If we asked you to empty your golf bag down to the basic essentials only, what would be in there?
Regardless of whether you’ve just started your golfing journey, or you’re a seasoned golfer with many years of experience out on the green, it’s important you keep your bag full to the brim with on-course must-haves.
By keeping your golf bag stocked up with essentials, not only will you ensure that you’re prepared for all types of game situations that may come your way, but you’ll also find that your enjoyment levels increase, too.
But, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to figure out what you need - without cramming in way too much and overdoing it.
That’s where we come in. Below, we’re going to be talking you through all the golf essentials that you should have a resident spot in your golf bag, as well as some equipment you’ll likely need as your skills progress.
So, without further ado, read on to discover some of our golfing essentials that will ensure you’re never caught out on the golf course. Let’s jump in!
Extra Golf Balls
What would be a well-stocked golf bag with some additional golf balls? Sometimes, the course can be unpredictable, or harsh weather conditions can come into play, which can sometimes mean that you lose a ball or two.
To ensure that you’re always prepared for these types of situations, we recommend that you make sure that your golf bag is stocked up with golf balls.
Featuring a softer than ever trigonometry cover across the external surface of these balls, these golf balls from Callaway feature a super low compression that will allow for better control consistency, as well as a more satisfying feel.
When in use, the low compression of their core will ensure an ultra fastball speed, enhanced distance, as well as increased overall accuracy, making them a great backup choice for players of all levels.
Though golf ball preferences will vary depending on your skill level, if you’re in the market for new, we recommend giving the Callaway Golf Supersoft Golf Balls a try.
An Umbrella
Believe it or not, an umbrella is one of the most overlooked essentials that a golfer should always have at their disposal while out on the course.
With the addition of an umbrella in your bag that you can quickly pop up as and when needed, not will you avoid having to spend the rest of the round soaked from head to toe when an unexpected rain shower hits, but you’ll be able to clearly take a shot by shielding your eyes on, particularly sunny days.
Though any old umbrella can do the job, we recommend considering the purchase of a golf umbrella if you don’t already have one.
The ACEIken Golf Umbrella is a long-standing favorite within the golfing community and is even available in multiple different colorways to suit your outfit.
It features an automatic open functionality that will ensure you are able to get it up without a delay to your game, while its double-canopy design and hardened steel frame will make sure that this umbrella can withstand the windiest of conditions.
On top of all that, it even features a lightweight, fiberglass construction that will ensure maximum stability across various weather conditions, without being too heavy that it causes any hand fatigue. All in all, it’s a great choice for golfers of all abilities.
Pair of Rain Gloves
The next essential you should make sure has a spot in your golf bag is a pair of rain gloves. As golf is an outdoor sport, it’s inevitable that you’re going to encounter some wet weather here and there, especially if you live in a rainier part of the world.
Rain gloves designed for golf are made to help elevate your grip while you play in wet weather.
Unlike other types of gloves on the market, golf gloves are unique in the sense that, as soon as they become wet, they are able to expand and mold to your hands in order to increase your confidence and elevate your performance.
The FootJoy RainGrip Golf Gloves are known for this ability, and will “bond” to your hands as soon as the rain hits them.
This is all thanks to the QuikDry II knit material that will be able to ensure you have maximum control and grip while taking your shot, all while being able to enjoy total flexibility and comfort.
They’re a must-have for any golfer that wants to be prepared for rainy conditions!
A Golf Cap
Sure, though the sun might not be shining when you begin your first golf round in the morning, by mid-round the sun will likely rear its face - and we’ll bet that you’ll be glad to have a golf cap at hand to shield your eyes!
If you’re in the market for new, then the Nike Dri-FIT Tech Golf Cap is a great choice to check out. Specifically designed to cater to a golfer, this cap features Nike’s innovative Dri-FIT fabric that will ensure you are able to stay cool and comfortable while out on the course, all thanks to its sweat-wicking properties.
Plus, to ensure that you are able to stay shielded from the sun while making all types of golf shots (even the trickier ones) this cap features a traditional pre-curved visor design, that will help you to make each shot with optimum visibility. It’s a must-have for every golfer.
An SPF Cream
We know what you might be thinking - “But I already apply an SPF once every morning, isn’t that enough?” - Though plenty of people have been led to believe that they only need to apply an SPF once a day to have adequate protection from both UVA and UVB rays, you should actually be applying SPF throughout the day, especially if you live in hot climates or are prone to sweating.
Just like the way you need to re-apply your sunscreen while swimming on vacation, the same goes for all types of outdoor sports, even the ones that are deemed to be low intensity, such as golf.
When exposed to sunlight and sweat, all types of sunscreen (both mineral and chemical) will naturally start to break down, meaning that the SPF actives won’t be as effective as they were when first applied.
