The Ultimate Beginner Golf Bag Checklist: 10 Essentials
Showing up to the first tee box as a beginner is stressful enough. The last thing you want is to arrive at the course and realize you forgot a crucial piece of equipment.
Packing your golf bag correctly is the easiest way to guarantee a smooth, comfortable round. Believe it or not, you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars at the pro shop—half of the items on this list are already sitting in your house!
Here are the 10 absolute essentials every beginner needs in their golf bag.
5 Essential Golf Items to Buy
1. Golf Clubs
You can legally carry up to 14 clubs, but beginners only need about 5 (read our Minimalist Golf Bag Guide to see exactly which ones). If you are not ready to buy, remember that you can always call the clubhouse in advance and ask to rent a set!
2. A Stand Bag with Double Straps
Your bag itself matters. Avoid massive “Cart Bags” or “Tour Bags” (which are designed for professionals with caddies). You want a lightweight “Stand Bag.” Ensure it has two features: built-in kickstand legs that pop out when you set it down, and a double-shoulder strap so you can carry it like a backpack.
3. Golf Balls (A Full Dozen)
As a beginner, you are going to lose golf balls in the woods, in the water, and in the tall grass. It happens to everyone! Always pack a full dozen.
WARNING
Do Not Buy Expensive Balls: Avoid premium balls like the $55 Pro V1. They actually make a beginner’s slice worse! Read our guide on the Pro V1 Myth to find out which cheap balls you should buy instead.
4. Wooden Tees
You need these to prop the ball up on the first shot of every hole. Buy a cheap bag of 50 long wooden tees. They will break frequently, so always keep a handful in your pocket.
5. A Golf Glove (Just One!)
A golf glove provides grip and prevents brutal blisters. But here is the secret: you only wear one glove. If you are a right-handed golfer, you wear a glove on your left hand (and vice versa). Do not buy a pair! For more details, check out our Beginner’s Guide to the Golf Glove to learn exactly which hand to wear it on and how tight it should fit.
5 Items From Around the House
6. A Ball Marker (A Coin!)
When your golf ball finally reaches the green, you are required to “mark” it before picking it up to clean it. You do not need to buy a fancy $15 magnetic marker from the pro shop. Just grab a shiny quarter or dime from your wallet!
TIP
The Towel Trick: Always keep a small towel clipped to the outside of your bag. You will need it to wipe mud off your clubs after a bad swing, or to wipe sweat off your hands on a hot day.
7. Rain Gear
The weather can turn in an instant. Always keep a small umbrella and a lightweight rain jacket stuffed in the bottom of your bag. If you do get caught in a downpour, be sure you know the rules of Playing Golf in the Rain.
8. Basic First Aid
Golf involves a lot of walking and friction. Throw a few band-aids into a side pocket for inevitable blisters on your fingers or heels. It is also highly recommended for women to pack emergency feminine products in a discreet pocket.
9. Sun and Weather Protection
You will be standing in the elements for hours. Pack a travel-sized bottle of sunscreen and a tube of chapstick. Additionally, make sure you pack a hat to protect your face and neck (check out our guide on What to Wear Golfing for more apparel tips).
10. Snacks
A round of golf takes roughly 4 to 5 hours. Walking the course and swinging a club burns a massive amount of calories. Do not let yourself get “hangry” by the 14th hole. Pack simple, non-melting snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or a peanut butter sandwich.