Packing for the golf course seems like a simple enough pursuit. You’ve got to make sure you’ve got your clubs, of course, enough few balls and tees for the round, a water bottle, etc. But that’s really only a basic checklist. To make sure you’re really prepared for anything and everything you might encounter during a round, consider the guide below where we take note of a few handy extras that might not be top of mind but you’ll certainly be grateful you had when you truly need it.
RELATED: What’s more pressing, a golf-ball rollback or getting golfers to play from the correct tees?
New balls
Photo: Adam Voorhes
Those weapons you call clubs won’t do much good without ammo.
Old balls
Stuck behind a slow group and want to get in some extra practice in a non-competition round? Pre-loved, out-of-service balls are perfect for this purpose. (Or if you’re having a bad day and are sick of throwing new balls in the water and trees.)
Rain gear
This includes jacket, pants, hat and rain gloves. Make sure you have a cover/hood for your bag so your sticks stay dry, too.
Umbrella
Photo: Getty Images
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.
Business cards
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.
First-aid kit
This includes ibroprufen, bandages, wraps, lip balm, even a small knife for getting out splinters.
Sunscreen/20210324-Editors-Choice-Promo-sunscreen-lipbalm.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.483.suffix/1616614565437.jpeg)
A startling amount of golfers battle skin cancer. Do your part in prevention.
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
OK, so these days plenty of scoring is done via apps on smartphones, but sometimes you need to go old school to keep track of your group’s side bets. Generally speaking, it’s always good to have a spare card.
Tees
I’m told these are vital to the teeing-off process.
Extra socks
Maybe you’re playing 36 holes and want to change between rounds, or you step in a puddle or lake and don’t want soggy feet the rest of the day. Just make sure to take out the used pair after the round, or else risk a smell stewing in your bag that’s worse than death.
Cash
In case you want to have a little side action with your playing partners and need to pay up after the round.
Coins
Everyone needs a ball marker.
Gloves
Three is a good number: one for practice, one for play and one in reserve.
Energy bars
You never know when you’ll see the drinks cart. Last thing you want to be is stranded in a six-hour round without fuel.
Water bottle
Make sure it’s always full before heading off, in the off-chance the water coolers aren’t filled on the course.
