what should you have in your golf bag

What Should I Have In My Golf Bag?

• Ball marker
• Divot repair tool
• Sharpie
• Golf ball cleaner/washer
• Cold or wet weather gloves
• Rangefinder (if you care about improving your distance and accuracy)
• Rain cover (and rain gear when not golfing in summer months)
• Sunscreen
• Water, refreshments, beverages, snacks, etc.
• USGA’s official ‘ rules of golf ’ booklet

Full Answer

What golf clubs should be carried in a golf bag?

Jul 11, 2019 · Pack smart: 23 essentials you should always keep in your golf bag. 1. Balls. Yeah, this is an obvious one. But running out of balls can happen to anyone. Depending on your skill level, three to four sleeves should ... 2. A jacket. Chilly mornings and evenings can sometimes come as a surprise, so ...

What else should you carry in your golf bag?

What Clubs Should I Have In My Golf Bag? Driver. 3 and 5 Wood. 4 Hybrid. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 Iron. Pitching Wedge. Gap Wedge/Approach Wedge. Sand Wedge. Lob Wedge. Putter.

How many golf clubs should you have in your bag?

Hence, we go beyond the club so that you can get the most specialized list of what to bring and why you should have it with you. Quick Navigation What Should I Have in My Golf Bag: The Recommendations 1. The Basics 2. Weather-Related Items 3. Extra Protection 4. Food and Beverage Pack Up and Head Out!

Which kind of golf bag should you choose?

What Golf Clubs Should I Have In My Bag? Essential Golf Clubs. 1) Driver. The driver is the longest club in your bag. Also, it is most golfer’s, go-to club, when trying to get the maximum amount of distance off ... 2) Woods. 3) Hybrids. 4) Irons. 5) Wedges.

What golf clubs should you have in your bag?

For an average golfer, these are the clubs that would typically be in your golf bag.Driver.3 and 5 Wood.4 Hybrid.5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 Iron.Pitching Wedge.Gap Wedge/Approach Wedge.Sand Wedge.Lob Wedge.More items...

What do most golfers have in their bag?

Professional golfers generally carry: a driver, 3 wood, 5 wood, 4-PW, gap wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge, and a putter. Depending on the pro, these setups may change slightly, including the use of a driving iron, hybrid, or other longer club in place of one of the woods.Sep 2, 2021

What should an average golfer have in his bag?

Most golfers carry at least a 7-iron, 8-iron, 9-iron and pitching wedge. Going with less-lofted clubs after the 7-iron, some golfers choose to carry hybrids to replace their 6-, 5-, 4- and/or 3-iron. Hybrids are easier to hit from all lies and launch the ball higher.May 19, 2017

What is the ideal golf bag setup?

Ideally, you should be looking for around 10-yards between clubs at the bottom end of your bag and 15-yard gaps at the top end. Anything less than this and some tweaks to your set up are needed!Sep 6, 2018

Do I need a 3 wood if I have a 3 hybrid?

You are more likely to hit accurate and precise shots with your 3-hybrid than a 3-wood. You are likely to have both a 3-wood and a 3-iron or 3-hybrid in your bag but not a 3-iron and a 3-hybrid. The 3-hybrid should replace your 3-iron if you wish to add the hybrid to your collection.

How many clubs should a beginner carry?

Beginner golfers should aim for 8-10 clubs to start with rather than a full set of 14. Junior golfers only need 5-7 clubs to get started. A reduced number of clubs makes club selection easier and enables beginners to build up their skill level gradually by improving the quality of their practice.

How far should I hit an 8 iron?

Golf Club Distance ChartClubMenWomen6-iron130-150-16070-100-1307-iron120-140-15065-90-1208-iron110-130-14060-80-1109-iron95-115-13055-70-959 more rows•Feb 12, 2020

Which hybrids should I carry?

