Golf Bag Essentials
Everything You Need to Hit the Links
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A well-played game of golf doesn’t start at tee time. Like many things in life, preparation can make all the difference. Remember, once you are out on the course, you aren’t going to get a mulligan on prepping your golf bag, so we are here to make sure you get it right.
Follow our approach to packing your golf bag to ensure you have all the essential equipment, as well as some bonus items that we think you will find very helpful.
RELATED: Best Golf Gadgets
We’ve organized the equipment and accessories you need into four categories: essential items, weather preparation gear, useful accessories, and non-golf supplies. Highly-rated product recommendations, based on positive Amazon customer reviews, are also included.
The Essentials
Clubs
You are permitted up to 14 clubs in your bag, according to the USGA Equipment Rules. Your set should include a driver and a putter, while the rest can be divvied up among fairway woods, irons, wedges, and hybrids. Make sure you have the right clubs for every different length and angle, and for situations like hitting from a sand bunker or chipping from the fringe.
Clubs are the biggest investment you will make when purchasing golf gear. Each player is going to have different needs based on their size, swing, grip and other personal preferences. We strongly suggest you visit a sporting goods store that will fit you and let you test drive the clubs before making a purchase.
Golf Balls
Unless your game really needs some work, you should be safe with four sleeves (12 balls) but can pack more if you are drawn to the water or the woods. Combine some premium golf balls with a few that you don’t mind losing when your slice is acting up. Store the balls in an easily accessible section of the bag.
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
$54.79 for a Dozen at Amazon.com
Nike Recycled Mix Golf Ball
$54.95 for a 50 Pack at Amazon.com
Tees
You should stock your bag with a few dozen tees. Store them in a pouch so you don’t have to dig through your bag pockets to try to find one. The pouch can be used for other small items. The tees should be as accessible as your golf balls in the bag.
Pride Professional Tee System ProLength Plus Tee
$9.98 for Pack of 135 at Amazon.com
BuyAgain Golf Tee Pouch
Glove
A golf glove isn’t a requirement and there are players who choose to forego it; however, donning a golf glove is usually going to help with your grip and your swing, especially when your hand becomes sweaty. Most golfers wear a single glove on their non-dominant hand. We also recommend storing a backup glove in your bag.
FootJoy Men's WeatherSof Golf Glove
Divot Repair Tool
We consider a divot repair tool to be a golf essential because it is common golf courtesy to keep the course in good shape for the next groups coming through. The tool can be used for divots created on the green and the fairway. The repair tool will probably wind up in your pocket while playing but can be stored in a pouch or one of the smaller side pockets in your bag. One of the best feelings in golf is walking up to the green and finding a divot to replace after a well-placed shot, so we hope you get to use this tool a lot!
Mile High Life All Metal Foldable Golf Divot Tool
Ball Markers
Another nice feeling on the course is having to mark your ball because you are in a better putting position than your playing partners. Gloves and some divot repair tools may come with ball markers, and you can also use some loose change or a lucky coin, but you should also keep a few extra in your bag. Ball markers can go in the same pouch as your tees.
MATXJXIVW 24mm Golf Ball Marker
$8.99 for 100 Pack at Amazon.com
Weather Prep
Umbrella
You really don’t want to get stuck soaking wet in the middle of an open course. Most golf bags will have a deep side pocket that should be able to accommodate an umbrella.
G4Free 54/62/68 Inch Automatic Open Golf Umbrella
$18.99 for 62-inch Umbrella at Amazon.com
Rain Cover
You should also be prepared to protect your clubs from inclement weather. If your golf bag didn’t already come with a cover, make the purchase to protect your investment and shove it in the same pocket as your umbrella.
Rain Tek Waterproof Golf Bag Rain Protection Cover
Jacket
Being wet on the course is going to put a serious damper on your day. Throw a wind- and waterproof jacket in your bag to keep the elements at bay.
Columbia Ascender Softshell Front-zip Jacket
Sunscreen
It’s always a good idea to pack sunscreen, especially when you are going to be baking in the sun for four hours.
Banana Boat Ultra Sport Reef Friendly Sunscreen Spray
$13.99 for 2-pack at Amazon.com
Hand Warmers
You will only need hand warmers in your bag when your dedication to the game pushes you to play in cold weather. Layer up and use the hand warmers to help with your grip on the club.
HotHands Hand Warmers
$6.95 for 5-pack at Amazon.com
Useful Accessories
Range Finder
Your ball is rarely going to be right next to a distance marker on a course. The measurements on the markers are to the center of the green, so they don’t account for the pin placement that day. A range finder will give you a precise distance measurement so that you can lock in on the right club.
Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Rangefinder
Towel
A towel attached to your golf bag can serve three functions – to wipe off dirty or sweaty hands, to give your club a quick clean after ripping up a clump of grass, and to keep your ball clean and dry. You want a towel that is going to dry quickly and get into the grooves of your irons.
Mile High Life Tri-fold Golf Towel
Wire Brush
Keep your strikes clean by brushing debris from previous holes off your clubs. Most brushes come with a clamp that you can attach to any of the hooks on the outside of your bag.
Yoport Golf Club Brush and Club Groove Cleaner
Alignment Kit
Golfers use alignment kits and markers to draw lines and arrows on the ball as a visual aid to improve their swing path and putting. It’s not uncommon to be playing the same type of ball as someone in your group, so having a marker in your bag can also help distinguish between the balls. Purchase a kit that includes a bag with a latch to attach to your golf bag.
Golf-EZ TRI-LINE Golf Ball Alignment Kit with Carry Case
Non-Golf Supplies
Money
Whether you are wagering on the course or plan to grab a beer from the cart, it helps to have a few bucks in your bag.
Bug Spray
An itchy leg can be an irritating distraction. Pack a small container of bug spray in your bag to avoid the annoyance.
REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
$4.97 for 4-ounce Bottle at Amazon.com
First Aid Kit
By design, golf isn’t the most intense sport, but you can still cut your hand on a branch when looking for your ball in the woods, pull a muscle trying to blast a drive, or get hit by an errant tee shot. Pack a small first aid kit in your bag and never, ever tell anyone you got injured on a golf course.
Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit
Portable Phone Charger
You should probably use the time out on the course to disconnect, but if you are going to be conducting business outside of your foursome, keep your phone fully juiced with a portable charger.
INIU Portable Charger
Water
Staying hydrated is always important in any type of physical activity. Water can also help balance the dehydration from beer. Some bags come with a cooler pocket to keep your drinks cold.
Food
You can order a burger from the clubhouse on the turn, but you should also pack a few healthy snacks in your bag to fight hunger and keep your focus on the game. Bananas, apples, or protein bars are good options.
Cigar Supplies
If you pair your golf game with a nice cigar, don’t forget to also pack a lighter and cutter. You can store your cigars in a plastic bag, but a travel humidor can help prevent damage to the cigars. A good playing partner will bring extra cigars for their foursome.
AMANCY Classic Black Leather 4 Cigar Travel Case
Without the right gear, you could wind up having a rough day on the course. Pack according to these tips to give yourself every advantage!
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