7 Items You Should Always Have in Your Golf Bag

Have you ever emptied your golf bag and realized you were carrying way too much gear? Golf bags tend to become a catch-all and they accumulate a lot of unnecessary items. Streamline your golf bag and get it back to the basics. These are seven items you should always have in your golf bag.

Golf Balls

Losing golf balls is inevitable. The question is how many golf balls are enough?

Make this decision based on your skill level and the course you are playing. Challenging courses with water hazards, hills and drop-offs may require a few more balls in the bag for insurance.

Tees

Tees are essential for every round. Preferences vary: some players like to carry two sizes, one for the driver and one for irons or fairway woods, while others use longer tees and adjust the height to suit their shot.

Snacks and water

Staying hydrated is essential for a great round of golf. Water helps regulate body temperature, cushions your joints, enhances memory, alertness and mood and flushes waste from the body. If you’re concerned about the difference between a three- or four-piece golf ball but forget to hydrate, you’re overlooking the basics. Pack a snack or two as well. A snack with a bit of protein is ideal. Uncrustables are a classic go-to for many golfers.

Rain gear

You can skip the rain gear in your bag if you know you won’t stay on the course in a major rainstorm. However, a light shower isn’t really a reason to leave. Make sure you are at least prepared for this by having a pair of rain gloves and maybe even an extra dry towel in the bag. For die-hard golfers, an umbrella and a full rainsuit are good to have in the bag.

Distance measuring device

Whether it’s a free GPS app on your phone or a premium laser rangefinder, having a way to measure your distance to your target is essential.

Ball mark repair tool

Every golfer needs a ball mark repair tool. Unrepaired ball marks take weeks to heal and they create an entry point on the putting surface for weeds and additional damage. Correctly repaired pitch marks recover in a couple of days if you get to them immediately.

Towel

The towel is so important for keeping your clubs and golf ball clean. You’ll also want it for your hands. The golf towel is a key piece of gear and many players throw an extra one in the bag should they need it. Towels with magnetic cart attachments are really convenient.

Final thoughts

There are many other things you could justify putting in your bag. Everything from a club brush to a quarter-zip to a first-aid kit. However, if you are trying to keep things light, this list of seven items you should always have in your golf bag should get you through your next round of golf.