There are many reasons why someone may want to carry multiple putters in their golf bag. Let’s say you have multiple putters and you want to test which one suits you better, or you have a different putter for different types of greens. There are many understandable reasons why someone may want to do this. However, you may be wondering about any restrictions to how many you can keep in your bag? I did some digging to find out exactly how many putters you can have in your golf bag.
How many putters are allowed in a golf bag? A golfer is allowed to have up to 14 putters in their golf back. The USGA allows players to have any variety of clubs in their bag as long as that number does not go over 14 total clubs, this includes putters.
Does the Putter Count in the 14 Clubs?
Yes, the putter does count towards the total limit of 14 clubs that are allowed in a golf bag. The USGA considers a putter the same as any other club that you have in a golf bag, therefore it does contribute to the total count.
Total Amount Of Putters Allowed In A Golf Bag
So, as I stated above, there is no restriction on how many putters you can carry in a bag, so it is totally up to you to decide how many is optimal to you. More specifically, the USGA specifically states,
“You are allowed to carry up to 14 clubs for play (but you can have fewer). There is no restriction on the type of clubs you carry – for instance you can carry multiple putters, multiple drivers, or some left-handed clubs and some right-handed.”
Although it is not advisable, you are totally allowed to have 14 putters in your bag if you so choose. Granted, this means that you wouldn’t be able to have any drivers, irons, woods, etc in your bag. So to give you an idea of the variety of clubs, including putters you can have in your bag, I made this table below.
| Drivers | Irons | Woods | Putters | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 14 |
| 2 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 14 |
| 2 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 14 |
| 3 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 14 |
Should You Have More Than One Putter in Your Bag?
There are definitely reasons why someone may need more than one putter in their bag. Although it’s uncommon from what I’ve seen, there still are some benefits to carrying an extra putter or two in your golf bag.
1. In Case You Lose Your Primary Putter on the Course
It might be tough to admit, but there are times when we lose a putter. Whether it is on the green of the previous hole, or somewhere on the cart path, it does happen. Carrying around an extra putter just in case, can help make sure you are never caught without one.
2. If You Are Trying Out a New Putter
When you purchase a new putter, you may be hesitant to use it for an entire round of golf. This is a perfect scenario for carrying multiple putters. Essentially, while you get used to your new putter, you also have access to your old putter just in case you have the urge to switch back for a few holes.
3. Different Putters for Different Greens
From what I’ve seen this is extremely rare, however some golfers carry around multiple putters so that they are equipped for different green conditions. For example, if the greens are fast, you may have more luck using a heavier putter, whereas if the greens are slow, you may want to use a lighter putter.
