Deciding what to carry in your golf bag besides clubs can feel overwhelming, especially with endless gadgets and gear on the market. But having the right accessories isn't about looking the part, it's about making the game easier, more comfortable, and ultimately, more fun. This guide cuts through the noise to show you exactly which golf accessories you need, from the absolute must-haves for your first round to the gear that will help you take your game to the next level.
If you're just starting, you don't need to buy out the entire pro shop. Focus on these non-negotiable items. Without them, you’ll find it difficult to even complete a round of golf.
You can't play without them, and if you’re new to the game, you're going to lose them. It's a fact of life, so don't start with the expensive premium balls your favorite pro uses. Look for two-piece "distance" or "surlyn-cover" balls. They are more durable, generally fly straighter because they spin less, and are much easier on the wallet. Buy them in dozens or look for refurbished or "logo overrun" deals online. Your primary goal is to have enough balls to finish 18 holes.
Your bag is your on-course home base. There are two main types to consider:
Coach's Tip: For your first bag, a stand bag is the smarter investment because of its versatility. Look for one with comfortable, padded "backpack" style straps to save your shoulders and back.
You need tees. A lot of golfers don't think much about them, but tee height has a real impact on your shots. Wooden tees are cheap and biodegradable, while plastic tees are more durable but can sometimes scuff your clubface. Grab a big bag of mixed-length tees to start. Use the longer tees for your driver and the shorter ones for your irons and hybrids on par 3s. As a general rule for your driver, you want about half the ball to be teed up above the crown (the top) of the clubhead.
Once you have the absolute basics, these accessories will make your rounds more comfortable and improve your performance. They are the items nearly every regular golfer swears by.
A golf glove isn't for fashion, it’s for performance. It provides a more secure grip, especially on hot or humid days, which allows you to hold the club with less tension. Tense hands kill a golf swing. For right-handed golfers, the glove goes on your left hand (and vice versa for lefties). It should fit snugly, like a second skin, with no loose material in the palm or fingertips. Start with a durable, all-weather synthetic or hybrid glove. It will last longer than a premium leather one and provides a great feel.
Yes, you need them. Sneakers don't provide the traction required for a golf swing. Your feet can slip, especially on damp grass, causing a loss of power and poor contact. Golf shoes are designed to give you a stable base. You can choose between:
Coach's Tip: Spikeless shoes are a fantastic option for most amateurs. The comfort level is high, and the technology has gotten so good that the grip is more than sufficient for all but the wettest, hilliest courses.
These two items are about respecting the game and the course. When your approach shot lands on the green, it will likely leave an indentation called a ball mark. A divot repair tool is used to fix it, which helps the green heal properly. Learning to fix your pitch mark (and one other you see!) is one of the pillars of good golf etiquette. A ball marker is simply used to mark the position of your ball on the green so you can lift and clean it, or get it out of your playing partners' lines. A simple coin works perfectly fine, but many convenient markers clip onto a hat or a divot tool.
The unsung hero of the bag. A clean clubface is essential for good golf. Debris or water in the grooves dramatically reduces spin and can lead to unpredictable shots. Attach a tri-fold or caddie towel (they usually come with a clip or loop) to your bag. Use it to wipe down your clubfaces after every shot, clean your ball on the green, and dry your hands and grips when it’s wet.
Ready to start shooting lower scores? This gear helps you practice with purpose and make smarter decisions on the course.
Knowing your exact yardage is one of the easiest ways to build confidence and take doubt out of your club selection. Relying on sprinkler heads is old-school. A DMD is a must-have for the serious golfer.
Having a DMD transforms "That looks like about 150 yards" into "It's 147 yards to the pin," which is the difference between a good shot and a great one.
If you enjoy walking but are tired of carrying your bag, a push cart is a game-changer. They save your back and shoulders, reducing fatigue over 18 holes. Studies have shown that golfers who use push carts often score better in the final few holes than those who carry. You’ll arrive at each shot feeling fresher and more ready to make a good swing.
These are the single best training aid you can buy, and they often cost less than $20. They are just two fiberglass rods, but their uses are nearly limitless. On the driving range, you can place one on the ground pointing at your target to ensure your body is aimed correctly, and another parallel to it to check your ball position. Proper alignment is fundamental, and a high percentage of amateurs struggle with it. Alignment sticks provide instant visual feedback to ensure you're practicing good habits.
Finally, a golf round is a four-to-five-hour walk outside. Prepare for it like any other outdoor activity.
Building your accessory collection is a process, not a race. Start with the essentials, and as you play more, you'll discover what gear best complements your game, turning a well-stocked bag into a true ally on the course. Focus on what helps you feel prepared, comfortable, and confident.
Beyond physical gear, having smart guidance is a huge advantage when you're facing a tough decision on the course. A tool like Caddie AI acts as an expert caddie right in your pocket. Whether you're stuck on club selection for an approach shot or are looking at a messy lie in the rough, you get instant, personalized advice to help you make the right choice. It takes the guesswork out of your round, letting you focus on simply hitting great shots.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
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