared their experiences on forums about how this stripped-back method let them set free a new appreciation for golf, focusing on the basics and really connecting with every shot they take.
Saving Money: Fewer Clubs, Fewer Expenses
Golf can get pricey; new clubs aren’t cheap, and sometimes you feel pressure to chase the latest gear. Had I known earlier that oneclub rounds could be just as satisfying, I probably would have saved some cash and a lot of decision fatigue.
Cutting down your collection means less money spent on upgrades, custom fittings, or fancy bag accessories. It’s not about never upgrading, just knowing you can play good golf without a full arsenal, which is a freeing feeling. Plus, if you ever want to check out different clubs in the future, you can focus on quality rather than quantity, making your purchases more meaningful.
Choosing the Right Club for a One-Club Round
The key to a good singleclub round is picking the right club. In my experience, the 7iron is the favorite; it’s reliable from the tee for shorter holes, manageable off the fairway, and even useful around the greens.
- If you want more distance, try a 5iron or hybrid.
- For more control and soft landings, the 9iron or pitching wedge can be fun to experiment with.
If you’re new to the oneclub challenge, borrow a few clubs during a practice session to see which one feels right for your game. Sometimes, a specific hole or course condition can switch up your choice, so feel free to mix it up.
Should You Keep Score?
People always ask if I keep score during oneclub rounds. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. Some days it’s fun to see if I can break 90 or 100 using just a single tool, but other days I leave the pencil in the cart and just enjoy the creative challenge.
Go with your mood. No need to be strict. One of the best parts of this challenge is realizing that golf isn’t just about chasing numbers; it’s about having fun, testing your skills, and appreciating a totally different side of the game.
Common Challenges and How to Tackle Them
Not every shot will feel comfortable with only one club. Hitting out of bunkers with a 7iron, or putting with an iron, can take some getting used to. Here are a few ways I deal with the tougher parts:
- Bunker Play: Open the club face a bit more and take plenty of sand, like you would with a wedge. It may not always be pretty, but that’s half the fun.
- Putting: Use a pendulum stroke and practice bumping the ball rather than swinging hard. It’s possible to twoputt most greens with practice.
- Distance Control: Choke down on the grip for shorter shots, or swing easier and focus on tempo. It takes a little trial and error, but that skill translates to every club when you use a full set next time. These adjustments can boost your confidence in tough spots.
Who Should Try One-Club Golf?
This approach has something for just about everyone. If you:
- Struggle to break old habits or want to develop new skills, this is a fresh challenge.
- Prefer simple, budgetfriendly golf outings, one club is all you need.
- Want to walk the course comfortably, ditching excess gear makes a big difference.
- Need a quick round; this setup gets you through 9 or 18 holes fast.
Even if you love fullbag play, trading in your set once in a while can keep the game interesting and help you spot areas for improvement. It can also be a cool group challenge with friends and spark conversations with other golfers who are curious about the oneclub experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Which club is best for a oneclub round?
Answer: A 7iron is the most popular choice since it offers a good middle ground for distance and control. If you favor certain types of courses or shots, try a 6iron (for more distance) or a pitching wedge (for approach shots and greenside work).
Question: How can I handle hazards or tricky shots?
Answer: Adjusting stance, grip, and swing speed helps tackle most situations. For bunkers, open the face more and play for rollout. For rough, focus on clean contact. Practice is key, and every mistake is a learning opportunity.
Question: Do oneclub rounds help my regular game?
Answer: Yes! You learn to shape shots, manage distance creatively, and take on unexpected situations with less hesitation. These skills definitely improve regular play when you go back to a full set. Plus, you’ll start to pick up on the subtle differences in your swings and shots, helping you get a feel for your own mechanics.
Fresh Perspective: What I Learned from One-Club Golf
Trying oneclub rounds has switched up how I look at golf; both my own abilities and the game as a whole. Playing this way brings out your best, strips away distractions, and makes every shot matter. It’s worth checking out if you love a new challenge, want more simplicity, or just need a reminder that golf can be fun no matter what’s in the bag. Next time the course seems routine, leave your full set behind and see what kind of adventure a single club can offer.