You might have noticed the number of pockets and compartments on a golf bag, but what are they all for?
Heading out for a successful day of golf on the links requires proper preparation and a well-equipped golf bag.
Packing your bag with the right essentials can make all the difference in your overall performance and enjoyment on the course.
From clubs to snacks to accessories, there are several items that every golfer should have in their bag to be fully prepared for any scenario and maintain peak performance throughout a round.
So, grab your golf bag and a pen, and let’s explore our top golf bag essentials for a successful day on the links!

Golf Bag Essentials #1: Golf Clubs
At the top of any golf bag essentials list is, of course, golf clubs!
However, it’s not just about owning clubs; having a complete set of golf clubs is vital for a successful day on the links, regardless of your skill level.
Each club serves a specific purpose, whether it’s covering specific distances or executing unique techniques in different areas of the course.
To be prepared for any situation during your round, it’s crucial to have a diverse range of club options available.
A typical golf bag comprises 14 clubs, including a driver, fairway woods, irons, wedges, and a putter.

Here’s an example of a common selection of clubs in a golf bag:
- Woods: 3 & 5
- 4 Hybrid
- Irons: 4-9
- Wedges: Pitching wedge, gap wedge, lob wedge, sand wedge
Remember that there isn’t a “right” or “wrong” choice of golf clubs in a bag. Amateur golfers may prefer to include more of the forgiving hybrids instead of long irons, for example.
The key is to tailor your bag to your preferences and ensure you have a wide range of clubs. This way, you can confidently adapt to different course conditions and challenges, knowing you’re covered anywhere!
Related Article: Gapping Golf Guide: How To Gap Your Golf Clubs To Shoot Lower Scores

Golf Bag Essentials #2: Golf Balls
The next essential item in your golf bag is golf balls.
Ensuring you have the right type and quantity of golf balls is the key.
As you navigate the links, there will inevitably be shots that don’t go as planned, resulting in many lost or damaged balls.
To ensure your play remains uninterrupted, it is essential to have an adequate supply of golf balls that are readily available in your bag.
How many golf balls should you bring with you?
Most golfers and pros carry between 9 and 12 balls in their golf bags. Any more, and it starts to get weighty!
Having extra balls at hand provides the opportunity for practice on the driving range or honing your short-game skills in between rounds, free from the worry of running out.

Golf Bag Essentials #3: Tees
Moving along our list of essential items for your golf bag, we have Tee pegs.
Tee pegs are small items you plug into the ground to support your golf ball on tee shots.
Tee pegs enable you to customize the height of your ball at setup, ensuring optimal launch and distance off the tee depending on the club you’re using.
To be well-prepared, we advise packing a decent supply of tees, including different lengths, to accommodate various club choices and tee box conditions.
Keep your tees easily accessible in one of the side pockets of your golf bag, ensuring quick and convenient access when needed.

Golf Bag Essentials #4: Golf Glove
Carrying a golf glove with you doesn’t just make you look the part when out on the links; wearing one will offer significant benefits to help you maintain peak performance on the course.
In golf, a single glove is traditionally worn on the non-dominant hand (left hand for right-handed players) since this is the hand that grips the club with the most pressure.
The glove’s primary purpose is to improve the connection between the golfer’s hand and the club, reducing the chances of the club slipping or twisting during the swing.
Many different types of golf gloves are available, including those made from leather, synthetic materials, or a combination of both. Choose one that fits you well and is comfortable to wear.
Consider having a spare glove in your bag in case your primary glove gets damaged or wet during your time on the links so there is no drop-off in touch or feel.

Golf Bag Essentials #5: Towel
A towel is an item that many golfers overlook, but it plays an essential role in between shots.
You can use a towel for various purposes like cleaning your clubs and balls, wiping your hands or face, and even as a makeshift rain cover for your clubs.
A quick wipe-down between shots will help you hold the green on approach shots.
Golf Bag Essentials #6: Rangefinder
Here’s one for the serious golfer looking to master their distances on the links.
A rangefinder is excellent for accurately determining the distance required for your shot.
Unless it’s marked, or you have hawk-eye vision, it can be not easy to gauge yardages on the golf course.
It’s important to know exactly how far you need to hit so you can choose the golf club.
You can pick up many solid rangefinder options on the market around the $100 range, while the high-end models come in at the $500 range.

Golf Bag Essentials #7: Sunscreen + Sunglasses
While hitting the links on a sunny day is one of life’s greatest pleasures, taking precautions and protecting yourself from extended exposure to the sun’s rays is essential.
The sprawling fairways of a links course often offer little shade, meaning you will spend several hours in direct sunlight.
Applying sunscreen is vital in shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.
You’ll want a pair of sunnies, particularly in the summer or when the sun is low in the sky on those sunrise/sunset tee times.

Golf Bag Essentials #8: Hat
Alongside sunscreen, it is crucial to include a hat as a vital accessory to ensure a successful day on the golf course.
Considering the lack of natural shade on the links, a hat, whether a cap or a bucket hat, becomes essential to provide the much-needed protection for your face against sunburn and keep your head cool, warding off sun-related fatigue.
Opt for a hat with a wide brim that offers sufficient shade for your face and neck, shielding them from direct sunlight.

#Golf Bag Essentials #9: Water
The average 18-hole round of golf takes 3.5 – 5 hours, so you must come prepared to prevent wilting on a long day on the links!
Carry a water bottle in your golf bag and drink regularly throughout the round.
Staying hydrated is essential when you’re playing golf, especially if you’re playing in hot weather.
Please bring a reusable water bottle and fill it with ice-cold water before you tee off. Ensure you drink water regularly throughout the round, and consider getting an electrolyte drink to replenish lost salts.
Golf Bag Essentials #10: Snacks
Golfing can be a physically demanding sport, and you may find yourself feeling hungry during the round.
Bring snacks in your golf bag, such as granola bars, fruit, or trail mix, to keep your energy levels up.
Golf Bag Essentials #11: Rain Gear
Weather conditions can change quickly on the golf course, and preparation for any eventuality is essential.
Carry a rain jacket, rain pants, and an umbrella in your golf bag in case of rain.
Consider having a waterproof cover for your golf bag to protect your clubs and other items from getting wet.

Golf Bag Essentials #12: First Aid Kit
Injuries can happen while playing golf, and it is essential to have a basic first aid kit in your golf bag.
Golf Bag Essentials #13: Divot repair tool
Help repair divots on the greens and keep the course in good condition.
This is a piece of golf equipment that some courses give away for free.
Golf Bag Essentials #14: Ball marker
Ball markers are small flat tokens that you place on the green to mark the position of your ball.
They are essential for when you need to move your ball out of the way of another player’s shot.

Golf Bag Essentials #15: Scorecard and pencil
Keep track of your score and your playing partners’ scores.
So that rounds up our golf bag essentials for a successful day on the links!

While you don’t need all the above items to play golf, having at least some of them in your golf bag will help make life easier for you out on the course!