Everything we can possibly think of that should go in your golf bag

Did you ever stop and think about all the junk essential items you actually put in your golf bag? Folks have climbed Mt. Everest with less.

This spring, while swapping out my bag (the Sun Mountain K-2, which endured five years of wear and tear heroically) with a new Sun Mountain 3.5 L.S. ($229 MSRP), a lightweight carry bag that weighs 3.5 pounds, I decided to legitimately tally up everything that comes in handy during a round of golf.

This list hopefully serves one of three purposes: a checklist for the beginner or first-time golf traveler; a backup for those Type-A golfers out there; or perhaps a brainstorm for a golf gift around birthdays or holidays.

So here's a drill-down into quite possibly everything you may need during a round of golf.I'm curious if I'm missing something that is essential to you. So let me know @brandontucker on Twitter.

What's in the bag: The Essentials

  • 14 Clubs
  • (At least) Six golf balls: If you're golf game is a little loose like mine, maybe keep your stash 50/50 between new and used. Personally, any fewer than six balls in my bag and I'm dripping sweat while clutching my driver.
  • Three headcovers for woods and hybrids
  • A dozen or so tees
  • One golf glove

Accessories

  • Bag tag with your name: It certainly helps at the bag drop, especially for group outings).
  • 2 towels: a big one for clubs and a small towel to keep in your back pocket for the green is handy on dewey mornings.
  • Divot repair tool
  • Ball marker: if you don't have a lucky coin by now, you're doing it wrong.
  • Mini-Sharpie: Or else how will you truly know if it's your Pinnacle in the fairway?
  • Protective pouch: For watches or other items that could scratch when in a golf bag.

- Driver adjustment tool

First Aid

  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm (especially for the desert or mountain courses)
  • Band-Aids (for blisters)
  • Bug Repellent
  • Bottle (or travel pack) of painkillers
  • Packaged foods (nothing that will spoil)

Foul weather preparedness

Optional depending on the season and forecast. If you don't want to keep it all in your bag, consider keeping these items together in a smaller, easy-to-access bag.

Wet weather

  • Set of rain gloves
  • Rain club cover
  • Rain jacket
  • Pair of rain pants
  • Umbrella (This is the subject of much debate: I say for links or cart golf, you don't need it, but if walking a parkland, yes).
  • Waterproof baggie: Good for valuables, phones, wallet, etc.

Cold weather

  • Set of winter gloves
  • Under shirt or arm warmers
  • Jacket
  • Handwarmer packs
  • Wool cap that covers the ear

Social golf novelties

These items are particularly useful for social golf and buddies trips.

  • Koozie: We don't condone "packing in" your own booze but B.Y.O.Koozie is essential.
  • Insulated Cup: Yeti and Tervis do good work.
  • Softcover cooler bag: Some courses provide their own, but many don't.
  • Pack of business cards: Because you never know who you'll be paired up with.
  • Some cash in small bills. For tips, beverage cart and bets.
  • Bottle opener

Tech

Now we are getting into some novelty items, some of which can cost as much as your driver.

  • Bluetooth Speaker
  • Rangefinder (or wearable GPS unit).
  • Mobile Swing analyzer/trackman: In some cases, this could simply be an app on your phone.
  • GoPro and selfie stick
  • Portable phone charger or Extra USB cord for golf cart: More and more golf carts are installing USB outlets, but I've realized it's pointless if you leave your USB in the car.
  • Driving range training aid: The Orange Whip seems to be a pretty common sight these days in golf bags, or alignment sticks.

Alright, be That Guy if you must and pack:

  • Iron covers: But seriously, I think they'll be fine without them.
  • Ball retriever: If you're using one, you probably don't even play new balls to begin with.
  • More than 14 clubs: Because aren't 14 enough?
  • Banana: Be warned, everyone forgets about the banana in the golf bag.

Lastly, we all have a few items we keep in our bag that are rare. Whether they are personal medical, nostalgic or miscellaneous. Personally, I keep a collapsible dog dish and poop bags in mine since my munis allow dogs.

So, let's check in on the weight of my now that my LS is fully packed (perhaps absurdly so) for my next round:

Weight empty: 3.5 lbs.
Weight fully-loaded: 23.6 lbs.
Carry weight: 19 lbs.

Okay, That should do it. That's all you need to play a round of golf.
What did I miss?

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Brandon Tucker is the Sr. Managing Editor for GolfPass and was the founding editor of Golf Advisor in 2014, he was the managing editor for Golf Channel Digital's Courses & Travel. To date, his golf travels have taken him to over two dozen countries and nearly 600 golf courses worldwide. While he's played some of the most prestigious courses in the world, Tucker's favorite way to play the game is on a great muni in under three hours. Follow Brandon on Twitter at @BrandonTucker and on Instagram at @btuck34.
17 Comments
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A copy of the rules of golf... if playing competitively, no electronics allowed.

7 clubs...6 balls...tees...rosin bag...gps...ball marker...divot tool...sunglasses..Energy bars..water.

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I would make one rather significant correction to your list. This correction will add no weight to the bag is at times will prove indespensible. I carry 3 gloves. In hot weather, I usually change my glove at the turn because it is soaked with sweat. Also, you never know when a glove will tear or split. Hit'em straight!!

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You're taking your dogs golfing?

Austin munis allow dogs on a leash. You bet.

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how about any meds that you may need and perhaps antacids, extra scorecard, sunscreen pouches, sunglasses

How did you forget a bottle of water? spare pencils, extra scorecard. portable phone charger

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Obviously doesn’t play in the south! Lol, need at least 2 gloves, unless you like playing with squishy gloves. But otherwise a good list.

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a small bottle of hand sanitizer - rub a little on ant or mosquito bites and it takes away the itch - works great!

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How about a wire brush/ groove cleaner.

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Pencil sharpener and eraser ✏️

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Everything we can possibly think of that should go in your golf bag