How many clubs can I carry?
Rule- USA
- USGA
- Rules of Golf
- Junior tournaments
- Juniors (under 19)
- Stroke play
- 2023 rules
- Players
No more than 14. You can't start a round with more than 14 clubs or have more than 14 during the round. This includes every club carried by or for you (Rule 4.1b(1)). If you start with fewer, you may add clubs up to 14, as long as you don't delay play or borrow one from anyone playing on the course.
If you discover you have too many, take the extra club(s) out of play right away, before your next stroke, by clearly showing which clubs you won't use (Rule 4.1c).
| Form of play | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Stroke play | 2 strokes for each hole where the breach happened, maximum 4 strokes per round |
| Match play | Match score adjusted by deducting 1 hole for each hole where the breach happened, maximum 2 holes |
Count your clubs on the first tee before you start.
Added 21 Oct 2026