Golfing is not only a great way to get outdoors and enjoy a little vitamin D but it’s also a great way to connect with friends and family. Whether you’re going on a golf getaway or you’re just looking to golf while on vacation, there are a few things that you are going to need to bring with you to make the most out of your game. From obvious things like golf clubs to less obvious items like golf coins, this golf packing list will make sure you’re set up for success so you can have a great relaxing game. We’ve also added sections on what to wear golfing, what NOT to bring and answers to FAQs.
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What to Pack for Golfing – 17 Essentials
1. Clubs Travel Cover
Golf club covers are meant to protect your clubs from any damage that may occur while you move around a course. Thick faux leather covers like these will not only help your clubs stay in tip-top shape and looking like new no matter how old, but they’re also a fashion statement.
Rain is inevitable. And nothing will ruin your golf game like some rain. While you can take cover in the golf cart, if you’re unable to do so, or you’re getting ready for your next putt but you want to stay dry, having a windproof portable umbrella like this one will help keep your game going, no matter what mother nature has in mind.
Golf possessions such as GPS devices, phones, etc., can be quite precious. The minute that storm rolls around, you’re in jeopardy of losing all that gear to a little bit of water. Keep all of your belongings safe and dry with a waterproof day bag so that you can focus on your game instead.
Where there is sun and water, there are mosquitos. I tend to get bitten extremely easy so I carry DEET bug spray with me everywhere I go. This is especially true if I know I am going to be outside for an extended period of time. Bring this with you to avoid unwanted bites and unwanted itching.
Along with the rain, there’s also a very good chance that you will be met with plenty of sunshine. And that means getting very warm very quickly. Especially if you’re taking a golf trip during the summer months. With a cooling towel, all you have to do is get it wet, wring it out, and drape it around your neck and enjoy hours of cooler temps. The minute you feel it getting warmer, simply rinse it with water again.
This one is pretty obvious. If you want to play golf, you need golf balls. While all balls may seem alike, there are differences. And the more balls you bring, the better. There’s no sense in spending hours trying to find a lost ball. Simply grab a new one and move on.
When you golf, the turf is affected by golf balls landing on the greens as well as clubs brushing the surface during a hit. Divot tools are used to left and stretch the grass back in place so that the course maintains its good conditions for future golfers. Help a course maintain its beauty by carrying a divot tool with you.
While you shouldn’t spend most of your time on your phone while golfing, your phone battery may still die fairly quickly. To stay connected and keep your battery charged, bring along this lipstick-sized portable phone charger. Not only does it take up virtually no space but it will also give you a full charge in 3-4 hours.
A rangefinder helps gauge distances while on the course. For a laser rangefinder like this one, you aim the rangefinder at the object you are determining the distance of and pull the trigger to send the laser beam to the target. You will then know the yardage to specific targets meaning you’ll know exactly how and where to hit the ball.
This one is another given but golf clubs that are tailored to you are extremely important if you are looking to play seriously. This Callaway 12-piece set is complete with all of the essentials like a driver, woods, hybrids, 9 irons, and putters.
If you’ve ever seen golf shoes, you might have noticed that they have spikes on the bottom of them. These spikes are used to prevent you from slipping on the course as well as help keep you grounded as you swing. This improves your swing and increases your driving distance. Bringing extras will guarantee that you’ll always have some so you won’t have to sacrifice your plays. And you won’t trip and fall in front of all your friends.
Rain is a constant theme, can’t you tell? Mother nature is unpredictable and phones are very expensive. Save yourself the headache of a broke phone by bringing a waterproof phone case. Not only will you stay protected but you can also get some video of that swing you’ve been working on.
Golf tees are the little piece of equipment that keeps your golf ball of the ground while hitting. While they are not required, they give you quite the advantage while swinging. The last thing you want is to hit greens and not the ball.
With many different terrain options in golf (sand, dirt, grass, etc.) your hands can get quite dirty very quickly. Which means that you’ll want to wash them often. Especially if you are wearing gloves. Use a quick dry hand towel like this one to stay dry and clean so that you can enjoy your game.
A reusable insulated water bottle is important no matter what you’re doing. Being in the sun all day while golfing can dehydrate you extremely quickly. Especially during the summer. Come to the course prepared with a bottle like this one so that you don’t have to worry about becoming lightheaded or sick due to dehydration.
As I mentioned earlier, golf can make your hands dirty and sweaty pretty quickly. I carry hand sanitizer with me everywhere I go. It keeps you safe, healthy, and clean. What other reason could you need to bring it along?
Because of the spikes, golf shoes are ideal for golf courses. While you may be able to wear a regular pair of sneakers, you’re running the risk of slipping on the landscape if it’s wet by doing so. Golf shoes like these are inexpensive and can make all the difference in your game.
When dressing for a game of golf, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind. When on the course, stick to quick-dry breathable clothes. Not only will this help you stay cool but it will also help keep you comfortable should it start raining or if you inevitably break a sweat during s game. To prevent unwanted attention, stick to neutral colors with your golf attire, and avoid wearing things like sandals and denim.
What WOMEN Should Wear Golfing – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
When it comes to golf, men and women have the same guidelines. As I mentioned earlier, sticking with neutral colors and attire that is specifically meant for golfing will help you blend in. While you may find that there are courses that allow jeans and t-shirts if you are visiting a private club or a resort-style course, you’ll find that the dress code is a bit more strict. Women should wear things such as collared blouses (with and without sleeves), golf shorts (typically khaki or black) that reach the knee, golf skirts, vests, lightweight workout jackets, golf shoes, and golf gloves. Because you will be in the sun often, a cap or visor and sunglasses are always wise accessories.
