Golf Bag Essentials: What Equipment to Bring to Golfing
Golf requires its own special set of equipment. It can be hard for a new golfer to figure out what to bring to the course when they first start playing. In this article, we’ll examine some necessary equipment and apparel you’ll need for the golf course.
Golf Bag Essentials: Equipment Checklist
Golf Bag: The type of golf bag you use depends on whether you walk and carry your bag, pull it on a cart, or ride in a cart. Walkers should use a stand bag, which is also called a walking bag. It’s called a stand bag because it has 2 legs that pop out and keep it upright. The bag should be light but sturdy enough to hold your clubs. A stand bag can weigh between 3 and 5 pounds and comes with 1 or 2 shoulder straps. A stand bag can also be used for a pull cart or a riding cart, though it’s not ideal for either. A cart bag, which stands on its own, is larger than a stand bag and can be used on a pull cart or riding cart. A tour bag is specifically designed for a pro golfer. It’s bigger and bulkier than a cart bag and it doesn’t stand alone. It’s designed for golfers who use caddies to carry their clubs. Some experienced golfers will have 2 or 3 bags they use in different circumstances.
Golf Clubs: A golfer is allowed to carry 13 clubs in their bag. You can play with as few as 3. Clubs go from a driver, which is used off the tee box to hit the ball as far as possible, to a putter, which you use on the greens. You should at least have a driver, a putter, and a mid-range iron in your bag.
Golf Balls: You should have enough golf balls in your bag to get you through one 18-hole round. Balls are usually sold by the dozen or by a sleeve, which is 3 golf balls. You need extra in case you lose some balls.
Divot Repair Tool: Every time your golf ball makes a dent or small hole on the green, you should use a divot repair tool. A divot repair tool has 2 sharp objects that dig into the ground and allow you to pull up the damaged part of the green. Once you pull up the area around the hole, you press it back down, usually with a putter. This helps the affected area heal faster.
Golf Tees: On each hole, you get to tee off. That means you place the ball on the circular top of a wooden, skinny object. You can buy a bag of 100 and put them in your golf bag. A standard size tee is 2.75 inches long. There are long tees, which are over 2.75 inches long, which some players prefer.
Golf Glove: A golf glove is used to help grip the club. It’s typically made of soft, durable leather. Golfers usually wear 1 glove on their lead hand. If you’re right-handed, you’d use a left-handed glove. Left-handers wear right-handed gloves. Some golfers don’t use gloves because they might want to feel the club. They’re useful in hot, humid weather because moisture builds on the shaft, and it can be slippery to hold onto.
Golf Shoes: Most golfers use specialized shoes when they play. These shoes help with traction and grip for your lower body. There’re 2 kinds: Spiked and spikeless. Spiked usually have round, rubber circular spikes on their soles. Spikeless have a grippy sole. Golf shoes should be comfortable and airy. They’re typically made of leather.
Towel: A towel is usually used to clean your golf ball and your clubs. Golf towels typically come with a round, metal latch that can hook onto your bag.
Brush: A golf brush is a miniature brush with stiff, wiry bristles that can be used to clean the grooves of your club during or after a round.
Organizing your Golf Bag
One important step to take when you go to the golf course is to make sure the equipment is in the right place.
Clubs: A golf bag either comes with dividers or individual slots to put your golf clubs in. You should separate your clubs by woods and irons. Typically, your woods and your putter would be grouped together. Then you’d group your higher irons, like a 5, 6, and 7 iron, together and your lower irons would be grouped together. It’s important to do this so you know where your clubs are when you prepare to hit a shot.
Golf Balls: Every bag comes with a holder that’s designed specifically to house your golf balls. It’s the largest slot in a bag. There’re typically smaller pouches to put your tees, divot repair tools, and sunscreen in.
Umbrella: Golf bags usually come with an umbrella holder that’s on the side of the bag.
Accessories
Accessories for golf help make you more comfortable on the course, and they can help improve your performance. Below is a list of some items that you might bring to the course.
Sunscreen & Hat: Typically, golfers play in the sun. You should always have sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. A baseball-type cap will also help protect you from the sun. Some players prefer a floppy, wide-brimmed hat.
Water Bottle: You usually cover between 4.5 and 5 miles for 18 holes. Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated. Most golf bags have a specific pouch for a water bottle.
Snacks: Golf takes a maximum amount of concentration. Snacks, like nuts and fruits, can help keep your energy level up during an 18-hole round, which takes around 4 hours.
Rain Gear: If the weather is cloudy, consider bringing rain gear. Most bags have a big pouch for extra clothing.
Rain Gloves: If it rains and your golf grips get damp, it can be hard to hold your club. Rain gloves are stickier than regular golf gloves. Typically, golfers will wear rain gloves on both hands.
Over time, you can develop your own distinct personal style with the clubs you use, the clothes and shoes you wear, and the different accessories you bring to the course. All of these items can make playing golf more enjoyable.
