What Do I Need In My Golf Bag (25 Total Items)

Written by Todd in Golf Club Questions

Anyone that has played a lot of golf over the years understands that the items you carry in your golf bag can make or break a round of golf.

I have had a lot of different situations arise where I was glad I had given some thought to what I needed in my bag.

Whether you are playing in a tournament or a fun round of golf with some friends, being prepared for your round of golf is important.

Below, I break down and provide 12 essential items you will probably need and 12 other items that you might want to consider! See our bonus item recommendation below. It is the ultimate game changer!

What Do I Need In My Golf Bag?

Here are the 12 most essential items for your golf bag:

  1. Golf balls
  2. Golf tees
  3. Golf makers or coins
  4. Golf glove (and a backup golf glove)
  5. Towel
  6. Umbrella/Rain gear/Pullover
  7. Sun block
  8. Bug spray
  9. Essential medication
  10. Tape and band aids
  11. Snacks
  12. Water bottle
The golf bag on a push cart is a great option to get your exercise and to be able to load up all of the essential items!

These 12 items should cover the majority of the situations and the basics you need to get through your round of golf.  If hunger strikes, you have a snack.  When you get thirsty, you have your water bottle.  If it is really sunny, you have your sunblock.  If the bugs start biting, you have your bug spray and so on and so forth!

The key is to have these items in an orderly manner within your bag to make for quick and easy access.  There have been many times I have turned to the tape to help with a cut on my hand or a sore I may have.  

The glove, tees, towel and golf balls will impact your performance directly, where the other items are nice to have for different situations.  I would recommend carrying at least 8-12 golf balls, plenty of tees and ensuring you have markers for when you reach the green.  My most essential items are my golf glove and a towel.  There is nothing worse than planting golf in some moisture with a wet grip!

Lastly, unless you live in the desert an umbrella is vital!  Get a quality umbrella and some above average rain gear and you will be set!

Resource: How to choose a golf bag (What is right for your game?)

Other items to consider for your golf bag:

  1. Extra socks
  2. Rain hat
  3. Winter hat
  4. Rain golf gloves
  5. Winter golf gloves
  6. Hand warmers
  7. Chapstick
  8. Extra towel
  9. Swing aid
  10. Rangefinder
  11. Divot tool
  12. Alignment stick

BONUS ITEM – See Below!

Overall, I would recommend considering the following areas when considering additional items to add to your golf bag. 

These areas include:

  • Performance
  • Comfort
  • Self Care
  • Training

Performance

Consider what will is essential to play golf and what can help you perform better.  These include golf balls, golf tees, golf gloves, range finders, etc.  Anything that will help you perform and score better.  Ultimately, everything in your bag can be considered a performance item because if you are comfortable, feeling healthy and have used your training devices you will give yourself the best chance to score well on that day!

Resource: Is carrying a golf bag good exercise?

Comfort

Where I play the majority of my golf, the weather could be 35 degrees of 95 degrees and humid.  I go from playing golf in a winter hat with multiple layers and using hand warmers to playing golf while dripping sweat as I stand over a putt.  Being prepared for the variety of weather situations that could be present is important.  Before you head to the course, be sure to check weather and plan for the proper attire you will need.  Layers is the number one recommendation from someone that plays in a variety of weather situations!

Resource: Carrying golf bag vs push cart (Which is better?)

Self Care

I suffer from migraines, so I know that I must have my migraine medication ready to go in my golf bag. A little snack never hurts and ultimately I am bound to have a sore or a cut on my finger from a variety of yard work or other activities I have to complete off the course.  Having the essential items for self care will make the round more enjoyable and you can play or best or maximize your fun!

Training

I always have an alignment stick in my bag.  This is helpful when I go to the driving range or am practicing on the course.  The alignment stick can be a great tool.  Others might have a simple swing device that fits into the bag that they prefer to use.  Understand what helps you play your best and consider if it fits in your bag!

Resource: How much does a golf bag with clubs weigh?

Make sure you are prepared for each round by checking the weather before you head out to play!

BONUS ITEM!

The Ultimate Game Changer!

In the past several years I have hit thousands of golf balls with my SkyTrak Launch Monitor both at the driving range and in my golf simulator setup.  Talk about a game changer.  Many of the portable launch monitors can now fit into a golf bag and be utilized on the course or at the range!

Check current price of SkyTrak at Rain or Shine Golf!

I have been able to lower my average score from the upper 70s to the lower 70s with the occasional round below 70.  The ball striking opportunities and the feedback provide is amazing!

I use my own portable launch monitor to check for the 5 most important data points I have listed below. 

  • Ball Speed
  • Spin Rate
  • Spin Axis
  • Launch Angle
  • Carry and Total Distance

While many won’t want to spend the money on a Trackman, there are some viable options in the 500 to 2000 dollars range that provide the helpful data after every shot.

What I find most helpful is the shot tracer and the spin axis information.  I am visually able to check the flight of my ball as I work to build my stock shot and have the reliable shot I can count on in any situation.

Here are the top 3 options to check out:

This technology is a game changer as the golfer can build a stock shot using the information while expanding a golf season where the golfer can practice 365 days a year.  

Whether the golfer goes all out and builds a home simulator or simply sets up a net and mat in their garage, the possibility of improving the swing and being able to practice or play 365 days a year is a game changer!

The SkyTrak has been a game changer for me! Check out the links below for a complete overview of many of the most frequently asked questions!

Take Action – What You Can Do Today to Get Better

What does this mean for you?  I believe in the following recipe to get better:

1 – Improve your motion in the golf swing by identifying a golf instructor.  Here are some options:

Here is a list of golf instructors that we have reviewed:

2 – Train to swing faster and improve your swing speed.  Here are some options:

Looking to gain more Speed and Distance in your swing. Two Options:

3 – Understand course strategy and work to break through your next barrier.  Here is a series on breaking through:

We have provided guides on how to break 100, 90, 80 and 70. Check out more below, if interested.

4 – Practice Frequently

Did you know that I build a golf simulator in my garage and have played over 500 rounds of golf on my SkyTrak system?  It has been a game changer and one worth checking out. Here are some of my other posts on golf simulators frequently asked questions:

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