Q&A: Golf Bag Necessities

Have questions you’re dying to get answered, but were too afraid to ask the veteran players? Don’t sweat it. Here is a basic, but important question that every beginner (and beyond) has pondered at some point.

iStock_000012390655XSmallQ: So what exactly should I put in my golf bag?

A: The first step to ensuring a good golf day is to make sure you are fully prepared, which includes properly packing your golf bag. What should you include? Golf balls, tees and ball markers, of course. But don’t forget little things like Band-Aids, bug spray, antacids, sunscreen, lip balm, rulebook, first aid tape, hair ties, gloves, water and a snack. It’s also a good idea to pack an umbrella and a lightweight jacket just in case the weather turns while you’re rounding the back nine. Even a deck of cards to help waste time during a rain delay is a good idea. Oh, and did we mention extra balls? You never know when that water hazard will sneak up on you.

Have your another question…or three? Let us know what they are and we’ll get you an answer. Also, be sure to visit our Q&A page for a few more helpful tips.

Putting Drill: Criss-Cross

I learned this drill from the Wake Forest University golf team, it’s one of my favs:

Criss-Cross Putting Drill

What you need: 3 balls, 6 holes

1.  Divide the 6 holes into two groups of three (three on one side of the putting green, three on the other side of the green).

2.  Begin with all three balls at one hole and putt one ball to each of the three holes on the opposite side of the green.

3.  After you putt each ball out, gather the three balls at one of the holes on that side of the green and putt each one back to each hole on the other side (so one ball goes to each of the three holes across the green, hope this makes sense!)

4.  Continue to putt each of the three balls from one side of the green to the other so that you begin from each of the 6 holes once (if you two putt every ball you should have 36 putts).

5.  Set goals: try and two putt every putt… after that try to get less than 34 putts (two one putts), and then 33 putts, 32 putts… etc….

If there aren’t six holes on the putting green, stick a tee in the ground and putt to that. 

Let me know what you think!