Preparation is an important part of a successful golf outing. You have your clubs, bag, golf outfit, and golf shoes ready for the course, but don’t forget these easy-to-forget golf essentials.
Regardless if you’re a beginner or a tour pro, these are the items that will maximize your performance and fun on the golf course.
Here’s our list of the 25 best golf essentials.
1. Golf Balls
This one might be an obvious choice, but running out of new balls can happen to any golfer, especially those just getting started. Three to four sleeves (about 9-12 balls total) should be plenty for a single round. You don’t want to carry too many balls because your golf bag will weigh a ton. Keep an eye out for stray balls on the course. You can save a few here and there.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to add a few shag balls to the bag, just in case things get a little dire.
Shop: Vice Golf Balls
2. Golf Tees
You never want to be that person who is always asking for an extra tee. Stock up on your desired height and pack your bag. Don’t forget to grab your tee after each tee shot. It’s amazing how quickly you can blow through a bag of tees.
Shop: Unbreakable Golf Tees - $8
3. Golf Towel
Keeping your clubs clean is not only a visual thing, but it also has a performance benefit. Keeping your club face and grooves clean will ensure maximum performance on all your clubs, especially your wedges. Keep it clean to maximize spin. Don’t forget to bring an extra towel to wipe off your face and hands.
We really like the magnetic towel from Ghost Golf. The waffle weave pattern cleans grooves on golf clubs and golf balls better and faster with no residue. It’s super absorbent and holds 400% of its weight in water. Plus, it comes with a magnet which is really handy.
Shop: Ghost Golf Magnetic Towel (Greenside) - $40
4. Jacket
Depending on where you play golf, inclement weather can come as a surprise, so a little extra protection is always a good idea. Any extra layer is a nice addition, but a waterproof jacket is the way to go. Just make sure the jacket is comfortable and you can move freely.
Shop: Vuori Clothing Outdoor Golf Jacket - $112
5. Umbrella
While we’re on the topic of bad weather, an umbrella is an essential item for the golf course. It can be used for both rain and sun. You want to stay fresh on the course and an umbrella is a basic necessity. Most golf bags come with a special holder for umbrellas, making them easy to bring along on your golf outing.
Shop: The Dancing Umbrellas Arnold Palmer Golf Umbrella - $94
6. Athletic Tape
Sometimes a band-aid can feel bulky on your hands and fingers. That’s where adhesive tape can help. Prevent blisters and add grip, athletic tape is a go-to for many professional golfers.
Shop: Mueller Golfers Grip Tape - $9
Fun Fact
Tiger Woods famously wears a piece of athletic tape around his middle finger. You might not be able to play like Tiger, but you can tape up like him.
7. Nail Clippers
Golf is all about feel. A hangnail, scratchy tag, or loose string can throw you off. Nail clippers are a great utility tool to prevent any issues and keep you focused on your game.
Shop: Nail Clipper Set $6.99
8. Sunscreen
Sun protection is one of the most important things on a golf course. Make sure to come prepared with sunblock that will prevent sun burns. Don’t forget to reapply!
Shop: Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37 - $22
9. Chapstick
Nobody wants dry, cracked lips on the course. Make sure to add an SPF lip balm to your bag.
Shop: Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm $9.00Fun Fact
How many clubs are you allowed in your bag?
14 clubs
10. Bandaids
Prepare for the unexpected. That’s the secret to a great golf outing and band aids are one of those items. From covering cuts to preventing blisters, Band-Aids are a fantastic addition to any golf bag. You won’t know how much you need these until the time comes, so better be prepared.
Shop: Band-Aid Brand Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages - $711. Marker
A sharpie is a great addition to the golf bag so you can mark your balls. Add your custom markings so you’ll never confuse your ball with someone else’s golf ball.
Shop: Permanent Marker, 30 Colors $10
12. Extra Glove
It can never hurt to keep an extra glove in the golf bag. You never know when you might need to switch out your glove. Plus, a new golf glove offers stronger grip and tact for maximum performance. You can even add a couple rain gloves just in case the sunny day turns a little wet.