The great thing about SPF products is that they often come in small containers that won’t take up much space within a bag, so there’s no excuse not to have one in yours.
If you need a recommendation, the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Sunscreen is just the ticket for golfers looking for a hassle-free way to stay safe in the sun, not to mention being super hydrating, too.
Unlike other types of sunscreen on the market, this one from CeraVe features a micro-fine zinc oxide formulation that will spread easily and absorb into your skin in moments, all without leaving a pesky greasy finish.
A Water Bottle
While playing a round of golf with your buddies can often lead to sharing a few cold beers (especially at the end of a long work week), hydration is key, so you’ll also want to make sure that you’re stocked up on water.
If you want to swap out a plastic bottle for a more environmentally friendly option, why not consider the refillable Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle?
Featuring a double-wall insulation design, this iron flask will be able to keep your water cold for up to 24-hours, so you’ll be able to enjoy a cooling refreshment for the entirety of the golf game.
What’s more, this bottle even comes with three different lids for your convenience, including a stainless steel lid that will help to ensure maximum temperature regulation.
Plus, made with your safety in mind, this flask also features stainless steel that is 100% BPA-free, as well as totally non-toxic. It even comes in multiple different colors, so you can match the color to your bag or golf outfit!
A Marker Pen and Alignment Aids
As we’re sure you already know, marking your golf ball during a round of golf is very important, as it will allow you to identify your golf ball amongst everyone else's' - especially if you accidentally make a bad shot and need to go looking for it.
For this reason, you should make sure that your golf bag has a marker or two in there, especially as they’ll take up almost no room at all.
In addition to this, you should also consider numerous alignment aids that you can throw in your golf bag for use as and when needed. If you’re new to the sport or want a recommendation, then we suggest checking out the Jupitoo Golf Ball Line Marker and Pens set.
Offering excellent value for money, this set comes with two golf ball plastic molds that will allow you to slot your golf ball inside and draw lines to help aid in your putting and swing accuracy.
It even comes with two marker pens, which will save you from having to purchase them separately.
A Scorecard Holder
Though this might not be deemed as a necessity or essential by some, you’re definitely going to find yourself needing a scorecard holder at some point, or at the very least appreciate the convenience that comes with owning one.
By keeping a scorecard safe inside a holder, you won’t have to worry about losing it on the course, or it blowing away in the wind.
In addition to that, most scorecard holders feature a book-style design to keep the card protected from rain, and the Fuzzy Bunkers Leather Golf Scorecard Holder is one of them.
Featuring a beautifully made leather cover, the golf caddie book has been made from imitation leather that is of very high quality, more durable than real leather, and able to withstand exposure to external elements, including the rain.
It even comes with an included pencil that will allow you to easily keep track of your score, and is small enough to fit in a back pocket!
Golf Towels
As a golf player, one of the most important golfing equipment essentials that you need to have is golf towels and, if you want to buy some new, we recommend that you check out the ToVii Golf Microfiber Waffle Towel Kit.
Coming in a pack of three microfiber golf towels, these handy towels come with built-in clips that will allow you to easily clip them to either your belt loop or even to your golf equipment bag.
We really like this function, as it means that you’ll be able to conveniently clean your golf ball prior to putting it on without missing a beat or clean your club after taking a shot without having to rummage through your bag to find it.
Plus, besides the three microfiber waffle towels, you’ll even get some essential tools included in the price.
Offering excellent value for money, you’ll get a super durable brush complete with nylon bristles and a strong plastic handle to aid in cleaning your golf balls and clubs after use.
In addition to that, this useful set even comes with a divot tool that will allow you to repair any gold ball pitch marks on the green that have been caused by forceful impacts.
GPS Speaker
Golf is one of the only competitive sports in the world that has a central focus on enjoyment, which is why many golfers like to listen to music while out on the course, especially when honing their golf skills or recreationally playing with friends.
For this reason, sooner or later, you’ll likely find yourself wanting to play some music while out on the course, especially if you’re the type that likes to spend the day out on the greens. If you need a recommendation, the Bushnell Wingman is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
Ensuring that you’ll be able to listen to your favorite tunes, this innovative product from Bushnell Wingman combines crystal clear audio with the impressive ability to be able to effectively receive audible GPS distances without a hitch.
What’s more, it’ll even connect itself seamlessly to your golf cart’s bar thanks to BITE magnetic technology, which will make mounting it a breeze.
To set it up and begin using it, all you will need to do is simply switch it on and connect it to your chosen music source.
You can even connect it to the Bushnell Golf App, which will allow you to gain access to front, center, and back distances across more than 36,000 courses across the world.