If you hit a 7-iron 140 yards or less, a 6 iron should be your longest iron. The 3, 4 and 5 should be hybrids. If you can hit your 7-iron 150-160 yards, think about nothing longer than a 5 iron and look at 3 and 4 hybrids. If you can hit your 7-iron 160-170 yards, think about swapping your 3-iron for a hybrid.May 1, 2018

What woods should I carry?

So Which Fairway Wood?Degrees of LoftDescription and Notes17 - 184 wood. Safer than a 3 wood, longer than a 518 - 19Strong 519 - 21Easy hitting long wood. Along with the driver, often carried with a 3 wood23 - 24Strong 7. Shaft should be a little longer than a regular seven. A good complement to 4 woods.5 more rows

Do you need a 3 and 5 wood?

The 3 wood is a better club for playing from the tee as an alternative to the driver. Whilst the 5 wood can work, it will tend to fly a little higher due to the higher loft and you could give up valuable yards or risk it's course being altered by any wind. On a long par 3, the 5 wood is perfectly useable.

What each golf club is used for?

Generally speaking, a 3-wood is used for a shot in the range of 210 yards, while a 3-iron is used for a shot in the range of 180 yards. A 5-wood is used for a shot of about 180 yards, while a 5-iron is used for a shot of about 160 yards.

What golf clubs should a beginner use?

When you are just getting started, simplicity is key and we recommend a driver with a large sweet spot, a 3 wood, a hybrid and some mid range irons like 5, 7 & 9. Add a pitching wedge, a sand wedge and a putter and you have every essential club you need to take the course by storm.

How many irons should a low handicap player have in the bag?

In fact, our list says that a low handicapper should keep the four iron in the bag, but many will also keep the three iron in the bag. It takes a lot of swing speed and precision to hit long irons properly. Lower handicap players tend to have the abilities necessary to hit these types of shots.

What is gap wedge?

Gap Wedge. Sand Wedge. High handicappers generally need to focus on two things, forgiveness and distance. Golfers that have high handicappers should not put long irons in their golf bag, and they should rely on their fairway woods at times off the tee.

Why are long irons so difficult to hit?

Some of the long irons get a bit difficult for mid handicappers to hit because many will lack the club head speed necessary to hit them consistently. A mid handicapper should have a mix of irons, hybrids, and woods. Mid handicappers should consider their golf shaft choices very carefully.

What type of clubs do low handicap golfers use?

The types of clubs that lower handicap golfers use are going to be more of a blade style club . Their strong points will be precision, spin, and workability but not forgiveness. Low handicap players need to use high performing wedges in their golf bag.

Why do high handicappers need different clubs?

A high handicapper and a low handicapper need to carry different clubs. This is because of the different strengths and weaknesses they will have in their game .

What is hybrid golf?

A hybrid is a very valuable club to keep in the golf bag. It will perform out of the rough better than any of the other golf clubs in the bag. For long-distance shots out of the rough, people tend to try fairway woods and long irons, and the results are not all that good.

What is the 14 club rule?

The great thing about the 14 club rule is that it is fair for everyone involved. It does not matter if your handicap is a 30 or a two; you will still be able to carry 14 clubs. The tricky part can be knowing what clubs are the must have golf clubs. Which are the ones that are worthy of having their own space in your bag.

1. The Basics

Tees: Invest in a value pack of tees so that you never have to go digging through your bag to find the one or two that you brought with you. For the easiest accessibility, put them into a resealable bag that can easily be opened and closed.

2. Weather-Related Items

Sun protection: Whether the sun is shining bright or the sky is a bit overcast, it’s essential to wear sunscreen. You can also protect your face from the sun with a hat. Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of cancer, and there is no reason to not protect your skin from this risk.

3. Extra Protection

Bug Spray: Sometimes, the bugs will come swarming in and make an otherwise enjoyable day incredibly frustrating. Bug spray will prevent you from getting bitten by these bugs on these days.

4. Food and Beverage

Water: It’s easy to forget to bring a bottle of water and become dehydrated while playing! Make sure to keep a good supply of water with you during a round.

