Golf is a game that seems to require an endless amount of gear just to step foot on the course. For a new player or someone who might be slightly less organized, it can be difficult to keep everything together neatly for an entire round of golf.
There are a lot of intricacies that make golf an interesting game. For instance, you need a tool to fix your divots, a tool to mark your ball, something to clean your clubs, and much more. All of these things can happen within moments of one another, so it’s important to have them all at hand.
When it comes to staying organized on the course, buying a proper golf bag is only half the battle. Let’s discuss how to organize a golf bag and some of the best tactics you can use to spend less time fumbling around your golf bag.
How to Organize a Golf Bag
What Does Every Golf Bag Need?
First and most importantly, every golf bag needs clubs and golf balls. Being that there is a designated spot in every golf bag for those two items, not much needs to be said about those.
Another important item to mention at the top of the list is golf tees. Tees will be used on nearly every hole, so they are a must-have for all golf bags. Whether you prefer plastic or wood, always have enough for 18 holes in your golf bag.
Next, you will want to have a towel hanging from your golf bag so you can clean your golf clubs and balls because they will become covered in dirt and debris throughout the round, which causes them to perform at a lower level than if they were clean. A small golf club brush is not necessary but will also be helpful.
You will also want to have a divot tool so you can fix any marks that you make on the greens throughout your round. If possible, put two in your bag in case you misplace one or need to lend one to a friend.
To keep your hands from becoming blistered and to maintain a solid grip on the golf club, you should have a golf glove. Some bags will have a velcro patch to store your gloves on, which is a great way to let them dry after your round.
Finally, be sure to have a ball marker so you can mark and pick up your ball anytime you are interfering with someone’s line on the green. Most divot tools will include a ball marker, but if your’s doesn’t find a few coins or ball markers and put them in your bag. Your playing partners will thank you.
How Should I Arrange My Golf Bag?
Golf Clubs
Golf clubs should be organized in a specific way so that you’d be able to find the correct club without even looking. This saves you time and frustration that would otherwise be spent looking at the top of each club every time you step up to a shot.
Put the tallest clubs at the top of the bag and wedges at the bottom (closest to the stand). Starting at the top of the bag, go from left to right in descending order by the loft and always put them back correctly. This will keep your clubs organized each and every shot.
Keep in mind that in golf, you are legally allowed to carry 14 clubs in your bag. You don’t need to have 14, but you can’t go over that limit.
Golf Balls
Golf balls will nearly always have a designated pocket on the front of the golf bag. This is one of the largest pockets on the bag, but it doesn’t mean you need to fill it all the way up. A bag that’s filled with golf balls will be considerably heavier.
Avoid putting things like tees, pencils, pens, and scorecards in this pocket and leave it strictly to golf balls. The last thing you want when you’re reaching in for a ball is to get poked with a sharp pencil.
Tees/Accessories
Tees should also be kept all together in one pocket so you don’t have to search your bag. Keeping a designated spot will always allow you to know where to put it back once the round is over if you manage to keep it in one piece.
With small items like tees, ball markers, and divot tools, it can be helpful to use a small container like a cigar box or a fabric bag to keep them all together in one spot, even if it has its own pocket. These organizational tips will make it much easier to find things in your bag.
Valuables
Almost every golf bag that you find will have a velour-lined pouch that is often waterproof with the intention of storing your valuable items like a phone, wallet, and car keys. Make sure to keep this area clear of ball markers, tees, and other gear to keep your valuables protected as they bounce around in there.
How Do I Organize My Golf Bag for a Push Cart of Motor Cart?
When you’re using a pushcart, you will likely have an area on the cart that holds tees, balls, a scorecard, a pencil, and maybe even a beverage. Take advantage of these features as it allows you to avoid searching around your golf bag throughout the entire round.
Similarly, when riding in a motor golf cart, you have the luxury of storage space. You can store your divot tool, glove, tees, balls, and more neatly in the compartments of the cart. With your towel and rangefinder hanging off the back, you won’t need to go in your bag at all.
Bottom Line
There are more ways than one to organize a golf bag, there really is no wrong way, it all comes down to personal preference. If you arrange your bag using the tips above, you’ll quickly be able to find almost any item without a hassle.