Anyone play with just every other club?

This a tangent to the thread on single length clubs, i.e. simplifying the golf swing.

I'm new to golf.  In fact, I've yet to play a round.  Instead, I've spent the last 4 months going out to the driving range a couple times a week, working on my swing.  I've taken lessons as well.  As inconsistent as my swing is, I'm focusing on just hitting every other iron (3, 5, 7, 9) for now.

Does anyone here ever play without a full set of clubs?

I play a small 5 hole course with an abbreviated set quite often. Its the best deal near me 5 holes 20 Euros unlimited replay.

I usually bring Driver 3wood 5 hybrid 7,8,9 SW putter, ill swap those around if I want to work on a specific club. Makes walking easier and since the 5 holes are well predictable I can cut out clubs of lengths I never use.

See my signature.

I have added a 4H, but still only nine clubs. When you are starting out, your distances are not as consistent anyway, and having less clubs means you often take the longer one on approaches which is what most of us should do anyway.

First started playing with a "starter" set- Northwestern 'Chi-Chi Rodriquez' blades. Driver, 3 wood,3,5,7,9,W irons and a $2 putter. Served me very well for a long time. The home course I played became a test of knowing how to hit a particular club different yardages. Actually shot even par with the set towards the end of their life. Even with that nickel size smooth spot on the face of the irons. there is usually no need for a "full" set when just starting out. Once you get the yardages down consistently after a few seasons, you can move up in equipment. these days instead of a 3 iron, you might do well with a hybrid that is a bit easier to hit.

On short courses a lot of guys carry 3 clubs.  Something like an 7i,  SW, putter. In order  to do this you have to be really good and know how to work your clubs, or so bad it doesn't matter.

Playing with every other club is a wise move when learning your club distances. Another is to leave the driver, woods and long irons home and really get to know your short irons first. This way when you do start with the driver and get in trouble you know what club will save you. Most people start with learning the driver, but you learn quicker starting with the short irons and working your way to the longer clubs. (The reason a pro will slam  300 yrds with his driver is because he knows how to get out of the woods, rough, and sand traps.)

On days when the course is almost empty I play these games.

Artillery Range: I'll play the same iron over and over (even the par 5's). When I'm done I know that club.

Bunker Tag: The goal is to get into and out of every bunke r on the course. It requires every shot imaginable with a SW. (I save this one for when the course is really empty.)

Rough Days: Forget the fairway, play from the rough.

When I go to the range, I work up the irons either odd or even (for example, I start on either my 64 or 60 wedge and work up using every other club odd/even until I get to the woods). That way, in two sessions I've spent a fair number of balls on each iron. I usually hit ten balls each and then finish up the bucket on one wood, then I go putt until I'm either out of energy or daylight.

I haven't done this on course yet, but there are a few executives nearby, and I've been considering picking up a Sunday bag for exactly that. I really like Tin Man's ideas above!

First set of clubs had 3 woods, 3,5,7,9 iron and a pitching wedge.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I tried a 2 and 4 hybrid briefly but was very dissatisfied with the feel and distances.  Perhaps it was me, trying to hit them like irons.  Anyways I returned the hybrids and put the 3 iron back in the bag.

I read in another thread about a 25/38 rule.  That new golfers should avoid clubs with a loft below 25* or a shaft length greater than 38".  I think that's a good idea.

I've read that too. Means most golfers shouldn't use 3 & 4 irons. But if you like you 3 iron better than a similar hybrid, then go for it! Personal choice.