What MEN Should Wear Golfing – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
Much like women, wearing golf attire is the best choice. Leave the jeans at home and wear collared shirts, khaki shorts, long moisture-wicking golf pants, lightweight windbreakers when needed, and golf shoes and gloves. Again, even if the weather is looking overcast, having a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen can help you avoid getting burnt while playing.
Packing for the Seasons in Golfing
SPRING (March — May)
When packing for spring, you’ll want to think about your destinations. Often, spring requires layering as it can be cold in the mornings and evenings but beautiful and sunny during the afternoons. Since golf is typically played in the morning and into the afternoon, wear items such as a lightweight jacket, a polo, that can be layered, shorts, or pants.
Many places have a lot of rainfall during the spring months as well so you might want to consider bringing along a poncho or umbrella.
SUMMER (June — August)
Summer means a whole lot of sunshine. Say goodbye to the long pants and sweaters and say hello to shorts, tank tops, and skirts. Whatever you do though, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, aloe, and plenty of water.
FALL (September — November)
Because the US is made of a wide variety of terrains, fall is a lot like spring in that the weather can vary drastically depending on where you’re going. In places like Arizona, known to have some of the best golfing in the world, fall typically means temperatures in the ’70s-’80s. If this is the case, you’ll want to keep those layering items. If you’re going somewhere where it cools off, you’ll want to break out that jacket again.
WINTER (December — February)
Cold temperatures call for lots of layering. Winter clothes do tend to be heavier which can throw off your golf game. The key to staying warm is a good pair of thermals. From there you can layer on long-sleeved shirts, and a jacket or sweater. Keeping your ears and face warm will also help keep you focused so you might want to bring along a beanie.
What NOT to Bring Golfing
1.DON’T BRING Electronics
While it’s always great to have our electronics with us at all times, we often find ourselves codependent on them. And let’s face it, a golf trip is one of the best times to disconnect for a little bit. Unless you need your laptop to work during your stay, leave the electronics at home and focus on the game instead.
2.DON’T PACK Jeans/Denim
As I mentioned earlier, there’s a good chance that if you’re golfing on a course that is private, semi-private, or on resort property, you won’t be allowed to wear jeans or any other denim. Opt for khakis or chinos instead to save yourself the headache of having to buy new clothes when you arrive.
3.DON’T BRING Jewelry
Jewelry can be extremely distracting to not only you but other golfers when you’re playing. It can also weigh you down. There’s no need to impress anyone with heavy jewelry during your golf trip so this is another that’s best left behind.
4.DON’T BRING Flip-Flops
This one is most likely something that you already know to avoid but a little reminder never hurt anybody. Flip-flops are not only too casual for golf but they’re also extremely uncomfortable if you’re walking a lot. While there are golf carts to take you around, you’re still going to be doing a lot of moving and flip-flops can easily cause painful blisters.
5.DON’T PACK Too Many Clothes
Overpacking is extremely easy to do but when it comes to golfing trips, the extra clothing isn’t necessary. Ideally, you want less than a week’s worth of clothes. This means 2-3 pairs of shorts and pants, a couple of shirts, and one jacket.
6.DON’T PACK Casual Wear
Along with denim and flip-flops, avoid all other casual wear. This means no t-shirts, sweatshirts, leggings, sweatpants, sandals, booties, etc. The key to golfing is wearing nice athletic attire that won’t distract others.
FAQs about Golfing
1. What are the different kinds of golf clubs?
There are multiple different ways to play golf. The two basic forms are match play and stroke play. In stroke play, every player keeps track of how many strokes per hole. The player with the lowest net score in the end wins. In match play, two players play every hole as a separate contest against one another. This means whoever scores the lowest wins that hole. Whoever wins the most holes, wins the entire game.
2. How much do golf lessons cost?
The price of golf lessons will widely vary depending on location but typically you will spend anywhere from $30 to $80 per lesson.
3. Do I have to have a full set of clubs to start playing?
While there are many places where you can rent clubs, to get started golfing you will only need a few important ones. Starting with a driver, a putter, a sand wedge, and an 8-iron will help you get comfortable with the game. These clubs also happen to be the most forgiving.
4. What is the proper golf etiquette?
There are a few rules to keep in mind when golfing. Some of the most important include showing up to your tee time early, sharing your golf cart with your golf partners, lining up your putt as others are putting, staying off your phone, staying out of the way of other golfers, and staying quiet so fellow golfers can concentrate.
5. When is the best time to go golfing?
Typically the best time to go golfing is in the morning (around 9 AM) or the later afternoon (around 4 PM). Scientifically, this is when your brain will be able to focus the most. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds or the heat, first thing in the morning is ideal.
6. What is the difference between birdies, bogeys, eagles, and pars?
Par: The number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to complete the hole. Ace: A hole-in-one Birdie: A score of 1 under par on a hole (ex. Scoring a 3 on a par 4 course) Bogey: A score of 1 over par on a hole Eagle: A score of 2 under par on a hole Double Bogey: A score of 2 over par on a hole
7. How long does it take to play a round of golf?
There is no exact number when it comes to how long a round of golf will take. The speed depends on the skill of the golfer, how busy the course is, the size of the group, and how big the course is. If you have a group of four, the average time to complete 18 holes is four hours. However, if a game takes you longer than this, don’t fret.
