15 Things Every Golfer Needs in Their Bag
Seasoned golfers know what to put in their golf bags, but for novices, it may be challenging to figure out those essential items. Golf bags are spacious, but no one wants to bring the kitchen sink to the green!
Looking to learn the most essential items to help make your golf day more enjoyable and successful? Even experienced golfers will discover a thing or two.
Remember, you’re out in the sun for a long time, and there’s no need to return to the car or clubhouse. So, here are those essentials - what every golfer needs.
- Golf Hat
- Sunscreen
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Gloves
- Golf Shoe Inserts
- Water Bottle
- Plastic Tees
- Proper Golf Balls
- Yardage Finder
- Alignment Rods
- Permanent Marker
- Groove Brush
- Divot Tool
- Notebook for Yardage Stats
- Golf Hat
Whatever the weather, you’ll need a hat to protect your head from the sun or rain and to shade your eyes for that all-important shot. Most golfers keep a few outerwear favorites, like a beanie or a cap, in their bag.
If you’re playing in a tournament or a new club, always check house and competition rules for attire.
- Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential on warm days, as you’ll be on course for several hours. Choose a high-factor sunscreen and reapply more than once. Don’t forget a high-factor lip balm, too!
- Towels
You’d be amazed at the handiness of small towels in your golf bag after a few long hours on the course - for your face, hands, and gear.
An absorbent towel is useful for wiping dirt or water off the clubs to help grip and contact the ball. Why not choose different colors for each job?
- Umbrella
If you’re not using a golf cart, a golf umbrella will offer some elusive shade in open areas and protection from the rain if the weather turns on you.
We recommend 210T Pongee fabric, which is highly water resistant and offers UPF 50+ protection, blocking 99.5% of UV rays.
Another note: golf umbrellas are around 30% larger than regular versions. If you play with a caddy, the umbrella will protect both of you.
- Gloves
Many golfers like to play with one glove, but on hot or wet days, a second glove keeps your hands dry and helps grip. Keep one around, just in case!
- Golf Shoe Inserts
When you’re on your feet all day, adding soft inserts to your golf shoes halfway around the course makes all the difference. Use foam, gel, or plastic insoles to suit your requirements for optimal comfort.
Many players pop in an extra pair of socks. If you change your socks midway around the course and pop a couple of insoles in your shoes, you’ll be surprised at the difference.
- Water Bottle
Water is essential for staying hydrated and focused on the goal at hand: your game. Many courses operate water carts, but having your own supply is always handy.
- Plastic Tees
Plastic tees are more durable and affordable than wooden tees and easier to push into the ground. We recommend keeping a packet in your golf bag.
- Proper Golf Balls
Many players don’t give much thought to the type of ball they play. The inner layer, outer layer, and dimple count all enhance your game. Pro players experiment with different balls to know the right choice for each shot.
Regardless, your golf balls must comply with the USGA Equipment Rules.
- Yardage Finder
A yardage finder will enhance your game and move you toward more consistent results. GPS Rangefinder and a laser Rangefinder are the two most popular - just don’t forget a spare battery!
- Alignment Rods
Alignment rods or sticks have numerous uses on the driving range and course to help with aim and improve technique and accuracy. If you haven’t used them before, we recommend watching a video tutorial to see how they work.
- Permanent Marker
A permanent marker has a surprising number of uses on the course. A mark on the ball makes it easier to set up your shot; most people use a straight line. Your initials in a bright color also make a ball easier to find after a rogue shot.
Always apply a high-quality brand like Sharpie to a clean, dry ball. Allow 24 hours for the ink to dry.
- Groove Brush
Easy to overlook, a groove brush ensures your clubs are pristine every time you take a swing. Remove fragments of grass and earth to ensure every ball makes clean contact with the club head.
Groove brushes have a wired head and collapsible designs - but even better, they’re easy to keep in your pocket.
- Divot Tool
It’s bad form not to repair pitch marks on indentations that are left on the surface of the putting green by the ball. Pitch marks on the green’s smooth surface affect the play of those that follow you. Leave the green how you’d like to find it.
- Notebook for Yardage Stats
Estimating how far you hit each club on average and keeping a record in your bag helps select which club to use on a particular shot.
A notebook or jotter is also helpful for keeping useful pointers about individual courses. You can make strategic notes of how to play at each hole.
Some players use cell phones to do this, but you might prefer keeping the fairway a digital-free zone.
Final Thoughts
A game of golf is a marathon, not a sprint, so having everything you need on hand while on the course is essential for an enjoyable and successful day.
And at the end of a long day, we recommend clearing out and checking your golf bag, so you can wash towels and replenish any items running low, like sunscreen or plastic tees.
For all of your favorite golf bag essentials, shop Stitch Golf - the players’ choice.