Not only that, but armed with this GPS speaker, you’ll even be able to charge up your other devices, as it comes with a built-in USB port. Offering you the ability to play music and hear distance, it’s definitely an investment to consider.
Golf Tees
A golf tee is another essential piece of equipment that you’ll need to make sure that you have at your disposal.
If you’re just starting out on your golf journey, a golf tee is essentially a little piece of golfing gear that will be able to raise a golf ball off the ground when taking a shot from the teeing area.
They are usually made of wood or plastic and are often around two to three inches in height, which will ensure that the golf ball won’t be in the grass or mud.
When in use, the golf tee will be pushed down into the ground to stabilize it, and then the golf ball will be placed directly on top of it so that the player can take their shot.
How high the tee will lift the ball off the ground is entirely up to the golfer, and often varies depending on the area of the course the shot is being taken from, as well as what club is being used.
Though it is not a requirement for golfers to use them, they make a huge difference in the quality of a shot, which is the main reason why we have included them as a golfing essential in this list.
If you haven’t already, we recommend purchasing golf tees in bulk, such as the THIODOON Golf Tees, as this will save money and ensure you have plenty at hand.
We’ve chosen the THIDOON Golf Tees as our recommendation because they are made of 100% natural hardwood, which is not only more environmentally friendly as they are non-toxic, but they are also very strong and less prone to breakage.
They’ve also been designed to help maximize the launch angle, as the shallow cup design helps to reduce surface contact, for better overall distance and accuracy while using all types of clubs.
Cooler Bag
Besides making sure that you have all of the game-enhancing essentials, you should also make sure that you have everyday necessities packed in your golfing bag, too.
Besides a water bottle, we recommend considering adding a cooler bag to your checklist, as it will allow you to keep drinks and food cool and fresh throughout the day.
If you don’t have one, then the 6ixPack Golf Insulated Cooler Bag simply needs to be on your radar. Featuring a universal design that is compatible with most golf bags currently on the market, you’ll be able to slot this little cooler bag into your current golf bag without taking up too much space.
Made with functionality in mind, this insulated cooler bag from 6ixPack has been made of a mega durable 3000x600D polyester that features 5mm closed cell foam walls.
This ensures that this cooler bag is insulated to the highest quality, and will mean that you’ll be able to go the whole 18 holes with cool refreshments right at hand. It’s got our seal of approval!
A Golf Ball Retriever
Over the course of your golfing journey, one item that we’re sure you’ll come to love is something that is known as a golf ball retriever.
In a nutshell, this handy piece of equipment will allow you to retrieve lost or misplaced balls safely from areas of the course where you might not have otherwise been able to retrieve them, including the deep rough, sand traps, and even bodies of water.
Plus, besides keeping you safe out on the course when needing to retrieve your golf balls from tricky and potentially dangerous areas, the inclusion of one in your golfing bag will also help to save you a small fortune each year on purchasing new golf balls to replace the ones that you couldn’t retrieve!
If you don’t currently have one and would like a recommendation, then look no further than the Callaway Golf Pocket and 6’ Ball Retriever.
Featuring an innovative, telescoping design, this high-quality aluminum golf ball can be extended up to 25 inches and also features an ergonomic handle for easy handling. This set even comes with a mini 6-inch version, that will slot itself easily into your back pocket.
An Extra Pair of Socks
It’s no secret that things can get sweaty while out on the course, particularly during the summer months - which is why an extra pair of socks is our final essentials item.
Ideally, you should try and make sure that the socks you wear while golfing are designed to cater to the sport, and the Swiftwick MAXUS Zero Golf Socks are a favorite of many golfers across the globe.
Why? Well, for starters, these socks have been specifically designed with a super soft footbed that will be able to absorb the impact of every stride that you take while out on the green.
In addition to that, they are also made of structurally modified fibers that will be able to effectively wick away moisture as you sweat to help prevent hot spots and blisters, all while ensuring maximum comfortability and coolness.
They also come in a pack of three, so you’ll be getting excellent value for money, too.
Wrapping Up
There we have it! You’ve made it to the end of the list. Golf is a sport that has a vast sea of accessories on the market that can both waste your money and distract you from the two most important things in the game: your performance and enjoyment.
After reading through our guide, we have done our very best to provide you with all of the golf equipment that will be able to make a real difference to your game, all while making your golf experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Besides these bare essentials, though, it’s important to remember that golf is a personal game, so you’re likely going to find that something you deem to be an essential golf item, might be something that the next player wouldn’t even consider - especially as you grow as a player.
For now, though, this list is an excellent place to start and will ensure that you have a foundation of essentials to see you through a game of golf and then some.
While you’re here, why not give this page a bookmark? By doing so, you’ll always know where to find us as you build your collection, especially if you want to make small purchases here and there, rather than all at once. Thank you for reading!
