Carrying the right set of golf clubs is critical to going low. Unfortunately, no one set fits all golfers. What works for you may not work for me. For example, if you have a good short game, it might make sense to carry four wedges. If you have a good long game, it might make sense to carry a 2-iron or 3-iron. In other words, you need to tailor your set to your game—regardless of your golf handicap. Without the right set, you can’t play your best—golf lessons not withstanding.

Covering distance gaps is the key to creating an effective club set. Distance is the first—and usually the most critical—factor you consider when deciding on a shot, not trajectory, spin, wind, or anything else. You don’t consider these other factors until you’ve decided on how far you need to hit the ball. But choosing some clubs over others creates distance gaps in your set. Covering those gaps is critical to going low. Thus, you need a way to cover them no matter what your set of clubs.

Dave Pelz, the well-known short-game guru, covers golf sets in his book, Dave Pelz’s Short-Game Bible. His golf tips on golf sets, which we’ve provided below, are instructive. Keep in mind they’re based on the idea that the short game is the key to cutting strokes from your golf handicap. Also keep in mind that Dave bases his options on your ability to make consistent swings from the 7:30, 9:00 o’clock, and 10:30 swing positions.

Here are his club-set options:

Drop a long iron and add a wedge. This is the simplest option, but it leaves a large gap in your long game. It gives you a 3 x 3 wedge system (3 different clubs, 3 different swing positions: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30)

Drop two long irons and add two wedges. This leaves a gap in your long game, but you can cover it. You can drop your 2- and 3-irons, for example, and choke up on your 5-wood. This gives you a 4 x 3 wedge system—a system Pelz advocates.

Drop two clubs and alter the specs of the others to produce consistent distance gaps. A lot of pros do this. They keep 15-yard gaps between clubs.

Create a 16-club set by adding two wedges, dropping nothing, and picking the 14 clubs you’ll use according to the course you play.

These are good options. But Dave is also convinced that weekend golfers can drop all of their even numbered irons and still whittle strokes from their golf handicaps. He may be right.

Dave’s other golf tips covering distance gaps in creating your golf set are also good to keep in mind:

You don’t have to make perfect swings. Just make a good shot and get safely on the green.

In most cases you’re already making finesse swings to compensate for 10-yard gaps in your clubs. Adding another 5-yards to the gap won’t make that much difference.

You usually would rather be short than long to avoid bunkers. Of course, long can spell disaster, too. If you’re not sure, play the shot that will get you there.

Obviously, Dave’s options favor the short game: For him, it’s not important what or how many long irons you drop, it’s adding wedges that count. Adding an extra wedge to your bag—can save you three, five, or even more strokes if you hit the wedge well. It’s a great way to chop strokes off your golf handicap without taking golf lessons or attending group golf instruction sessions.

Personally, we favor the 16-club set. It gives you more flexibility than the other options, but you must have a “balanced” game to do it. In other words, you must have good long and short games.

What you choose as a golf set depends on your game. But keep Dave Pelz’s suggestions in mind. He may be on to something. And don’t worry too much about what clubs you drop. You can always bring them back.

In the immortal words of Forrest Gump, "stupid is as stupid does."

After the Farmer's last weekend, Tour rookie Brendan Steele said Woods laid down during his last round. In other words...he gave up. Apparently disgusted with his performance, Woods simply did as little as possible to get the job done.

Steele was quoted in Sports Illustrated.

"I don't think he gave it ­everything today. Once it started going in the wrong direction, I don’t think it had his full attention."

Steele and Woods were paired together Sunday at Torrey Pines. Steele shot 2-under 70, while Woods posted 75 to tie for 44th. It was Woods' worst ever finish in the event.

Forget the fact that this kid is a brand new rookie, calling Woods a quitter is quite a strong statement considering Woods' legendary ability to grind out even the most miserable of rounds...regardless of his position.

So, obviously this has caused quite a stir but let's look at the facts. Whether or not Woods "quit" during his final round, in my opinion, is irrelevant. The last guys to have the balls to go after Woods like this, (namely Vijay's caddie and then Stephen Ames) became targets of Woods' fury. And he made no bones about it, letting his performance show his disapproval of their comments about him.

Now, I'm not defending Tiger nor am I saying that Steele isn't right. But I do take exception with protocol. Tiger, despite his current slump, is the most decorated golfer of his era and I believe he will return to his grace. And to have a rookie who is barely in his 3rd start in the big show call him out is a big mistake. What does that say about Steele's level of respect for the guys who have laid the path for his paycheck and career? What has Steele done that earned him the right to even have a say about Tiger.

Personally, I'm disgusted by the idiots on Tour who chime in, thinking they know a thing or two about Tiger. I want to say "Look guys, that man you are so interested to comment about his poor play or whatever is the same man you should be thanking for the large purse money you're playing for. Think long and hard about that when you finish 52nd and still earn $40,000."

But I guess golf is like a box of chocolates...you never know what kind you're gonna get.

What do you guys think?

***Update 2/3/11***
Seems Mr. Steele has clarified his comments about Tiger since this story broke earlier in the week. And I will say that all your comments have made me consider this topic from several perspectives.

So, I wanted to give you my "bottom line" on this one.

At the end of the day, I don't really care one way or the other who speaks up about who on the Tour. They're all grown men and can take care of themselves. My point in addressing this topic (although ill-conceived) is that I take umbrage with a brand new Tour player shedding some not-so-positive light on one of the "seasoned veterans". The target in question could have been Steve Elkington, Ernie Els, Mickelson, etc. Just so happened to be Woods that Steele talked about. I just really think it is a stupid political and career move for Steele. That's it. Each man is entitled to their opinion and I actually believe what Steele said because I watched Woods play the last round at Torrey. It is my opinion that just about every Tour pro "bags it" once in a while when they know they're out of the contention so it's pretty common. But you don't see too many professional golfers actually voicing it. Seems like a bit of betrayal of the brotherhood of the PGA Tour guys but like I said...just my 2 cents. I'm not saying I'm right, just weighing in.
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