What is gap wedge?

The gap wedge is the club you use when you have a distance between your full pitching wedge and your full sand wedge. (Hence the gap). Sometimes it is marked with an “A” which stands for approach wedge. The gap wedge is significant because it allows you to take full swings at the green. It’s much easier to know your distances with a full swing over half swings. Gap wedges are lofted between 50-53 degrees, so practice with different lofts to find distances that work best for your swing!

What is fairway wood?

Fairway woods are lower lofted clubs that you use to reach long distances out on the course. You need fairway woods for long holes like par 5’s where you have a lot of yards to make up for.

What is the difference between player improvement irons and improvement irons?

Player improvement irons also have a cavity back. The difference is that the player improvement irons have larger club faces, and a thicker bottom. Their larger club faces allow a higher percentage for you to hit the sweet spot which is what makes them very attractive for beginners.

What is the highest lofted club in golf?

The Phil Mickelson favorite! The lob wedge is your highest lofted club ranging between 58-64 degrees. The purpose of the lob wedge is to get the ball up into the air as quickly as possible so that it lands softly on the green. It is best used when going over a bunker or when you in thick rough and need to “pop” the ball into the air.

How to tell what the bounce angle is on a wedge?

You can tell what the bounce of the wedge is by looking at the bottom of your club. The numbers range between 8 and 14 degrees of bounce for wedges.

What is the difference between a 5 wood and a 7 wood?

7 Wood: 23- 28 degrees. A 5 wood is comparable to a 4 iron. And a 7 wood, is similar in loft to a 5 iron. These days, it is common for most golfers to have either a 3 wood and/or 5 wood. This is because of the popularity of hybrids which we will discuss next.

What are muscle back irons?

Also known as “blades” muscle back irons are designed for experienced golfers. They have a flat back and don’t have a cavity or hollowed out clubhead. Muscle back irons do not offer much forgiveness from miss-hit shots. You have to be exact with your timing. However, they do let you shape your shot more easily and allow a better “feel” of your swing. I always joke that I want my son to start playing golf with muscle back irons so he can learn where the sweet spot is on the clubface, faster.

1. Sunscreen

Experienced golfers know that playing a round can be physically demanding.

2. Umbrella

Just like an experienced golfer knows the familiar feeling of the sun beating down on them, they know the rain.

3. Fresh Balls

This is a no-brainer for any golf bag. Golf balls are the center piece of the sport.

4. Used Balls

The timing of a golf game can be somewhat unpredictable. You might be the most efficient player out there, but the length of your game can still be in flux.

5. Pencils or Markers

Keeping a writing utensil in your golf bag is important for a simple reason: keeping score.

6. Snacks

The physical exertion of golf is subtle. In fact, it’s misunderstood people who’ve never spent hours walking around on a golf course.

7. Backup Gloves

A golfer’s gloves are the secret oil that keeps their game running smoothly.

What to wear to golf tournament?

This includes jacket, pants, hat and rain gloves. Make sure you have a cover/hood for your bag so your sticks stay dry, too. If you're an avid golfer, you're going to get caught in a storm on the course at some point. Be prepared when the sky starts crying. Golf is a great backdrop for networking.

What is the best sunscreen for golfers?

The best sunscreen for golfers 2020. Markers. Not only to label your ball, but can be a de facto pencil for the scorecard. Towels. As in, multiple. One for your club, one for your hands, neck and face, and one in case things get wet. Scorecard.

What is the first aid kit for golf?

First-Aid Kit. This includes ibroprufen, bandages, wraps, lip balm, even a small knife for getting out splinters.

Is golf a good backdrop for networking?

Be prepared when the sky starts crying. Golf is a great backdrop for networking. Even if it's not a scheduled business affair, you never know who you'll meet on a course.

How often do golfers tinker with their clubs?

