How many clubs can you carry in golf?
Officials' detail · Players, equipment and conduct · 1 of 2A player may start a round with no more than 14 clubs and may not go above 14 during it. In stroke play the penalty is two strokes for each hole where the breach happened, up to a maximum of four. In match play the match score is adjusted by up to two holes.
How it works
- The limit covers every club carried by or for the player.
- A player who starts with fewer than 14 may add clubs up to the limit, but not by borrowing from anyone playing on the course.
- A player must not make a stroke with a club another player on the course is using.
- A player who finds an extra club must take it out of play at once, by saying so or by an action such as turning it upside down in the bag. Using it after that means disqualification.
- A club damaged during the round may still be used, repaired or replaced, unless it was damaged by abuse.
- A lost club may not be replaced if the player started with 14.
- A non-conforming club: making a stroke with one means disqualification. Carrying it is not a breach, but it counts as one of the 14.
- A player must not change a club's playing characteristics during the round, for example with an adjustable head, and then use it, unless it is set back first.
- Partners may share clubs if they have no more than 14 between them.
Tricky cases
In stroke play a player finds a 15th club in the bag on the 5th hole. What is the penalty?
Four strokes: two added at each of the first two holes where the breach happened. The extra club must be taken out of play straight away.
Can a player borrow a putter from someone else in the group?
No. A player may not make a stroke with a club being used by anyone else playing on the course. Partners in foursomes and four-ball are the exception, within the limit of 14.
A player snapped a club by slamming it into the ground. Can it be replaced?
No. A club damaged through abuse may not be repaired or replaced.
Why the rule exists
The Rules put it under a principle: success "should depend on the player's judgment, skills and abilities". A limit forces choices about which shots to be equipped for.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rules of Golf, stroke play | Two strokes a hole, maximum four | G 4.1b |
| Rules of Golf, match play | Match score adjusted by one hole per hole of breach, maximum two | G 4.1b |
| Foursomes and four-ball | Partners may share within 14 | G 22.5; G 23.7 |
From the rule book
The R&A and USGA Rules of Golf, Rules 4.1, 22.5 and 23.7. Effective January 2023. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: Rules of Golf (PDF).