Golf course essentials

Assuming you have turned up at a golf course with a bag and a full set of clubs, every golfer knows that more is required to get round a course.

The essential golf items are listed below and what you carry with you can determine how enjoyable the 18 holes are, regardless of whether you have a carry bag or own a trolley.

It might be that hunger strikes or the weather comes into your thinking, or it might be something to refer to when you hit a spot of bother.

Here’s a look at what you should be putting in your golf bag before hitting the course, and a few little random tips too from the Compare Golf Prices team.

Golf balls (old and new)

Let’s face it, you can’t get very far without plenty of balls.  Even the most talented golfer is likely to lose a ball or two at some point, so make sure there is back-up. New ones can make you play a bit better, while old ones are ideal for practice.  Shop discounted golf balls here.

Tees

A Tour Pro once told me that you should always take the opportunity to place the ball on a tee if it is there, even if it is with an iron from the tee box.  Some would disagree.  But whatever you think of that suggestion, you should always have a handful of tees ready to go – you might even use them as a divot tool or marker.  Buy golf tees here.

Ball markers

Speaking of which, bring those trusty ball markers along too. They are a great way to pick up and clean your ball or get out of another golfer’s putting line. As suggested above you can even use a tee or a coin if you don’t want to buy one, while others like to collect them as they come in all sorts of colours and sizes.  Find cheap ball markers here.

Golf gloves

How many times have you been on a course and your glove’s little hole has grown bigger. One way to avoid being caught short with a ripped glove is to bring a spare or even two.  Find the best prices on golf gloves here.

Rain gear (including an umbrella)

There will be plenty of people reading this who have been on a course when the heavens have opened and your playing partner has got soaked without his waterproofs. It might even have been you. Always have an umbrella or your waterproofs because even the weather forecast might be wrong.  We have found the biggest savings on golf waterproofs and golf umbrellas.

Towel

Speaking of wet weather – or even sweaty palms as the pressure starts to hit home – make sure you have a towel clipped to your bag. As well as being able to dry your hands and clubs, it will also enable you to clean your ball that you have just struck out of the mud.  Find cheap golf towels here.

Sun-screen

Staying on the subject of the weather, knowing what we know about effects from sun’s rays (and rapid changes in the Great British weather), it would be stupid if you didn’t take some cream with you to protect your skin. If you wanted to take this a step further you might take some bug spray too.

Drinks and snacks

Whether it is warm or cold, an 18-hole round of golf can take a few hours at least so it is always sensible to take a drink, so take a water bottle, especially on hot days. Some courses might have a halfway house, but others won’t, so take an energy bar, fruit or maybe a pie or pasty to help you through.  

Writing pens

Even in this day and age with mobile phone apps and technology, you still need something to fill out the scorecard with and to mark your ball for identification. Nobody wants an extra penalty stroke, so have that pencil and sharpie ready to go.

The rule book

How many times have you approached your ball in a horrible area and wondered what your options were? If you bring a rule book – either the R&A, for territories except for the USA and Mexico, or the USGA’s – then you can keep your group in check. You also need to keep an eye on the golf club’s local rules too.

AND OUR TEAM’S LITTLE ADDED EXTRAS …

Gary Hunter, Co-Founder - I always have a chipper in my bag, it has saved me from some really tricky situations.  I highly recommend the Ping ChipR.

Steven Presho, Co-Founder - Jaffa Cakes because I was once told they are a great on course snack. The perfect balance of carbs, sugars and vitamin C to keep the energy levels up ... and it's recommended to have one every two holes. (Not sure if this is true as I’ve definitely not seen Tiger demolish a Jaffa but I wasn't going to argue)

Gary Spalding, Content Writer - plasters for when things start to rub or I need to patch up the terrible golf!

Simon Rayner, Client Partnership Manager - toilet roll, because nobody wants to come up, or get caught short on the golf course!

Stephanie Rookes, Marketing Manager - gin and tonics, because as a beginner I need to celebrate when I eventually manage to hit the ball! Safe to say I don't get through many!