What’s in Your Bag? 22 Golf Bag Essentials You Should Not Leave Home Without

Do you always feel like you are running out to the golf course and you are missing the things that could help you on the course?

There are certain golf bag essentials that I always keep stocked in my bag. Go through this list the next time you clean out your golf bag, and make sure you have everything you need.

Golf Bag Essentials: Things to Consider

When choosing things to keep in your golf bag, make sure to keep these things in mind:

• Find a balance between having too much gear and having just enough; there is no reason to carry around a 50-pound golf bag.
• Make sure you always take the weather into consideration; having a versatile pullover or jacket in your bag is a smart decision.
• Use the pockets in your golf bag to organize and store gear so you aren’t left with everything in the bottom of your golf bag.

Golf Bag Essentials You Need on the Course

Your golf bag needs to be filled with the things that will make it easier to play well out on the course. Golf bag essentials are even more important for golfers who are walking the course; what’s in your bag may be all you have!

1. Golf Balls

Keep about 9 golf balls in your bag. It’s not necessary to have a full dozen for most average golfers, and you may find one or two when you are out on the course. If you run out of golf balls, you are out, so make sure you have what you need.

2. Golf Clubs (All of Them)

Count your golf clubs before you go out to play. If you have 14, make sure you have them all with you. I’m known to practice some short game in the yard and not get the golf clubs back in the bag in time.

3. Tees

Golf tees can be used more than once, but you will want a handful of them in your bag. Feel free to purchase a mixed pack or several different sizes, but most importantly, you need to make sure you have some long ones that can work for your driver.

4. Golf Glove

It’s best to have two golf gloves in your bag. The one that you are wearing and a backup in case that one gets wet or damaged in the middle of your round. Let your golf gloves dry well before you put them back in your bag to help prolong their life.

5. Divot Repair Tool

A divot repair tool helps ensure that you leave the course as it was. Find a divot repair tool that you can keep in your pocket or on your hat so you have quick access to it. If you don’t have a proper divot repair tool, you can use a golf tee.

6. Ball Marker

Ball markers or coins are good to have. The average golfer has way too many of these in the bottom of their bag. However, you don’t want to go without them. The flat ball markers are best so as not to disturb someone else’s golf shot.

7. Sharpie Maker

Make sure you don’t end up hitting the wrong golf ball, and keep a Sharpie marker in your golf bag. Before you head to the first tee, mark your golf balls. You may even want to put your name on your alignment stick to make sure it comes back to you if you leave it on the range.

8. Rain Gear

Even if you are a fair-weather golfer, make sure you are prepared on the course by having rain gloves and a jacket in the bag at all times. The rain gear doesn’t need to be extensive, but having it is smart.

9. Golf Shoes

If you don’t have a specific shoe bag, make sure your shoes are in your golf bag before you head to the course. Playing golf without the right shoes is not an experience worth signing up for.

10. Hat

Keep a hat in your golf bag in case you forget yours on the way to the course. A hat is good for blocking the sun from your face, but it also helps with glare when trying to focus on your shots. Look for hats that are easily washable, especially if you store them in your golf bag.

11. Sunscreen

Keep sunscreen in your golf bag, and make sure to replace it each year. Sunscreen has an expiration date, and it’s not nearly as effective if you have let it expire.

12. Water

Bring enough water to get you through 18 holes of golf. It’s best to have at least 16 oz of water for every 9 holes you play. Bringing a refillable water bottle is smart as you can often fill it after the front nine.

13. Bandaid

Even if you have been playing golf your entire life, there are times when a little extra practice on the range can lead to a new blister or sore on your hands. Keep a few different size bandaids in place to ensure you are ready for any situation.

14. HackMotion

HackMotion golf swing analyzer is like carrying a golf professional around with you in your golf bag. Take the HackMotion out during practice sessions or as you warm up for your round of golf, and ensure that your wrists are in the correct position throughout your golf swing.

HackMotion practice sessions are saved so that you can look back and make correlations between when you were playing great golf and when you need to improve.

15. Alignment Stick

Keep an alignment stick in your bag to work on alignment, setup, and stance while you are practicing. Putting an alignment stick down allows you to see what a straight line is so you can create a perfect setup and stance when you are on the range.

16. Towel

I like to have two towels with me on the golf course. If one gets really dirty, I can make a switch after the first nine holes.

17. Socks

You never know when you may step in a puddle halfway through your round of golf. Walking the back nine with socks that squish each time you step is a problem. Throw an extra pair of socks in the bag; it won’t weigh you down.

18. Ball Retriever

The ball retriever can help if an errant shot ends up in the water. If you have the HackMotion in the bag and use it often enough, you may be able to get rid of the ball retriever, as your ball striking will be that much better!

19. Phone (App/GPS)

Keeping your phone with you on the course can give you access to data like a GPS or give you a clear readout of your wrist angles using HackMotion. Feel free to turn the phone to silent so you aren’t bothered by the course.

20. Rangefinder

A golf laser rangefinder is good for giving you exact yardage to the pin. With a laser rangefinder, you will have an easier time knowing exactly which club to use.

21. Club Cleaning Brush

The golf club cleaning brush is a great way to get your clubs cleaned before you hit your next shot. If your clubs are coated in dirt, sand, or debris, you won’t get the same distance or spin.

22. Winter Gear

As you move towards the winter months, make sure to throw an extra golf sweater in the bag. If you get cold coming through the last few holes, you have something to put on to finish your round of golf in comfort.

Final Thoughts

This list of golf bag essentials will leave you well-equipped for your next round of golf. The next time you clean your golf clubs, look through your entire bag and make sure that you have all the essentials.