Shop: Asher Golf Glove $24
13. Divot Repair Tool
Respect the course and repair all your ball marks on the green. A tee can be used in a pinch, but a proper repair tool will keep those greens clean, crisp, and ready for all the other golfers out there.
Shop: Ghost Golf Divot Repair Tool - $25
14. Ball Marker
Golf offers many opportunities to show off your personality and a ball marker is a great way to do just that. Feature your favorite team, alma mater, or personal brand. Ball markers are fully customizable.
Shop: Ball Markers $5
15. Rangefinder
Tech has officially made its way into golf. Rangefinders are a great way to find yardages on the course. You can pick the perfect iron and nail that approach shot. Rangefinders can help you play better and quicker, two things all golfers are looking for on the course.
There’s one name when it comes to rangefinders and that’s Precision Pro. It comes at a premium price, but it’s an essential item for any serious golfer.
Shop: Precision Pro Golf Rangefinder NX9 Slope - $249
16. Hand Sanitizer
You can never be too clean these days and hand sanitizer is a great way to keep your hands clean on the course. Especially when you don’t have access to a bathroom to wash your hands, Purell is great in a pinch. Add a bottle or two to your bag and never worry.
Shop: PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Variety Pack,1 Fl Oz Travel - $11.99
17. Pain Reliever
Headaches, sore back, tight muscles, you name it, an all-purpose pain reliever is worth its weight in gold. You never know when something might come up so it’s best to be prepared with some Advil, Tylenol, or your pain reliever of choice.
Shop: Advil Liqui-Gels Minis Pain Reliever - $29
18. Extra Cash
Gambling for fun is a great part of golf and it always helps to have a few extra bucks.
Fun Fact
What are the four standard wedge types in a bag?
Log Wedge, Sand Wedge, Gap Wedge, Pitching Wedge
19. Business Cards
There are always opportunities to network on the course. Make sure to have a few business cards available in case the opportunity presents itself.
20. Extra Socks
An extra pair of fresh socks really comes in handy during early morning rounds or rainy days. Switch up your socks mid-round to keep your feet fresh and comfortable.
Shop: Men's Performance Golf Ankle Sock 3-Pack - $48
21. Club Brush
Sometimes a towel isn’t enough to clean your dirty golf club. A wire brush and groove cleaner is a great tool to keep your clubs clean and free of dirt and grass.
Caddy Splash makes a very helpful tool that stores water in the reservoir tube. It also has a connector cable that extends easily.
Shop: Caddy Splash Water Brush - $13.99
22. Portable Cooler
Depending on your golf course, you can save a little money by bringing your own beverages. A portable cooler is a great way to keep your drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, cold and ready to enjoy on the course.
We’re loving the portable cooler from Jones. It’s a shag bag for up to 6 dozen practice balls OR fill it with ice for a great cooler. It’s the perfect golf gift as well.
Shop: Jones Ranger™ Shag Bag & Cooler - $50
23. Hat
Stay cool with a hat. There are a near limitless range of options for hats from bucket hats, baseball caps, and even safari hats. Just make sure you’re getting sufficient sun protein.
Shop: Random Golf Club Randamu Bucket Hat - $40
24. Golf Snacks
Anyone who has golfed with a hangry person knows the importance of golf snacks. There can be long stretches between the clubhouse and the course, so it’s important to pack healthy, nutritious, and delicious snacks. Skip the boring energy bars and granola bars.
Grab some delicious, handcrafted beef jerky. It’s the perfect golf snack, ready for the golf cart or golf bag. Portable, convenient, and delicious, you’re going to love tearing into a pack of our flavorful jerky.
Shop: Golf's Favorite Beef Jerky - $6
Bottom Line
Pack your bag with the above list of essential items and you’ll be ready for the course. Buy your golf snacks today!
