How to pack your golf bag like a pro

Finding the club you need and when you need it is a must for a good game. There are plenty of different ways to organise your clubs, but this one works (and looks) the best.

Start with a standard set of 12 clubs:

• Driver
• 3- and 5-wood
• 3-hybrid
• 5-, 6-, 7-, 8- and 9-iron
• Pitching wedge
• Sand wedge
• Putter

Use the divider fitted to your golf bag or pick one up online to keep your clubs separate. Slot your longest clubs into the longest part of the bag, known as the spine. This protects the longer shafts and has the bonus of making your smaller clubs more visible. 

Once you’ve longest clubs are in place start arranging the rest in size order, ending with the shortest clubs at the other side of the bag. If you use an oversized putter regularly, it’s a good idea to keep it with the longer clubs rather than the other putter(s) in your set.

Some people choose to keep all their putters with longer clubs for easy access, but that’s entirely up to you.

Not all golf balls are made equally. Premium options might help you to play your best game while cheaper balls might be more useful during a more casual round, or when playing a hole littered with water hazards. 

It’s up to you how many golf balls you pack but remember that the more you bring the heavier your bag will be. Try limiting yourself to 10 balls including high visibility options for those days when weather conditions aren’t up to par.

Some golf bags come with a full-length clothing pocket. Experienced golfers usually use the pocket to store a waterproof jacket or a warm outer layer, and you should too. That way, you can feel prepared if the weather changes.

If you really wanted to, you could store gloves in the clothing pocket too, but most bags will have a separate area for them. Keeping your glove in its own pocket will help it to last longer and keep it in good shape. It will also stop your other clothes getting wet if you end up playing a game in the rain.

All the extra items you’ll need to carry like ball markers, divot repair kits or even rangefinders, should fit nicely into pockets set aside for accessories. Remember to pack a pencil or maybe a marker pen, which most bags will have a specific sheath for, so it’s easy to grab when you need it. 

You’ll probably find tee holders on your bag too, make sure you put these to good use. Packing an umbrella is always good idea and many bags will have a specific holder for one, if it doesn’t, try slotting the umbrella in with your clubs. 

Phones, wallets, keys, there are certain items that won’t impact your game but you need to keep close by. Most bags will have a small pocket or pouch for you to store these valuables in. They’re often lined on the inside and waterproof on the outside, perfect for keeping them safe and dry. 

Now you’ve covered all the essentials, here are a couple of extra things you might want to pack:

• Water bottle: It can get hot on the fairways, especially when carrying your clubs. Hydration is key and most golf bags will have a water bottle holder, if you’re lucky it’ll keep your drink cool too.
• A snack: Don’t let hunger affect your game. Bring something that’s easy to eat on the move and that won’t leave crumbs on the course, to keep you going.
• Suncream: Golf courses have little to no shade, so suncream is a must. Even if it’s cloudy, the long hours outside can be harmful to your skin. The British Skin Foundation recommends an SPF of 30 or higher.
• A hat: Not only will a hat prevent your head from burning or getting too hot, it will also help shield your eyes so you can make the perfect shot.
• Toiletries: There are lots of little extra things you might want to take with you, from hand cream to sanitary products, lip balm to cologne. Make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable day on the course.