I used to play in some Amateur tournaments and always carried 14 clubs or more and would even switch between a 3 wood and low lofted hybrid and a 2 iron or hybrid depending on Course conditions. I even carried 4 wedges. Now, living overseas and doing a lot of traveling with golf clubs and trying to walk whenever I play I have become obsessed with carrying a minimal amount of clubs and stuff with a very small bag.
I tried the every other iron and two wedges but I really thought my distance control suffered and I was losing strokes because of it. I finally figured out the perfect set for me.
The New Ben Hogan started making every loft and they build clubs completely to order. I worked out a set with them that is the perfect mix of less clubs and the gaps are not crazy. All my irons have 6 degree gaps and 3/4 inch differences in length. I carry a Driver, 16.5 degree 4 wood, then my hogans at 20, 26, 32, 38, 44, 50, and a 58 degree wedge. With my faithful putter that leaves me with 10 clubs and almost perfect 20 yard gaps between every club.
I feel like I finally have a set that is the perfect compromise being light and simple without costing me strokes. Come to the Kings Putter at Bandon in the spring and check them out. I even have them in a Mackenzie Walker with the NGLA logo. Now if I can just figure out how to play NGLA so I don't feel like a poser for having the bag.