Diamond Author
If we were going to play soccer, all we would need is a ball and away we'd go. Golf is different. The basic purpose of the golf bag is to carry your clubs, but there are pockets on the sides to carry all sorts of things that we need to have with us when we play. Here's what to put in them.
Extra balls for when you lose one, or if a ball becomes scuffed and not suitable for playing with. Have at least six extras in your bag. You'll need tees, too, for hitting the ball off of at the start of each hole. About a handful will do.
Pack two small items for use on the green. One is a ball marker to mark the location of your ball when you pick it up and clean it. That could be a small coin, or a plastic marker you can get at a pro shop. Have a few spares in your bag in case you lose one during the round.
The other item is a two-pronged tool that you'll use to repair any marks your ball makes when it hits the green. Pack the marker and repair tool in your bag when you go to the course, but keep them both in your pocket when you play.
Take a towel with you and hook it in a ring that should be hanging off the bag. You'll use it to clean off your club after you hit a shot, and to clean your ball once it gets to the green. If it's raining, take several towels, because you'll always want to have a dry towel to dry your hands on.
Speaking of rain, an umbrella and rain clothes are necessities in wet weather, but you don't have to pack them unless you're expecting to get rained on. Your bag came with a snap-on cover to keep your clubs out of the rain. Make sure you've packed that, too.
A glove to wear on your left hand (right hand, for left-handed golfers) helps you keep a secure grip on the club. This is an optional item, though, as many players prefer to play without one and do just as well.
Optional items which make playing more comfortable, are sunscreen, lip balm, and band-aids. Take a bottle of water for sipping from on each tee. A few snacks, like trail food or energy bars, keep you going strong for the four hours you'll be on the course. Take a Sharpie to put a mark on your ball so you can positively identify it.
Keep a rule book in your bag, that you're familiar with, to help you know what to do in case an unusual situation arises. Better players also bring along a small notebook to write down ideas on how to play the course the next time. Finally, your cell phone, PDA, iPhone, Blackberry, what-have-you, if you must take it you, keep it in your bag and TURN IT OFF. Outgoing calls in case of emergency only.
About this Author
Bob Jones is a golf researcher who can show you the reason why you don't strike the ball as consistently as you would like to. It's a little thing, and anyone learn to do it right, in just minutes, right at home. Find out what it is right here
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