My Bag of Tricks

I may not be strolling the fairways of Augusta, but I have been playing golf since I was about 3 years old, back when my dad had to cut down an old 7-iron in the garage so I could swing with him in the backyard with him. The game we love to hate certainly seems to hook us from the time we are young, and wouldn't dare to let us go free...and we wouldn't have it any other way. Over the years I have lost my fair share of ProV 1's, found more TopFlights than I care to count, and snapped a driver head or two before I knew what I was doing, not that I really do. And while my game has not elevated me to PGA Tour supremacy, I have picked up quite a few tricks that have helped my game from time-to-time, as well as added to my overall enjoyment out on the course. I'll share more over time, but for this blog, here are some of my tips for setting up your golf bag before a round. You never know what might happen out there...

1 - Get your clubs in order

Before getting out on the course it is important to make sure you have all your clubs and that they are in the right spot in your bag. It might sound silly, but the constant frustration of thinking you lost your sand wedge could be just the thing to throw you off your game for the day. And you certainly don't want to be the person that has to drive back down the cart path asking anyone if they have seen a club. And thus, putting your clubs back into the same spots in your bag is a simple, yet effective, way to make sure you are locked in come tee time. I recommend putting your woods and hybrids in the top compartment of your bag, followed by your long and mid-irons, and lastly your short irons and wedges. Your putter may have a specific spot, otherwise you can put it on top or bottom, depending on your preference.

Additionally, many of my friends that are new to golf are unaware that there is technically a limit on how many clubs you can have in your bag. According to the PGA tour that magic number is 14, but they don't hold you to a certain amount for the types of clubs, so you could go out there with 14 putters if you really wanted to...but I wouldn't suggest it. I myself carry a driver, 3-wood, 3-iron - PW, 3 wedges, and of course a putter. If you can get in the habit, I would even try to remember and count your clubs at the end of each round. I speak from experience, reporting a club missing on-site vs on the phone from the drive home does wonders for your chances of getting your 60 degree back.

2 - Golf bag staples

Beyond the tees, golf balls, and unused divot tools, there are a few golf bag essentials I'd recommend that could save your round one day. The number one best thing to have in the bag has to be a small reserve of cash, at least $20 but ideally about $50. You never want to be the one person that can't buy a round out on the course, both for your pride with the group, as well as for your peace of mind that you may have had a chance with the cart girl...which you never did. This also comes in handy on the rare invite to a nice outing or country club, where they have attendants or caddies helping you with your clubs throughout the day, who you'll want to tip. Even in 2023, cash is still king when you get to the golf course.

Another great thing to have in your bag is an empty water bottle, ideally a reusable one. I don't know how many times I've been on a course where the water coolers are full but the paper cups are no where to be found. The bottle in the bag gives you something to fill up so you can stay cool, and hopefully keep your energy up for the back nine. Aside from water, for those 21+ readers out there, throwing a few beers in the bag is never a bad idea either. I'd make sure the course doesn't sell, but as long as you have enough for everyone you can't go wrong.

3 - Packing for a rainy day

The last thing, or possibly the first, you'll want to think about before your round is the weather, and what that means for your golf bag. When it rains, you are looking at 4-5 hours of being wet, with no breaks, so you know your bag is going to take a beating. And if you are committed to getting your rounds in like the Bishop, you'll want to make sure your bag is ready to.

Step one is taking out any unnecessary contents, especially things that you don't want to get water damage. Most bags now have a small water resistant pocket, so make sure that is clear for your personally belongings, your cash reserve is you listen to my advice above, or any other contents that you may want on the course that is better when kept dry. Your bag will do an OK job keeping things dry, but when you are out in the rain for that long it is better just to assume everything will get wet.

Now, I like to keep an extra shirt and a pair of socks in the car after a normal round, but they are particularly crucial when it comes to the rainy days. It may sound simple, but the satisfaction of a fresh shirt and pair of socks after a soggy 88 is something special. And as mentioned, the feeling is not wasted on the dry days either. Between the dry-fit shirts and sweat wicking technology these days, the drive home from the golf course with the boys can be a noses worst nightmare, so do everyone a favor and bring along a t-shirt and a stick of deodorant.

As I mentioned I will have more tips and tricks related to golf in my future content, so come back if you liked what you read. I love the game and am trying my best to get better, so I figured I would share what I've learned and help others to do the same. If you liked anything you read above let me know, and if there is anything you think could help me or others, don't be afraid to share!