But the best golfers also tinker with their set configuration from week to week or even round to round, in response to the types of challenges the golf course they are playing offers. No matter your skill level, hit clubs you are comfortable with. Let results — not wishes — determine which clubs you carry.

What is the right set composition?

The only "right" set composition is one that works for you , and the only "wrong" set is one that doesn't. Let your skills as a golfer — your strengths and weaknesses — determine which clubs you carry. Practice on overcoming your weaknesses, but play to your strengths. The needs of a low handicapper are quite different from those ...

How many clubs can you carry in a golf bag?

Highly skilled golfers are capable of playing more specialized clubs and playing a wider variety of shots. The rules of golf allow you to carry a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag. That doesn't mean you have to carry 14, however, as you can carry fewer if you wish.

Can a high handicapper hit a driver?

Most high handicappers cannot hit a driver, no matter how badly they want to. Drivers are especially dangerous in the hands of high handicappers because many view distance as the quality they most want to have off the tee.

Who is Brent Kelley?

Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. Which golf clubs should you be carrying in your bag? The only "right" set composition is one that works for you, and the only "wrong" set is one that doesn't.

Why do golfers use hybrid clubs?

Most golfers use hybrids and fairway woods to survive the tight spots. But there’s more to these clubs – they are able to fire up the distance to your swing. But many golfers seem to not care about adding the hybrid to their golf arsenal.

What is a fairway club?

Fairways are an incredibly accurate club for golfers looking to improve their golf-playing ability off the tee. You should think of hybrids as a club that combines the best of both the wood and iron world. The hybrid’s center of gravity is lower compared to long iron. And, it’s sole tends to be wider.

Why do golf clubs have a fairway?

Today, most Fairway brands make their clubs with steel or titanium. And that’s because of the lesser weight of these materials, which increase the swing speed.

Why do professional golfers change their sets?

Professional golfers tend to be flexible with their sets, changing them from week to week (some even change them between rounds), to brush up their golf skills and challenge their weaknesses. This act alone can drastically skyrocket your way into becoming a better golfer.

What determines the type of golf clubs you carry?

Your strength, weakness, and your golfing skills should determine the type of clubs you carry . Flow with your strength and never undermine your weaknesses. The golfing priorities of a professional golfer are quite different from that of a beginner. Some clubs are easier to control while others can be a pain in the neck.

What happens if you don't know what the minimum number of clubs are in your bag?

Golfers who failed to know what is the minimum number of clubs in a bag and decided to carry more than the maximum club limit would have to face penalties. The excess club will be taken off and declared as “out of play”. The competitor declares the excess clubs as out of play in stroke play golf competition.

How many strokes can you lose in a golf round?

The maximum penalty of a typical golf round is four-stroke and a single hole where the excess club was used will attract two strokes. So chances are a golfer might lose a whole round if he has more excess clubs. For match play, a golfer would have a hole deducted for each excess club.

What is the purpose of a sharpie in golf?

A Sharpie to mark your ball. You step on the first tee and announce the name and number of the ball you’re playing. That’s a veteran move—until one of your playing companions says they have the same ball. Most golfers struggle to find a scoring pencil in their bag, let alone a Sharpie to mark their ball, but the Sharpie is an integral part ...

What is wrong with my golf bag?

There’s a reason we’re called amateurs, and in golf that extends beyond mere playing ability. Many of us make mistakes regarding the things we have—and don’t have— in our golf bags. Whether it’s clubs, accessories or the bag itself, here are 10 things that you should have—or get rid of—in your bag. Immediately.

Is golf better than walking?

Mike Ehrmann. Golf is almost always better when you walk. Unless, of course, your bag is so heavy that it might not make the weight restrictions at the airport. Sometimes the culprit is the bag itself and if yours weighs more than five pounds when empty, that can make for a difficult hoof.

Can you match your set make up?

Set make-up doesn’t match the shots on your course. You can’t just go with a typical set make-up and think you’re good to go. You get 14 clubs and you should figure out the course you play most often and if every single one of those clubs serves a purpose.